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Netscape unveils new search engine

The new product replaces a previous offering called Netscape Search powered by Excite.

America Online's Netscape unit introduced its own search engine for finding information on the Web, based on its software and technology from closely held Google.

The Netscape search engine replaces a previous offering called Netscape Search powered by Excite. That agreement ended after Netscape was acquired by America Online, the world's largest online service, and Excite was purchased by AOL rival @Home this year.

Mountain View, California-based Netscape developed a new search engine based on its open directory software and closely held Google's search technology. The site's goal is to provide more useful search results.

"Netscape Search is one part of AOL's ongoing efforts to make the Internet easier to navigate,'' said David Beckwith, senior director of search and directory for Netscape. "`The design offers consumers the most relevant results they want when they're navigating the Net."

Analyst Rob Enderle of Giga Information Group hailed Netscape's announcement as a win for consumers because, he said, users will always benefit from better technology.

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