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Google to buy Metaweb for improving search biz
In a bid to improve its search operation feature, online search giant Google Inc has said that it will buy Metaweb Technologies, an Internet information database start-up, for an undisclosed amount.
In a bid to improve its search operation feature, online search giant Google Inc has said that it will buy Metaweb Technologies, an Internet information database start-up, for an undisclosed amount.
In a blog posted on Google's website, it said, "We have acquired Metaweb, a company that maintains an open database of things in the world. Working together, we want to improve the search and make the web richer and more meaningful for everyone," it added.
However, the company has not disclosed the terms of the deal.
San Francisco-based Metaweb had a free and open database of 12 million things, such as movies, books, TV shows, locations, celebrities and companies, that would help Google's users get fast replies to search queries.
"Google and Metaweb plan to maintain Freebase as a free and open database for the world," Google Director (Product Management) Jack Menzel said, adding, "We plan to contribute to and further develop Freebase, and would be delighted if other web companies use and contribute to the data."
Metaweb, which was founded in 2005, helps site owners, bloggers, and developers make their sites richer and more engaging.
Earlier this month, Google had announced that it would buy ITA Software, a flight information software company, for $700 million in cash.
