AltaVista gives Web site new look

Getting back to its roots as a search engine, AltaVista has launched a redesigned Web site that focuses on a faster, simpler and highly powered search service. The company, based in Palo Alto, Calif., is also updating its image "with familiar elements of AltaVista's heritage" by giving itself the tag line: "The search company," according to a statement. The move signifies a shift in focus to its earlier services. Majority-owned by CMGI, the company had been trying over the past few years to transform itself into an all-in-one Web portal to compete with market leaders Yahoo, AOL Time Warner's America Online and the Microsoft Network, with only poor results. The newly fashioned site touts simpler page design, faster loading times, and what the company calls "one of the most powerful search resources on the Web." AltaVista also unveiled shopping search services for products at local, offline retailers, as well as retooled search results for more accurate listings.