Understanding Lycos: definition and history

by our SEO Agency Optimize 360

Lycos

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Lycos is a pioneer in the field of the Internet and search engines.

Founded in 1994, it quickly became a global success and left its mark on the history of the web.

In what follows, we will provide you with a clear and precise definition of Lycos, as well as some information about its origins and evolution over the years.

The birth of a flourishing business

The name Lycos comes from the ancient Greek 'λύκος' (pronounced lykos), meaning 'wolf'. This choice is not insignificant, as it symbolises this start-up's desire to stand out from the many competing companies operating in the same sector.

The company was founded by Michael Loren Mauldin, an American computer scientist working at Carnegie Mellon University. The initial aim was to develop tools to optimise access to online educational and scientific resources.

The first product offered by Lycos, back in 1994, was a search engine based on the principle of keyword indexing.

Thanks to a simple, intuitive interface, users could carry out their searches by entering one or more terms to obtain a list of results classified by relevance.

This innovative offering quickly attracted a great deal of interest and enabled Lycos to become one of the world leaders in the sector.

Development and diversification

Over the years, the range of services offered by Lycos has expanded considerably. In addition to its iconic search engine, the company has developed :

• Aaccommodation web, enabling Internet users to create and manage their own website;
• A free and secure e-mail platform, highly appreciated for its practicality;
• Online communication tools such as instant messaging, file sharing and discussion forums;
• Applications for professionals, such as integrated management software packages and e-commerce solutions;

Each of these innovations was accompanied by an effective marketing campaign that helped to raise Lycos' profile on the international stage.

The challenges of the 2000s

However, the 2000s marked a turning point in Lycos' history with the advent of new web giants such as Google, Yahoo or Microsoft. The competition has grown considerably, forcing the American firm to adapt quickly to stay in the race.

Against this backdrop, Lycos was forced to rethink its strategy. Several acquisitions and partnerships were made, including :

• • The acquisition of the Dutch company World Online, enabling Lycos to extend its network in Europe;
  • The alliance with auction platform eBay, to diversify the range of online services;
  • The development of new functions such as a price comparison tool and web referencing tools.

Despite these efforts, Lycos gradually lost ground to its competitors, until it found itself in financial difficulty.

The rebirth of Lycos in a new form

In the early 2010s, the Lycos brand was acquired by an Indian company specialising in the development of innovative technologies. This acquisition breathed new life into Lycos, which refocused on three key areas:

1. the Internet of Things (IoT) and the development of intelligent sensors, particularly in the health and well-being sector;
2. Software solutions for digital marketing;
3. Projects linked to artificial intelligence and the machine learning.

Today, Lycos continues to evolve and look for new opportunities to pursue its growth. This eventful journey is a good illustration of the ability of companies to adapt in a sector as competitive and changing as the Internet.

Partial conclusion: an emblematic company

All in all, Lycos is an emblematic brand in the web adventure of recent decades.

From its initial success as a search engine, to its attempts to diversify in order to maintain its position in the market, to its recent shift towards futuristic technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, it is a faithful reflection of the upheavals that have characterised this sector since its birth.