At a press conference in Tel Aviv today, managers of the Walla portal today unveiled a new search technology called Unified Search, which enables a surfer to receive full information on the searched item.
Walla Communications general manager Gadi Hadar presented the company's strategy for 2000, which includes the possibility of using various media such as a cellular handset, a palm pilot, Bezeq's ADSL service, and, in the future, a television set, to surf the Internet via the portal. The company also presented the operations of its content division and its e-commerce plans. Walla Communications is owned by Mashov Computers (74%) and Bezeq International (26%).
According to Hadar, the Unified Search technology represents a new concept of Internet search. The method allows new Internet users in Israel to receive all the information they require about the searched item.
To diversify its content and services, the company plans to expand its e-commerce activity.
Walla has developed a full version of the portal for palm pilot users.
According to Hadar, there are about 100,000 palm pilot users in Israel, and 10,000 people use a palm with a cellular modem. The mobile.walla.co.il site will open in the days ahead, and offer all content management and online services for terminal equipment.
In advance of the inauguration of broadband infrastructure in the second half of 2000, Walla is currently putting the finishing touches to the Walla version offering high-speed interactive information and content distribution.
The content division recently launched the company's news site, operated by a team of journalists and editors, and providing updated news 24 hours a day.
Hadar pointed out that 49% of the respondents in a Gallup poll published last week said they were using the Walla portal services.
Published by Israel's Business Arena January 11, 2000