HotBot Searches for a Direct Hit.

HotBot users should find that search results as of Monday are more accurate, thanks to technology from startup Direct Hit Technologies. Called the Direct Hit Popularity Engine, the technology tracks keyword searches and analyzes which Internet sites are most visited by users and how long surfers stay at those sites. Subsequent searches by users will then automatically list the top 10 most-frequented sites checked out by others looking for the same keyword. The tracking and analysis are anonymous so that users_ identities are not known. Hundreds of HotBot users sent e-mail praising the new search approach and those letters prompted the portal, which is run by Wired Digital, to fully incorporate the technology into the site. The deal between HotBot and Direct Hit is not exclusive and officials from both companies declined to provide financial terms. HotBot has some 5.6 million users per month and those who bother to scan to the bottom of the search list will find a notice that the technology they have just used to track down information is powered by Direct Hit. Users who decide that they want to see more than the top 10 search results will find a link taking them to the next set of 10 sites. Technology enabling that additional step will come from Inktomi, with which HotBot also has a deal. HotBot hasn_t taken the approach of other portal search sites that build their own technology, choosing instead to sign licensing agreement with other companies.