Google challenged by new search engine

A new search engine is being developed that operates by revealing answers to questions, rather than pointing to specific websites.

The new search website, titled WolframAlpha, was launched by a computer scientist in Britain. It analyses a query and then uses databases to provide the most appropriate answer.

The service can calculate queries such as the distance between two different cities, mathematical equations and the political structure of any government. The engine will even identify living people.

But its creator, Stephen Wolfram, says that the service is not designed to rival Google and does not work as a traditional search engine. He says that the project is “long term” and hopes to expand it.

Danny Sullivan, editor of Search Engine Land, told The Times that the two sites are completely different.

“They’re saying they’re not trying to wipe out Google, but they feel they do the kinds of searches that Google doesn’t handle. If you’re trying to get facts, this might be a handy kind of encyclopedia for you.”