Yahoo is making its Panama search engine technology available to third parties.

Under the new Yahoo Search Marketing Commercial API Programme, companies can sign up with three options: Basic, Advanced and Elite.

Basic is aimed at small start-ups and agencies, and provides the software API as well as technical support in building applications.

Advanced users also get a mention in Yahoo's directory, while Elite partners can engage in joint marketing campaigns and have regular meetings with Yahoo on the future of the technology.

"Yahoo is dedicated to driving third-party innovation and success because we know it is vital to the future growth of the online advertising industry," said Susan Decker, head of Yahoo's Advertiser & Publisher Group.

"By providing open access to our technology, we are making a clear investment in our advertising partners, creating new opportunities for developers, and taking a key step towards our vision to build the industry's leading advertising and publishing ecosystem."

Prices for the Elite package are customised to each applicant. The Advanced package costs $2,000 a month.