Product Overview of Seznam.cz
Introduction
Seznam.cz, which translates to “directory” in English, is a comprehensive web portal and search engine founded in 1996 by Ivo Lukačovič in Prague, Czech Republic. It was the first web portal in the Czech Republic and has since evolved into a dominant player in the country’s online landscape.
Key Features and Functionality
Search Engine
Seznam.cz operates as a full-text search engine, competing directly with global giants like Google. As of 2012, it held a significant market share of 42.84% in the Czech Republic, making it the second-largest search engine in the country after Google.
Diverse Web Services
Seznam.cz offers a wide array of web services, including:
- Email: Through its email.cz service, providing email accounts to users.
- Yellow Pages: Firmy.cz serves as an online business directory.
- Maps: Mapy.cz is a mapping service similar to Google Maps, which can detect user locations and provide relevant results based on proximity.
- News and Media: Seznam.cz features a robust news section, keeping users updated on local and international news.
User Base and Market Dominance
Seznam.cz boasts an impressive user base, with around 90% of Czechs regularly using its various services. It generates 60% of all Czech page views and dominates the online advertising market, serving 90% of the Czech market.
SEO and Search Result Personalization
Unlike Google, Seznam.cz does not personalize search results based on user search history. However, it can use location data to provide relevant results when users search on services like Mapy.cz or Firmy.cz. The platform emphasizes the importance of unique title tags and meta descriptions for SEO, and it overrides specified page titles if on-page content better matches user intent.
Technical Infrastructure
Seznam.cz has a sophisticated technical infrastructure, utilizing technologies such as Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, and Apache Beam to manage large-scale data processing. This includes handling over 40 billion rows of data, 400 terabytes in HBase, and processing extensive web crawls to improve search relevance.
Additional Services
Seznam.cz runs almost 30 different web services and associated brands, making it a one-stop destination for various online needs. These services include but are not limited to:
- Homepage: The main portal providing access to various services.
- Local Retail and Exchange: Platforms for local shopping and exchanges.
- Advertising: Dominant player in the Czech online advertising market.
In summary, Seznam.cz is a multifaceted web portal and search engine that has become synonymous with the internet in the Czech Republic. Its extensive range of services, robust search capabilities, and strong technical infrastructure make it a vital part of the country’s digital ecosystem.