The launch of SPH Search marks a “natural progression”, according to Paul Jansen, SPH Search’s CEO. “By expanding the base of potential answers through indexing non-SPH content, we hope to be a one-stop source for information on anything Singapore-related.”
SPH also wants to boost the visibility of its own online offerings by drawing more unique visitors, explained Jansen. Currently, the company has 50 staff members and SPH projects its new venture will break even after the first few years in operation. The web index will launch in early 2008 and advertising will be the main revenue-driver, said Jansen.
SPH Search is now compiling its search database, which will provide localised search results and content. It has also launched a nationwide data collection exercise, drawing information from its publications, contest participants and subscribers to its websites and third-party data firms.
At the same time, SPH has unveiled 701Search, which will identify investment potential in directories and online classified ads across Southeast Asia and Greater China.
Both companies are joint- ventures with Norwegian media group Schibsted ASA.
In Singapore, SPH dominates the print media segment with 14 newspapers and over 90 magazine titles.
