Inside Google's Search Algorithm

Steven Levy writes a compelling piece for Wired magazine which gives us a small peak into the world of Google's search algorithm and its historical development. Levy also muses on Google's competitors, the rise of PageRank and the hurdles of personalized search. A must read for any web developer, SEO expert or technology fan.

Regarding Bing:
Interestingly is the admission that "Bingers", as Levy puts it, are not against admitting Google outshines them:

Even the Bingers confess that, when it comes to the simple task of taking a search term and returning relevant results, Google is still miles ahead. But they also think that if they can come up with a few areas where Bing excels, people will get used to tapping a different search engine for some kinds of queries. “The algorithm is extremely important in search, but it’s not the only thing,” says Brian MacDonald, Microsoft’s VP of core search. “You buy a car for reasons beyond just the engine.”

On algorithm testing:
Levy goes into detail on the processes behind implementing new features and functionality into the algorithm, including the testing process:

There are so many changes to measure that Google has discarded the traditional scientific nostrum that only one experiment should be conducted at a time. “On most Google queries, you’re actually in multiple control or experimental groups simultaneously,” says search quality engineer Patrick Riley. Then he corrects himself. “Essentially,” he says, “all the queries are involved in some test.” In other words, just about every time you search on Google, you’re a lab rat.

A fascinating read for sure! Read the full article here: http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/02/ff_google_algorithm/all/1

Posted by Stephan in General