FAST provides search technology for Schibsted`s groundbreaking Web portal Sesam.no

Fast Search & Transfer (FAST), the leading developer of enterprise search and real-time alerting technologies, today announced that Schibsted Sok AS has deployed FAST AdVisor to power the search capabilities of its newly launched Web portal, http://www.sesam.no.

Sesam.no provides a new standard in local search, offering visitors one point for accessing information from a wide variety of structured and unstructured sources, including directory listings, proprietary media content and online information. The geographical search capabilities of the service allow users to instantly find the most relevant local information. For example, a search on a person living in Norway returns results that could include address, phone number, overview of business activity, photos, as well as news articles mentioning the person during the past 20 years.

"FAST technology is the strongest, most flexible search solution available," said Mikal Rohde, CEO of Schibsted Sok. "What we have created with FAST is a new standard in local search. FAST is more than a technology company; they understand our needs and our close relationship has been central in the launch of this new offering."

Schibsted Sok is a new company established by Schibsted, one of Europe`s largest media companies, in direct response to the entrance of global players into the local search market. "We believe we are in a better position to offer content to our local users," explained Rohde. "Schibsted Sok`s Sesam.no sets a new standard for local search; we offer users one access point to directory listings (yellow and white pages), Web search (local and global) and proprietary content such as news."

Based on the FAST Enterprise Search Platform (FAST ESP), FAST AdVisor helps maximise revenue by exploiting search as a key and dynamic core capability for generating business. It provides organisations such as Schibsted Sok with a flexible and powerful relevancy framework that allows them meet their business objectives and exceed customer expectations.

"FAST`s enterprise search technology enables Sesam.no visitors an easy way to find virtually any information they could be looking for. Whether it is relevant local product and service information, or proprietary content or the entire World Wide Web, users can find it without jumping from site to site," commented John M Lervik, FAST`s CEO. "Schibsted Sok`s selection of FAST and its advanced implementation of FAST AdVisor, is a prime example of how we help our customers respond to changes in the marketplace, move into new business areas and open new revenue streams."

FAST has transformed enterprise search from a powerful, yet narrowly perceived function, into an enterprise-wide strategic and tactical capability of pivotal importance. FAST ESP, FAST InStream and FAST`s portfolio of solutions and Search Derivative Applications (SDAs) supply a complete information retrieval solution ideal for a growing number of key vertical markets and applications including e-commerce and Internet portals, financial services, government, life sciences, media and publishing, and telecom. For FAST, the search never stops.

Keyword: Norway International Europe
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