Announcement
April 20, 2005

Local Syndication

In a continued effort to connect searchers with the information they need whether it's across the Internet or in their neighborhood, today, Google announced its first beta test of Google Local on a partner site, AccuWeather.

Live at www.accuweather.com, Google Local provides AccuWeather visitors the ability to search for local businesses in a specific geographic location. Users at AccuWeather can find information about businesses, including phone numbers and addresses, maps with exact locations of businesses and driving distances and directions.

As Google continues to expand its network of partner sites, now with the syndication of Google Local, Google AdWords advertisers benefit from the ability to reach more customers, including those interested in local products and services. Local search results are complemented by relevant advertising available through AdWords. By integrating local targeting features directly into the AdWords program, advertisers can easily target their campaigns to reach customers in specific regions, cities or neighborhoods.

Google will be testing and refining the Google Local service through this beta process to better meet partner, advertiser and end user needs.

Today's announcement demonstrates Google's commitment to helping users find the local information they want. In addition to testing a local search offering for partners, Google continues to enhance the experience on Google Local. Recent updates to Google Local include the integration of Keyhole satellite images into Google Maps, more robust business detail pages that provide reviews and more in-depth business information, and the addition of a link to Google Local on the Google homepage. Google Maps is available directly through http://maps.google.com/maps and Google Local is available at http://maps.google.com/maps or through the "Local" link on the Google homepage.