IAC/InterActiveCorp’s Ask.com has revamped and renamed its local search service, becoming the latest search engine provider to improve its offering in what is considered one of the most popular search segments for both advertisers and end users.Ask.com plans to unveil the new service, called AskCity, on Monday, and said it will contain the largest integration of IAC online services to date.AskCity taps IAC services such as CitySearch, Ticketmaster and ServiceMagic, among others, to deliver listings and reviews of local businesses, along with maps and driving directions. It will also let users perform actions from within its interface, including making a restaurant reservation, buying tickets to movies and other events, and making an appointment with a contractor. Ask.com doesn’t have plans to monetize AskCity at this point, according to a company official, but estimates for the advertising potential of local search services are very optimistic. Advertising revenue in local search is expected to grow from US$3.4 billion in 2005 to $13 billion in 2010, according to The Kelsey Group. Local search has proved attractive for users as well, because the services significantly extend the concept of the traditional yellow-pages phone directory by providing maps, driving directions, reviews and the like.-Juan Carlos Perez, IDG News Service (Miami Bureau)Related Link: Google Answers to Be Shut DownCheck out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software Why data virtualization is critical for business success Data is your most valuable resource—but only if you can access it fast enough to address present challenges. Data virtualization is the key. By Milan Shetti, CEO of Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software The hybrid approach: Get the best of both mainframe and cloud Cloud computing and modernization often go hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean the mainframe should be left behind. A hybrid approach offers the most value, enabling businesses to get the best of both worlds. By Milan Shetti, CEO Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rimini Street Dear Oracle Cloud…I need my own space Access results from a recent Rimini Street survey about why enterprises are rethinking their Oracle relationship and cloud strategy. By Tanya O'Hara Nov 28, 2023 5 mins Cloud Computing brandpost Sponsored by Rimini Street How to evolve IT systems into innovation engines Today’s IT leaders are more than eager to modernize with best-fit cloud solutions that drive innovation and rapid business impact, but they need to do so with ROI-based solutions. By Tanya O'Hara Nov 28, 2023 4 mins IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe