Computational engine aims to challenge Wikipedia
Roberto Salome
Issue date: 5/22/09 Section: Ed-Op
Wolfram|Alpha is a monumental step in developing a parser that fully understands the English language. Its makers claim that it has over 10 trillion pieces of data and more than 50,000 types of algorithms & models. This is just the beginning.
The comparisons between Google, Yahoo and other search engines versus Wolfram|Alpha are not relevant. Aside from having catchier names, the former engines are different products than the latter; it's like comparing apples and oranges. (Strangely enough, Wolfram|Alpha does provide an answer for "one apple + one orange"). While all of the engines try to enlighten the user with information, the methods by which they accomplish this are all very different. There are various pros and cons for all of them which allow them to compete with each other.
Wolfram|Alpha's main advantages are its versatility and its mathematical framework. Since it does not crawl other Web sites, it cannot be classified a traditional search engine. It may currently lack in the amount of information at its disposal, but it makes up for it in the fact that all of its information is accurate. This is not the next Google, but then again, it's not supposed to be. Wolfram|Alpha is setting a new standard for how the future of instant knowledge will be implemented. The major search engines may not need to worry about losing market share yet, but calculus teachers may be a bit concerned.
Roberto Salome is a sophomore majoring in computer engineering. He can be reached at op-ed@thetriangle.org.
The comparisons between Google, Yahoo and other search engines versus Wolfram|Alpha are not relevant. Aside from having catchier names, the former engines are different products than the latter; it's like comparing apples and oranges. (Strangely enough, Wolfram|Alpha does provide an answer for "one apple + one orange"). While all of the engines try to enlighten the user with information, the methods by which they accomplish this are all very different. There are various pros and cons for all of them which allow them to compete with each other.
Wolfram|Alpha's main advantages are its versatility and its mathematical framework. Since it does not crawl other Web sites, it cannot be classified a traditional search engine. It may currently lack in the amount of information at its disposal, but it makes up for it in the fact that all of its information is accurate. This is not the next Google, but then again, it's not supposed to be. Wolfram|Alpha is setting a new standard for how the future of instant knowledge will be implemented. The major search engines may not need to worry about losing market share yet, but calculus teachers may be a bit concerned.
Roberto Salome is a sophomore majoring in computer engineering. He can be reached at op-ed@thetriangle.org.
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