Google launched a Beta News Search service at http://news.google.com. The new service allows you to search for topics from a large number of sources complied from the previous week.

Inktomi now indexing more file types. - Inktomi is now indexing most Microsoft office file types such as .doc and .xls.

HotBot removes free submit. - This month HotBot removed the free addurl page for the Inktomi search engine. On their web site there is a note saying the removal is temporary. We believe it will be eventually replaced with a paid inclusion service, the question is to what engine, Inktomi or Fast?

AltaVista looks for new features. - In an email to paid inclusion customers, AltaVista is requesting feedback via a new survey on potential new features they might be adding. At one time, some of these services would have been great sellers for them, but due to the drop in traffic at AltaVista, we consider it way to late.

Lycos (powered by FAST) - Frequently updated websites may get indexed quicker than those that seldom change.

Open Directory Project - DMOZ - AOL now appears to be merging ODP listings back into its search results. In most popular keyword searches, the listings appear to be coming from multiple categories at ODP. However this is somewhat deceiving as Inktomi is now using the ODP title and descriptions for their listings if the URL is found in both Inktomi and ODP.

LookSmart - No major changes.

Yahoo - No changes at Yahoo this month.

Overture offers the opportunity to get your site listed at the top of the engines in as little as three to five days.
On March 27th Overture implemented a new optical verification code requirement in logging into their DirecTraffic Center. They say the reason was "To improve performance and prevent unauthorized automated scripts."
We're not surprised because we know they are trying to prevent non-approved bid-management tools from accessing their system and this measure effectively locks them out.