An analysis of web proxy logs with query distribution pattern approach for search engines

This study presents an analysis of users' queries directed at different search engines to investigate trends and suggest better search engine capabilities. The query distribution among search engines that includes spawning of queries, number of terms per query and query lengths is discussed to highlight the principal factors affecting a user's choice of search engines and evaluate the reasons of varying the length of queries. The results could be used to develop long to short term business plans for search engine service providers to determine whether or not to opt for more focused topic specific search offerings to gain better market share. Highlights We analyse user queries to highlight the main factors affecting search engine choice. We evaluate the reasons of varying the length of queries by different search engines. Results can assist whether to offer topic specific search to gain market share. Results could be used to develop strategies for designing advanced search engine. Results could also be used to develop search engine service provider business.