Semantic Search: Future or Hype?

Friday, September 18, 2009  //  0 Comments  //  Blog, Cloud Computing, Emerging Trends, Mobile Trends, Recruitment, Semantic Technology, Videos, Web 2.0

We all know the “Big 3″ search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing) are pretty effective at retrieving search results based on keywords. However, if you have narrow search requirements and need specific answers, then it’s important to have a good command of how to construct your queries using the proper search syntax and format. For the average (non-technical) person, learning search syntax is often confusing and not always practical. It’s problematic.

So what is Semantic Search and why the hype?

There’s a lot of buzz around this thing called Semantic Search, and for good reason. The real goal behind semantic search technology is to essentially enable the retrieval of accurate information via concept or meaning match. Semantic search doesn’t replace the traditional web but has the power to enhance it. I don’t deny that today’s major search engines do a good job at answering most search inquiries. However, the great hope with semantic search is that it may one day be able to go beyond the keywords that we type, and find exactly what we mean. This is good news if you are a recruiter and in the business of search. If your job is tied to sourcing on the web, hop over to Boolean Black Belt with Glen Cathy and check out his fantastic post on Semantic Search for Sourcers and Recruiters. One look at his site and you will quickly see why I believe Glen Cathey is a search rock-star.

Oh, and of course, definitely make sure to grab a copy of the amazing whitepaper authored by Shally Steckerl and Bryan Starbuck (CEO of TalentSpring). You can download a copy of their whitepaper on semantic search by clicking here. If you’re on Twitter, and like their whitepaper, make sure to follow @Shally and @BryanStarbuck and let them know your thoughts!