December 05, 2006 | Tuesday

Barry Diller’s Ask launches local search

By Jackie Danicki - Blogger in News |Search Engines |Ask |Google |Yahoo |Microsoft

Compared to Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft, Ask may be fourth in terms of search engine market share, but that seems only to be spurring them on in terms of innovation. With the launch of local search service AskCity, they may just be on to something:

AskCity is unique because it integrates services from other Web properties owned by parent IAC/InterActiveCorp, which is run by media mogul Barry Diller. Those properties include CitySearch, ReserveAmerica, ServiceMagic, Ticketmaster, and TicketWeb. In addition, AskCity incorporates services from IAC partners.

..."This is really a big move forward for [IAC] to show the world that they know how to bring all these properties together,” says Allen Weiner, an analyst for Gartner. “They show that they get it.” The site establishes a platform for the potential integration of other IAC properties, such as the Expedia travel site or the LendingTree home mortgage and refinancing site, Weiner said. Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo could match many of these services, but they will have to sign partnerships with other companies to do so.

Speaking of partnerships, Ask is also an official partner of the England Cricket Team. I suspect Diller is hoping that AskCity will pan out a little better for them than England is in The Ashes…