Ready for the next revolution in search engines
Published in The Chronicle Herald, December 27, 2007
Fortune Magazine named it the No. 1 company to work for. The Oxford English Dictionary gave its name verb status. It offers access to maps, books, e-mail, website statistics, videos, blogs and wikis.
Google is undeniably a powerhouse. But if you’re among the many people around the world who think Google is the be-all and end-all of search engines, here’s your wake-up call.
"Every trend has its day, and there is usually a mammoth at the top of the success," says Barbara Manning, president and CEO of IT Interactive Services.
"But the search engine industry is among the fastest growing segments of IT. Let’s remember: even the Roman Empire fell."
Manning and her team are the driving force behind GenieKnows.com, a niche-focused search engine designed to offer useful information rather than simply collecting vast amounts of it.
"Google is expanding into more ventures than just searches," says Manning.
"Someone will have to fill a web-searcher’s need for specific information without having to dig for it. The next cycle of search engines is going to be more focused for better results."
GenieKnows.com started in Halifax in 2001 and has — with its new technology — pushed to the head of the pack. The past six years have been spent working specifically in the business-to-business market in 17 countries while the company perfected its business-to-consumer services for the upcoming launch in January 2008.
So why stray from Google? Well, if you’re a gamer looking to connect with other Halo 3 players, a Google search for Halo would give you information on the sci-fi game, sure. But it would also yield results on health magazines, rim and wheel products, lighting solutions, a lounge in Atlanta and even Christmas craft ideas.
Search for the same keyword on GenieKnowsGames.com, and you’ll find detailed information worth putting down the controller for. The search engine is already primed to find what you’re interested in. The same goes for GenieKnowsHealth.com, and a beta version of GenieKnowsLocal.com in the United States. By comparison, Googling is like passing all the specialty stores on your way to Wal-Mart.
If you begin to categorize the most popular web searches, you’ll realize the potential of niche search engines and their competitive edge. Combined with the tremendous growth of the industry, IT Interactive Services has plenty of reason to be excited for the future. Manning already plans to build her team of computer specialists and business developers from 30 to about 300 people.
"One of the main determining factors behind our success has been our ability to find the right people for our team," said Manning.
"We have done very well in finding and keeping the best people. As part of our culture, we celebrate diversity; we value our employees. By keeping salaries and benefits in line with international industry standards, the team has welcomed professionals from 10 different countries. Not only is this a strong strategy to combat the staffing crunch in the IT industry, but it’s a must for any business looking to thrive internationally, says Manning.
"A potential client called recently who only spoke Mandarin. No problem for us," says Manning.
"Until companies in Nova Scotia are willing to hire from diverse backgrounds, they will continue to miss out on some of the most talented professionals in the area. That’s where we get our edge – our people."
New hires of IT Interactive Services often arrive with master’s diplomas, and some are working on PhDs. But the company also dedicates time and energy to finding exceptionally bright graduates with bachelor’s diplomas who can then be supported in pursuing further education. Through co-operative education programs, summer internships and campus tours, the company leaves no stone unturned in its search for new talent.
"We are certainly not education snobs," said Manning.
"One staff member doesn’t have any formal training but has been writing code for computer games since the age of 11. No one will argue his skill. But these individuals are much harder to find."
IT Interactive Services is positioning itself for the next evolution of search engines while establishing best practices to attract and retain the next generation of IT professionals. As enrolment in computer science programs begins to rise for the first time in years, companies are seeing a light at the end of the staffing-shortage tunnel. But that boost in new IT professionals is still four years away.
TalkIT is a monthly column prepared by the Information Technology Alliance of Nova Scotia, an industry organization committed to the development of the sector through lobbying, networking and training.