Fast Search & Transfer sets out strategy to beat Google

Information providers, including Reed Elsevier, will be the key to users adopting a new desktop search application from Fast Search &
Transfer, the Norwegian search vendor claims.

Launching its Personal Search Platform (PSP), Fast said it hoped package deals from publishers like Elsevier would provide users with a one-stop-shop for scientific information, web and desktop search.

We are working with partners Elsevier to develop PSP into something they can take out to their clients,” said Lee Phillips, director of intelligence solutions at Fast. He said content providers like Elsevier had approached Fast because of the increasing media distribution power of Google .

When users search their desktop with PSP, a behind-the-scenes agent connects you to the repositories at Elsevier, for example.” The application then scans the web and Elsevier repositories simultaneously for content fitting the search criteria. “Desktop search from providers like Elsevier will involve users inviting publishers into partnership through their subscriptions.”

No contract has been signed with Elsevier, but Phillips said it is a case of “when, not if”. Fast has strong relationships with key information providers, including Reuters, Lexis-Nexis, Factiva and CNET.

“Partners can use PSP to deliver innovative service solutions that extend their strategic offerings to end users,” said Bjorn Olstad, chief technology officer at Fast.

Desktop search tools that can be downloaded free from Google , MSN and Yahoo have attracted a lot of media coverage, but Phillips believes that security fears about them in IT departments will prevent them from becoming serious business tools.

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