June 12, 2009
Ask Japan To Shut Down
Some more sad news for the struggling search engine, Ask.com. Ask is closing down Ask Japan, aka Ask.jp on June 25th.
Bill, the moderator of the Asia specific forums at WebmasterWorld explained that Ask.jp is "reorganizing to focus on B2B solutions. Their consumer search will cease operations on June 25." The consumer search product includes Ask.jp.
Google Translate can somewhat translate the statement:
From patronage, Ask.jp We very appreciate your business. This time, ask JEPI Dot Corporation, which specializes in business reorganization and corporate solutions, Services include: Search Ask.jp (www.ask.jp) will close.[End] Target Service
June 25: Ask.jp (web search, blog search, product search, category search)
Ask debuted in Japan in August 2004.
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
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rustybrick in Ask.com at June 12, 2009 8:04 AM
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Barry, saw your post above about Ask.jp. This is a JV that is a totally separate business and entity from the Ask.com US service. The wind-down in Japan really has no effect and no relevance to Ask's service and business in the US. I think that's important to point out. Cheers, Nicholas (Ask spokesperson)
Posted by Nicholas at June 12, 2009 13:45