Abstract:

Classic IR is inherently predicated on users searching for information. 
But the intent behind a web search is often not informational--it might 
be navigational (give me the URL of the site I want to reach) or transactional 
(show me sites where I can perform a certain transaction, e.g. shop, 
download a file, or find a map). 
The  first part of this talk will dissect some of the differences between 
classic IR and web search and show how global search engines evolved to deal 
with the needs of web users.  Then we will discuss the interplay of technology 
and economics in web search, both from the vantage point of the search providers 
and from the vantage point of the content providers.  Finally we shall explore 
how the popularity of web search is influencing other technological developments.