A9
This search engine brings a bit more functionality to the search party. For starters, Amazon (the parent of this engine) has integrated technology that allows searches accross and within their books. That's a lot of content, folks. A9 also offers the capability to review previous searches you've performed (registration required, of course). Because of who this is, you might want to test it out, at least.

A9
This search engine brings a bit more functionality to the search party. For starters, Amazon (the parent of this engine) has integrated technology that allows searches accross and within their books. That's a lot of content, folks. A9 also offers the capability to review previous searches you've performed (registration required, of course). Because of who this is, you might want to test it out, at least.

AllTheWeb
Are you looking for FAST? AllTheWeb launched and continues to pride itself as one of the fastest engines to return collections on queries. And it's pretty accurate, too.

AltaVista
One of the first, best automatically-indexed search engines. Well-designed, and worth your time.

GlobalSpec
GlobalSpec is a conduit between engineers or technical buyers and suppliers of parts and services. This site offers up sources through part databases, suppliers listings, and searches based on product name and specification. You'll find categories running the range from Test/Measurement and Flow Transfer to Motion Control and Manufacturing Equipment.

The GlobalSpec model works on the "Supplier Pays, Buyer Free" premise. If you are looking for a source, you have to register to get to the info you need (but it is "free"). If you're supplying a part or service, you're probably going to have to pay to be seen at the level you deserve.

And now, GlobalSpec has created their own search engine, called the Engineering Web. Forget the hype - GlobalSpec has, in fact, created a Google-like search engine that is self-indexing and effective, but only returns manufacturing-related sites. In other words, it ignores the stuff outside metalworking, so when you search on "grinding," you'll what you're looking for, without the "kink." Bookmark this site, and do it now.

Google
The Mack Daddy of search engines. If you don't know about Google, turn off your computer and take a nap.

HotBot
HotBot is another engine that's been around for quite awhile and has changed hands (now owned by Lycos). A useful, efficient engine for manufacturers.

Search Engine Forums
Are you looking for ways to improve your Web site's exposure, but would like advice from others while building a strategy? Then you HAVE to include Search Engine Forums in your research. This site is acutually a suite of several forums covering every conceivable search engine topic, including the technical (i.e., meta tags, dynamic pages, other technical issues, etc.), the engine-specific (i.e., Google, AOL, MSN, AltaVista, etc.), and more. This site is a must-have resource, despite the level of your Web development chops.

But wait! There's more! This most rocking of sites doesn't just deliver the search engine goods. There's a wealth of tools that can help you and yours develop, build and maintain all the elements of a vital manufacturing Web site. Every aspect for the form, fit and function of your Web presence can be improved through this site--just look along the top menu tabs, select one, and be amazed.

Search Engine Watch
No matter the size of your shop, plant or enterprise—if you have a Web site that serves the manufacturing realm, you are getting traffic from Search Engines. But they're misunderstood, and your Web site may not be taking advantage of this powerful sales and marketing channel for your business.

Search Engine Watch contains an incredible amount of information about how to position your site for the most effective exposure to your search-prone, Web-based prospects. Give yourself some time with this site; it contains more info about search engines than you'll probably ever use, but you're sure to find plenty that will make your site serve your business better.

Teoma
Teoma means "expert" in Gaelic, and this engine is trying to add to the level of search accuracy and efficiency established by Alta Vista and AllTheWeb, and now Google. To do this, Teoma offers searchers not just returns on their queries, but also the options to further refine those returns and to view link collections from others on the same topic(s).

Does Teoma work perfectly? No, many returns are related at all to machining or manufacturing despite the word or phrase searched upon. Is any engine perfect? Nope. But Teoma, despite the aesthetic similarities to Googles home and return pages, does try and kick it up a notch.

WebCrawler
Another old staple from back in the day (circa 1995). Today, WebCrawler combines searches from the big boys - Google, MSN, Yahoo and Ask - into one search utility.

WiseNut
WiseNut is a fast, bare-bones search utility built on the LookSmart engine.

Yahoo!
The ol' grandaddy of search engines, Yahoo! has many of the Web search bases covered, just because they've been around so long. But, for manufacturers, Yahoo! does offer a few downsides, specifically because they are more focused on the retail, general markets.

That said, you can do a lot worse than including this in your favorites.