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In the not so distant past, web developers who used Flash had a major pet peeve: search indexing. Search engines like Google and Yahoo could not index content coded in Flash. Developers using the Adobe plug-in were forced to use any number of inventive techniques to ensure their content could be found by search users, including creating HTML sites to mirror their Flash work. A recent announcement has changed this, though, and developers are thrilled that their Flash content no longer needs to be presented in more than one way.

Last week Google announced that they had developed a new method to index Flash. As an official blog post explains, “Now that we’ve launched our Flash indexing algorithm, web designers can expect improved visibility of their published Flash content, and you can expect to see better search results and snippets.” The Searchable SWF integration, as it’s called, allows the search engine to explore Flash files in the same way a user would. Information and content keywords can be stored and indexed through the new algorithm, freeing developers to worry only about the effectiveness of their applications.

The indexing of Flash files was made possible partially because of Adobe’s new Searchable SWF library. Google was able to draw on this resource in building their own technology for Flash search. With Flash and rich content becoming more and more pervasive on the net, search engines have struggled to keep up with the need to make these applications searchable for users. The collaboration between Google and Adobe has made it possible for both users and developers to have a better search experience. An Adobe press release points out, “As a result [of the team effort], millions of pre-existing RIAs and dynamic Web experiences that utilize Adobe Flash technology, including content that loads at runtime, are immediately searchable without the need for companies and developers to alter them.”

Yahoo! is also working to utilize the Searchable SWF library for indexing Flash content. Though they have not yet announced details, the team at the 2nd largest search engine has plans to incorporate rich content into search results in the near future.

While the move is good news for both designers and end users, the algorithm is not yet perfected. Only certain types of Flash content can be indexed with the new technology. Google will index text that appears within Flash content, and Flash text can be used for the summary that appears beneath the link in Google’s search results. Flash text can also act as keywords, and content on buttons and menus will be included in this. Links within rich content will also be indexed. However, Flash content that is not text, such as photos, images, or non-text links, will not be indexable.

So what action should designers and developers take to ensure their rich internet applications can be seen by search engines? Google’s Webmaster Central blog answers: “Basically, you don’t need to do anything. The improvements that we have made do not require any special action on the part of web designers or webmasters.” The search indexing will automatically begin on Flash content, with a few limitations (bidirectional text, such as Hebrew or Arabic, is still giving them trouble). Comments on the blog entry also ask about Flash content in Google Analytics, mirror sites created in HTML being penalized, and Silverlight indexing. On the whole, however, developers are excited for the change and ready to see their hard work popping up in search results.

Back in March 2007, Viacom filed suit against YouTube for hosting copyrighted materials.  In order to prove their case, Viacom sued for the rights to backlogs of information retained by YouTube containing every record of every video watched by YouTube users, including users names and IP addresses.  Furthermore, Viacom sued for the rights to view data about how often each private video has been watched and by how many persons.  This past Wednesday, the honorable Judge Louis L. Stanton ruled in favor of Viacom. 

This has raised a lot of public anger against Viacom.  As reflected in the myriad of posts to the Wired article that announced the ruling, the concern about why the company would care about a person’s identity has more than a few people riled.  The lawsuit, itself, seems to counter Viacom’s arguments against the writer’s strike earlier this year.  As one poster replied, “But Viacom said that internet viewing of television shows was merely promotional! That’s why they didn’t want to pay the writers!”  Furthermore, Viacom’s intent to gather information on videos that fall into the private realm seems especially invasive.  But should Viacom be the only one getting blasted?

Some have raised their eyebrows at YouTube and it’s parent company, Google, for even storing the type of information which the courts have ordered be handed over for inspection.  “The FACT is, Google shouldn’t have this information stored for such a long time. I can maybe understand 1-3 months MAX but after that, there is no need to have it,” posts one reader.  Ironically, YouTube was done in by one of their own arguments that storing IP information was not an invasion of privacy, and therefore a permitted practice.  The honorable Judge Stanton agreed with the assessment and stated that was why YouTube could hand over IP information to Viacom without violating privacy issues.

In the end there’s plenty to draw a person’s concern.  Is Viacom really after copyright infringement or is it just a way to obtain vast amounts of marketing data?  Does Google, or any company, have the right to collect the level of information on each of its users and hold it indefinitely?  What on earth is an American court doing allowing private businesses carte blanche to privately posted videos? 

If anything, perhaps the honorable Judge Stanton is smarter than we think.  In allowing Viacom access to the level of information he has, the honorable Judge Stanton may have singlehandedly protected the privacy of each YouTube viewer.  As one poster opines, “Without a warrant or subpoena, Viacom has to sit on any evidence it has on individuals, because it’s not likely that a judge will allow evidence against someone that isn’t collected properly. Especially when Google argued that turning over the data violates user privacy. Users now have grounds to dismiss that data because it was illegally obtained, and even inevitable discovery isn’t likely to fly with a judge.”

Something tells me we’ll be following an appeal.

 *UPDATE - July 15, 2008

Just released to the media, Viacom and YouTube have agreed to mask personally identifiable information from the information requests mandated by the earlier court ruling.  According to YouTube’s blog site, “We are pleased to report that Viacom, MTV and other litigants have backed off their original demand for all users’ viewing histories and we will not be providing that information.”  Viacom maintains that it was never really interested in personally identifying individual viewers.  As Viacom’s press release states, “Viacom has not asked for and will not be obtaining any personally identifiable information of any YouTube user. The personally identifiable information that YouTube collects from its users will be stripped from the data before it is transferred to Viacom. Viacom will use the data exclusively for the purpose of proving our case against You Tube and Google.”

For the first time, Gmail users will be able to participate in a public beta testing of new features. Google is notoriously secretive about newly developed products and services, and they limit public beta testing to those products under the Google Labs release. However, with the addition of a “Labs” tab in users’ Gmail accounts (in the Settings page), the testing of new Gmail features is more transparent than ever.

The move was announced in a blog post, which humorously explains the reasoning behind a public beta for Gmail features: “People often ask how we decide what to build next. It’s usually a mix of factors, like how many users are asking for it (think delete button, vacation responder, and IMAP, among others), how useful we think it will be (think chat, conversation view, etc.) or how much fun it will be to work on (this is actually really important). We have all sorts of debates about each option, we weigh the pros and cons, and then some of the time we probably make the wrong decision. Gmail Labs is a way for us to take lots of the ideas we wouldn’t normally pick and let you all (who use Gmail) decide whether they’re good or not.”

Indeed, many companies use beta testing as a way of releasing or launching a new product without having to determine the market or perfect the design. By letting users weigh in on new features, Google will be able to keep the good ideas and toss those which people don’t like (without drawing criticism for a poorly thought-out service). While it’s becoming more and more common to release technology tools and services in a soft-launch or beta, it can actually be a very clever way to involve power users in the development process.

Gmail Labs is testing 13 new features, which users can enable or disable as desired. One setting, Pictures in Chat, puts users’ profile pictures into the chat window next to their communications. Another increases the icons options for tagging mail; Superstars lets you star, checkmark, and exclamation mark mail depending on urgency or importance. Old Snakey is a classic game that has been developed so Gmail users can play it right on their screen with a simple keyboard command. While arguably not as useful as other new features, it will likely be popular with users.

Perhaps my favorite new Gmail labs product, though, is called Email Addict. This neat feature actually locks you out of your mail at the click of a button with an inspiring message: “Take a walk, get some real work done, or have a snack. We’ll be back in 15 minutes!” Each time you check back (which I’ve done about 20 times now), it gives you a new estimate of how much longer you must wait for Gmail to come back.

In classic Google fashion, the developers and designers of the new features are credited next to their innovative creations on the Gmail Labs page. With the 20% rule which gives workers a slice of their time for pet projects, any number of cool features could show up on Gmail Labs. The innovative folks at Google will push out new services for users, and now users will be able to “yea” or “nay” them as the situation dictates.

In an unsurprising move on Tuesday, Nokia announced that it would buy out the stakeholders of Symbian for $410 million. Nokia already owns 48% of the UK-based mobile software company, and the deal will result in a new direction for both companies. As many news outlets are reporting, with the backing of the Finnish handset giant, Symbian could be poised to compete with Google’s Android mobile platform.

Sony Ericsson, Ericsson, Siemens, and Panasonic all held shares in Symbian, and they relinquished their claims for Nokia’s large offer. Symbian’s mobile operating system is already sold on more than 200 million phones from numerous manufacturers. The deal allows for the creation of the Symbian Foundation, whose mission is, “to bring to life a shared vision and to create the most proven, open and complete mobile software platform - available for free.” Symbian and Nokia, together with heavyweight partners such as AT&T, Motorola, NTT DoCoMo, Vodaphone, and many others, will release Symbian’s software through an open source license, allowing companies to adopt and adapt it as needed.

The Symbian Foundation would make the platform available to handset manufacturers royalty free, another attempt to compete with Google’s open source Android. This not only allows companies to customize it for individual phones, but also allows outside developers to create applications that run on Symbian. As Kris Rinne, Senior Vice President of Architecture and Planning at AT&T said of the deal, “This [the Symbian Foundation] will create an environment that will encourage and enable developers to build compelling applications that will positively affect our customers’ lives and support AT&T in offering its differentiated services to consumers.”

Symbian is fully in support of the Nokia buy out, and no jobs are expected to be lost or cut. The reason behind the move was not consolidation of resources or the need to expand into new markets, but rather a mutual dedication to making cell phone software open source and available to third-party developers.

That being said, the announcement comes amid reports that Google’s Android platform is suffering delays. As the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday, “Google now says that the handsets won’t arrive until the fourth quarter. And some cellular carriers and makers of programs that work with Android are struggling to meet that schedule, people familiar with the situation say.” The news is disappointing to fans of the “GPhone” and also to third-party developers, who are having trouble staying up with the changes to the platform as they develop add-ons.

While the Symbian Foundation and Google are set up as open source competitors, the iPhone is still subject to the notorious vertical integration of Apple. The phone is only available on AT&T’s network, and the software, developed in-house at Apple, is not open source. While the new model being released on July 11th will allow for third-party applications, developers must pay for the privilege of creating add-ons for the iPhone.

The creation of the Symbian Foundation will certainly be a milestone for software platforms for the mobile market, and industry watchers will be clamoring to see how the newly-formed open source non-profit will compete with Google Android.

Mashups have been around for years, but many businesses are still unfamiliar with the technology and hesitant to put them to use. However, these Web 2.0 applications can give almost any company an in-depth, comprehensive look at their sales data, customer profiles, employee feedback, and just about any other useful information you can think of. The advantages of using mashups for business applications are clear, and the process of creating a customized application is surprisingly simple.

The term “mashup” is just what it sounds like: a conglomeration of applications and codes that combine to form a single, integrated application. Developers can draw on focused web tools and mix and match their capabilities to suit individual needs. For example, many of the add-on applications for Google Maps are actually mashups. Users who use these mashups are able to see not only the mapping data on display, but also local traffic conditions, nearby restaurants, flight information, cheap gas stations, and just about anything else you can think of. The word “mashup” was borrowed from the hip hop lexicon, where it is used to describe songs that sample from other works.

Mashups are made possible when existing applications release their API, or Application Programming Interface under open source distribution. Developers can use the source code to customize the original product for a new audience. A developer creating a mashup for Google Maps would use not just Google Maps’ API, but combine it with Flickr’s code to create a final product like Flickrvision, which shows up-to-the-minute photographs from Flickr users all over the globe.

Creating mashups for business purposes can be highly beneficial not only to employees, but also to customers. A real estate broker, for example, might be able to combine a local map with recently sold homes that shows pricing, square footage, area schools, and other information buyers and agents need. A dating service could show user profiles and photos based on location. Even an investment bank could use a mashup that shows financial data and stock prices for top companies by industry, allowing analysts to compare and contrast competitive firms. These small, syncretic applications can attract new customers and provide edge over the competition.

A recent Baseline Magazine article gives step-by-step instructions for businesses who want to jump into the mashup game. They suggest fully exploring the options available to you by researching the numerous widgets and tools already out there. Pageflakes.com has a number of useful applications, as does iGoogle.com, My.Yahoo.com and Dapper.net. Some are more involved than others, and some may even give you the ability to start forming your web mashup. Selecting the right data is also key. Baseline asks, “Do you want to combine something that is available on a public Web site with your corporate data, a private Web site (such as your LinkedIn or Facebook account) or something on your hard disk? The places your data comes from will determine what platform and tools you choose next.”

Some of the popular mashup platforms include Google APIs, Microsoft Silverlight/Windows Live (needed for Popfly.com), Yahoo’s Developer Network, Amazon’s Developer Connection, and Salesforce (for customers). Many of these services provide instructions and guidance to users who are new to mashups. These platforms provide the source code and tools needed to combine various small applications into one, best-of tool that meets specific business needs. With a little creativity, a basic development background, and a lot of help from open source applications, any business can appeal to customers and employees alike with customized mashups.

Google recently launched a new, improved version of their website search service called Site Search. Previously called Custom Search Business Edition, Site Search allows businesses to use Google’s advanced search capabilities on their own websites. The improved tool can help customers find products, clients find white papers and research, and readers find articles. Site Search is a “cloud computing” tool, using the data mining power of Google’s massive data center to the advantage of smaller companies. As the Site Search website brags, the tool can enable companies to:

• Increase visitor satisfaction and loyalty
• Showcase the most relevant products
• Increase website conversions and sales
• Reduce support costs by enhancing self-service online

Site search solves on of the major problems of surfing the web: indexing and finding information. While some web users are more likely to navigate through a website’s pages in order to find the product or information they seek, some will look for a “search” box immediately. For example, if I was shopping for a pair of Merrell boots on Zappos.com, I could find them either through a keyword search at the top, or by clicking on “Womens>Boots>Brands>Merrell”. Google’s new Site Search service offers their superior search technology to companies without the complications and costs associated with developing proprietary search functions. Additionally, since it’s hosted on Google’s servers, it eliminates the cost of complex hardware.

This video from eHealthInsurance.com explains how they are using the Google service:

While in some ways Site Search is simply a re-branding of Custom Search Business Edition, it has some new features that are impressive. The service supports synonyms, so if a user types in “vehicle”, Site Search will spit back not only “vehicles” but also “car(s)” and “auto”. Website owners can upload synonym dictionaries specific to their industry. It can also be configured to rank results based on a number of criteria, such as date or popularity. The tool can also be customized for different industries or needs, and to match the look and feel of any website.

Google’s loyal customers are saying good things about Site Search. Jennifer Dyni of TechSmith says in a testimonial, “TechSmith no longer has to dedicate a senior developer with specialized knowledge to maintaining search.” The cost savings of not having to employ a high-level employee for search capabilities could mean the difference between a successful and unusable website. The pricing structure is reasonable, so a business of any size could easily use Site Search. By allowing smaller companies to use their advanced search technology, Google will ensure that their services are not only valuable, but necessary for the survival of any website.

With the advent of web-based digital maps such as those provided by Google and Mapquest comes exciting add-ons. Google in particular has shined in this arena, allowing users to see street-level photos of an area, track problem areas on their commute, and drag-and-drop routes to find the best way to get from point A to point B. Now that Google Maps has Flash capabilities, innovative gamers are taking advantage of the backdrop to create fun and informative online games.

One game is a two-dimensional driving simulator which lets gamers drive a car, truck, bus, or semi around city streets. The game was developed by Geoquake, and was written by Japanese developer Katsuomi Kobayashi. His idea for the simulator was pure fantasy: “With the power of Google Maps, you can drive around the world without having to worry about spending money on expensive gas.” Players can choose from different settings within Google Maps’ database, including Tokyo, Las Vegas, Manhattan, London, and the Autobahn. The simplicity of the interface (it uses keyboard commands and gives a flat, aerial view of the streets) doesn’t detract from its enjoyable game play.

Another game which takes advantage of Google’s innovations in online mapping is a miniature flight simulator. The game, which runs inside the new Google Earth browser plug-in, was created by a UK developer. Players start the game by “buzzing” Google’s headquarters, and they can change location by typing in any address. It also takes advantage of Google Earth’s 3D modeling of buildings, allowing players to circumnavigate obstacles.

A recent CNET article highlights the most exciting thing about these two, simple games: “I’m among those who are interested to watch Google Earth abilities gradually pop up in Google Maps and in the browser. It’s easily conceivable to me that we’ll soon be seeing all manner of games that run on the 3D models of the real world that Google and Microsoft are building.” The ability to run within a browser is becoming a necessity for any new application, and this is beginning to include games. Though these two examples are hardly the cutting edge of graphics or speed, they demonstrate not only the capabilities of browsers but also the applications of 3D mapping. As Google slowly assembles maps and models of the entire planet, expect to see more innovative games like these.

Major companies began to grumble loudly last week over Google’s seemingly blasé response to keyword ad piggybacking appearing in their sponsored links.  Google representatives were quick to point out that any infractions brought to their attention were addressed.  However, the fact that it has happened on more than one occasion, has raised the eyebrows of lawyers and marketing agencies.

“Piggybacking” in advertising is not a new concept.  The idea is that a highly popular and trademarked slogan, logo, or name of a corporation is used by another entity to attract customers.  With the advent of the internet and search engines, it is possible for businesses to place the trademarked name or slogan in their AdWords and come up as a return when a customer searches for something.  For example, if a person were looking to book a weekend at a Holiday Inn, they could type the words “Holiday Inn” into Google.  The list of returns should come up with Holiday Inn’s corporate web page along with other sites that are licensed users of the Holiday Inn trademarked name.  What shouldn’t happen, but has, is getting a list of sponsored ads that place “Holiday Inn” prominently with their generic travel site.  Since it is a trademarked name, AdWords should not allow anyone but the owning corporate entity and it’s licensed associates to use it.  Somehow, though, these slip ups keep happening.

The argument being made by Google is that it cannot be held liable for unethical use of AdWords.  Combine that with the totally legal marketing strategy of conquest buying, (the practice of buying up trademarked slogans, logos, and brand names and hiding them from search engines), and you’ve got a real headache.  An occasional occurrence here and there by Google would not be drawing the ire of brands like American Airlines or Holiday Inn.  However, both corporations claim that this piggybacking is happening more frequently and Google’s less than proactive stance may cause them to take their business elsewhere.

So why the sluggish response by Google?  Certainly, as a business entity, one’s reputation is invaluable.  Two things come into consideration.  Marketwatch revealed last March that Google “has lost about 14% of its value since its latest earnings report on Feb. 1, when the company first disclosed a potential slowdown in the growth of its paid clicks.”  If a site can offer up more links to click, there’s a better chance that someone will click on something.  Also, where do big companies go with their threat of leaving?  With eMarketer crediting 70% of the search engine market share belonging to Google, cutting business ties with the big name in town is paramount to marketing suicide.  Combined, these factors don’t exactly jolt a company into action.
 
Business ethics would demand a quick and decisive response from Google to this latest form of piggybacking.  It will take a serious blow to the bottom line  to make Google come around and take piggybacking seriously.  Until then, expect Google to downplay further occurrences while keeping an eye on their click-through rates.

In a move to compete with search leader Google, Microsoft has struck a deal with the largest PC manufacturer in the world. Hewlett-Packard has agreed to distribute Microsoft’s search engine Live Search on all new consumer computers starting in 2009. Microsoft Internet Explorer will be the default browser on all HP PCs, and it will include a special toolbar that utilizes Live Search. President of Platforms & Services Division at Microsoft Kevin Johnson said in a press release, “This is the most significant distribution deal for Live Search that Microsoft has ever done, and we are very pleased to be partnering with HP to help bring Live Search to millions of consumers across North America.”

The deal should give the flailing search engine some legs. Many home computer users do not customize their browsers or search tools, and with Live Search as the dominant option, it will likely see a lot more traffic. The site takes a minimalist approach to design, much like Google. The page is an uncrowded white with very few distractions, a nod to Google and a far cry from Yahoo!. Search options include web, images, video, news, maps, and even a celebrity “popularity” ranking called xRank. xRank, currently in beta, calculates the number of times a celebrity or notable person has been searched and puts them in order of frequency. The site tracks celebrities, musicians, politicians, and bloggers. When this article was written, the top personalities included blogger Perez Hilton, Barack Obama, and rapper Lil Wayne.

The Live Search toolbar is meant to take advantage of Silverlight’s powerful user experience capabilities. A Microsoft press release explains the plans for Live Search’s future with HP. “The toolbar will provide HP with customization capabilities within the buttons on the toolbar, providing quick and easy access to a variety of online services and tools, such as Snapfish by HP, the company’s online photo service, and HP customer support.” The deal seems to be a mutual one, with Live Search promoting other HP products. Snapfish, for example, is a growing photo storage, sharing, and development service that could benefit from outside promotion. I wouldn’t be surprised to see ads and promotions for Snapfish on Live Search.

The other piece of the Live Search puzzle is the necessity to compete with Google’s search engine dominance. It’s no surprise that Microsoft needs to step up their game in the search market. According to a recent New York Times article, Google’s share of the search market rose to 61.5% in April, while Microsoft lags behind with just 9.1% (Yahoo! takes 20.4%). In addition to the competition for the search market, though, Google also presents a challenge when it comes to deals with electronics companies. Dell and Google have a long-standing agreement to install Google products as defaults on Dell PCs. The deal is set to expire in 2009.

Microsoft is clearly trying to make up some ground in the search world, and HP can be a huge help in this regard. Gimmicky services like xRank aren’t likely to gain long-term users, but standard-issue search toolbars are a much more significant strategy. If the deal is a long-lasting one, we may see Live Search gain ground against Google and Yahoo!.

The search engine business caught Microsoft’s eye years ago.  Now, Microsoft is attempting to edge out Google by offering users cash back when they make purchases using Live Search.  Will the incentive succeed in giving Live Search  a piece of Google’s market share?  Microsoft is banking on it.

Most end users think of search engines when they need quick information.  Instead of searching a specific site for information, users will hop to a search engine site, enter a key word or phrase and expect to see a smorgasbord of results.  Information on news stories, recipes, flowers, dog breeds, or restaurants can be found with just a keyword and a click.  As Google’s company goals  proclaim, “[Our] mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” Particularly appealing is the ability to use a search engine for a price check.  As Michael Arrington  of TechCrunch.com pointed out, “68% of online purchases begin at a search engine or shopping comparison site.”  Using search engines as a quick means to locate a specific product at the best price is very appealing when driving around to find a bargain is becoming more costly.

While Google dominates the current search engine market, Microsoft’s Live Search is launching a three-pronged attack in this Goliath vs. Goliath battle.  First, Live Search is offering cash back incentives for consumers who use their search engine to buy a product online.  In Live Search’s FAQ , the policy offers cash which can be directly deposited to a bank account, a PayPal account, or sent to the customer via a check in the mail.  At this time, the offer is only open to US citizens or legal residents 18 years or older with a valid mailing address.  Second, Live Search will offer a new technology that will only charge advertisers when a customer completes a sale.  Finally, Live Search is streamlining its services by relinquishing non-lucrative spin-offs such as Live Search Books .

Incentive programs for e-commerce aren’t new.  There are a myriad of websites devoted to rewarding shoppers, such as MyPoints , Jackpotrewards , and Sunshinerewards .  Each company offers its own spin on rewarding customers for purchasing through their site.  Gift cards for specific vendors, cash back rewards, chances to earn entries in weekly million dollar sweepstakes, and free shipping are a few of the perks that shopping sites offer.  But navigating through a shopping site can frustrate even the most frugal bargain hunter.  Search engine based shopping offers consumers similar rewards but with more robust capabilities and a larger array of merchandise.

Live Search has a lot of ground to make up if they’re going to compete with Google.  According to comScore , of the 10.6 billion searches made in the month of April, Google had the lion’s share with about 6.5 billion.  Live Search’s portion of the pie: 961 million.  There’s certainly room to grow, and with Microsoft’s deep pockets, the cash incentive business model is one way of wooing users and potential customers.

Perhaps Microsoft isn’t looking to be number one but just give Google a little competition.  While Live Search’s strategies will help it win market share, it isn’t creating a whole new way of shopping the web.  As tech blogger and publisher Tim O’Reilly  observed, “Google’s search dominance will be toppled by a disruptive innovation that changes the game, not by playing catch-up at the same game.”