Search Engine Optimization News Blog

Yahoo Inc is running tests with several real-time search partners, notably OneRiot, of Twitter search fame.

OneRiot will be providing real-time results to Yahoo on a trial basis , delivering data which will be available initially to about 10 percent of Yahoo’s users, according to an unauthorized source.

OneRiot would not comment on the matter. The Boulder, Colorado company collects real-time Internet information from various sources, including Twitter, Digg and its own network of 3 million users that use the company’s software. The company has raised $27 million (16.5 million pounds) in funding to date.

Real-time search is coming into its own, spurred on by the popularity of microblogging service Twitter -  Google Inc and Microsoft Corp announced back-to-back deals last month, making Twitter messages retrievable by their search engines.

Yahoo said they are testing a new “search shortcut” that would include real-time results at the top of search results pages.

“The shortcut will only appear on certain queries that will be determined by Yahoo. This is a test designed to discover if showing such content is useful to people,” the company said.

Since Yahoo’s 10-year search deal with Microsoft is expected to close next year, this means any data Bing has access to also would be accessible to Yahoo, Yahoo Chief Technology Officer Ari Balogh said last month.

Yahoo’s deal with OneRiot has been confirmed as a test only deal, according to Yahoo – nothing is set in stone:

“We can’t comment on rumor or speculation. Real-time search is important and we’re currently conducting several tests designed to discover if showing such content is useful to people using Yahoo Search. Yahoo is focused on creating the most innovative, easy-to-use and valuable search experience for people, and after these tests we will carefully evaluate whether we should integrate such results for everyone using Yahoo Search.”