Switchboard, Internet based yellow pages and white, announced today for several new features. The new functionality is designed to help users more quickly access in-depth information on local businesses and includes a downloadable toolbar, Web search, classifieds and zip/area code look-up. This is the first upgrade announced at Switchboard since the site was acquired by InfoSpace, Inc. in June.
Switchboard’s innovative functionality is based upon a database of enhanced information on more than 2.8 million businesses nationwide. By bringing much of the detailed information found in the print yellow pages online, and providing user-friendly tools to sort and narrow results, Switchboard helps millions of Web users a month to find just the right businesses offering the products and services they need.
The newly launched features at Switchboard include:
— Switchboard Toolbar — The new Switchboard Toolbar provides immediate access to yellow pages, white pages, Web search, maps and directions, a pop-up ad blocker, and more. The Switchboard Toolbar is available for users of Windows 98/2000/ME/XP and Internet Explorer 5.5
— Web Search — Switchboard’s navigation now includes a new tab for “Web Search,” providing users with direct access to innovative metasearch functionality combining the best results from leading search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Looksmart and Teoma.
— Enhanced Zip Code and Area Code Searching — The new zip code search capability allows users to match a zip code to a region, or find zip codes for a particular city.
— Classified Advertising — Easy access to online classified advertising in popular categories such as Real Estate, Autos, Employment, General Merchandise and Insurance offer an expanded reach of targeted offerings for Switchboard users.
Jeremy Muncy is a staff writer for www.webproworld.com