What can you use the application for?
Eurekster is a social search engine that is based on Eurekster’s own creation “Swicki”. Essentially a Swicki is a search portal that customized on the subject of one’s choice and can utilized to create portals for specific groups of people where people can vote to keep the most relevant topic on top. Each Swicki is named according to the subject it is based on. The search result for each swicki is based on the amount of votes the topics get and it also allows its users to comment on the page they like and make posts. In addition, a person can also check out the keywords of the Swicki. A user can also add to the Swicki, the pages that are relevant to the topic. Users can search inside each individual Swicki to get specific pages relevant to their search. Users can build their own Swicki at Eurekster in quick time and can customize the look of the Swicki widget to share it with other users. Each and every Swicki has a builder and can have multiple contributors. Multimedia and videos can also be searched at Eurekster in addition to the text searches. For instance, at Eurekster, a user can access the Swicki for Painters and search for various pages related to Painters, be it jobs for them or biographies of famous painters. Eurekster’s Swickis are credited for allowing vertical community search. The search results are more topic oriented hence the results are often more relvant than a generic search engine.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
Eurekster was founded by Dr Grant Ryan, the chairman and co founder of SLI Systems and Steven Marder (the present Chief Executive Officer), in the year 2004. The CFO designation is held by Greg Wilson. The headquarters of this privately held company are in San Francisco while the Research and development department is in New Zealand. With a global reach that spread across 15 countries, it currently boasts of a significant user base which continues to grow at a quick rate.
What are the differences to other applications?
The community’s importance is what sets Eurekster apart from the other search engines. Generic search engine just throw out the results based on keywords Eurekster on the other hand categorizes Swickis, which in turn hold the search results. Each Swicki can be made to look different and hold different types of information. A user can build their own Swicki, which allows one to have independence to create his/ her own portal and to start their own interest group. At Eurekster, all that a user has to do is search for their Swicki to meet with like minded people.
How does the application look and feel to use?
The website has pleasant interface which looks appealing. The big banner on the homepage, along with the videos, captures the attention of the visitors. The use of colors is eye catching. The image on the banner with a large crowd and a bright white flash in the background looks pretty interesting. Smooth navigation makes it a wonderful site to explore.
How does the registration process work?
The registration process is very simple; all that is needed is a unique login name, with email ID and a password. Users have to agree to the terms and conditions of the website, as always. Users need to go through four major stages namely, Customize, Train, Directory and Publish to create their Swicki. Registered users can keep a tab on the Swickis made by them at the My Swicki page.
What does it cost to use the application?
The search feature is free for all to use. There are absolutely no charges in the whole website. The registration is also free for all users. Venture capital investment from Technology venture partners (TVP), Transcosmos, Tapit Partners and various other angel investors keeps the engine going. Currently it does not mention in any specific pricing plans for future.
Who would you recommend the application to?
Eurekster is a great option for all those who are in need of a search engine that can customize their search and can make the whole process faster and easier for them. The users can build their own Swicki on the topic of their choice and let it share with others and get their feedbacks and responses regarding the topics.
