MSN snaps at Google with local search

Microsoft has released a local search beta for its MSN Search service, allowing users to search for web results, business listings or residential phone book listings based on geographic location. 

Users need only to enter a keyword together with a post code or city name. The beta is currently limited to search results in the US.

Results are presented with a map or aerial picture provided through Microsoft's MapPoint Web Service. Satellite pictures are provided through a partnership with TerraServer-USA, a project that came out of Microsoft Research.

The company started offering a rudimentary localised search option dubbed 'Search Near Me' when it released the beta of the current MSN Search technology last November. The option identifies pages in the engine's index that contain location-specific information.

Microsoft plans to further enhance its location specific services by adding a feature called 'Instant Answers' that offers localised news items, events listings, movie times and weather forecasts.

MSN Search also said that it has combined its Virtual Earth project with the search engine.

The technology allows the web portal to offer maps with layered information, showing for instance route directions in combination with traffic information and local weather conditions. The service is scheduled for release later this year.

MSN Search competes with Ask Jeeves, Google and Yahoo in the online search market. The Microsoft division started a push last year to strengthen its search business by launching its own algorithms.

The market for local search is still young and largely untapped. The feature is useful in geographically limiting queries, while opening a market for online advertising targeting local businesses.