EXCEL-WEST Technology Update: The Google Sitemap Protocol

By Erika Garwood
EXCEL-WEST

The Google search engine is presently the most widely used tool on the Web. Founded in September of 1998, the Google search engine began handling 10,000 search queries a day and has since then grown to receive more than a billion search requests per day. Google’s global dominance and efficiency has pushed it to the forefront of search engine technology. With the advancement of the new Google Sitemap Protocol, an even greater search engine is expected.

The Google Sitemap Protocol will permit information to be sent to search engines about URLs that are available for browsing. This will be benefit users that cannot reach all areas of a particular Web site through links as some areas are only accessible via a search form. Simply put, a Sitemap that uses Sitemap Protocol is an XML (extensible markup language) file that lists URLs for a site. The Protocol was written to accommodate sites of all sizes and also enables Webmasters to include information about each URL, such as when it was last updated, how often it changes and how important it is in relation to the other URLs on the site.

By creating a sitemap and submitting it to search engines, your entire site may be more easily accessed by users. Using this protocol however, does not guarantee that your Web pages will be included in search indexes, nor does it influence that way that pages are ranked by a search engine. With this new protocol, users will be able to more effectively browse sites on the web.

EXCEL-WEST is a full-service information technology firm, providing solutions for companies that vision the value of technology and the interactive Web as an essential part of their strategic plan. Founded on the belief that providing quality service in a professional, friendly and efficient manner is priority one, we look forward to working closely with you to achieve success for your company on the Internet. Contact us at (888) 317-9300 or www.excel-west.com.