Austin Goes Google

The City of Austin announced today it has deployed Google technology to power search on the city web site.

The City’s new Web search engine utilizes Google Mini, a version of the same software that powers Google.com. The improved search engine will easily keep pace with the growth and increasing use of the City’s Web site.

The City is currently in the starting phase of a long project to completely redesign the city web site. The fruits of that labor are many years off. So, it's good to see the City moving ahead to improve usability of the current site.

I also find it interesting how much "Google" is perceived as a brand of goodness. There are any number of enterprise search solutions available, and I'm sure a Google product can be deployed in a poor manner. Still, I think the reaction of most people when they hear is, "Oh, they purchased the Cadillac of search."

There is more information on the web site redesign project at the Austin Government Online (AustinGO) web site. There is a survey on the site for comments and input on the redesign. Please consider taking the survey. It runs through Jan. 4.