Yahoo! Enhances Yellow Pages, Uses ABI Data

Yahoo launched an enhanced version of its Yahoo Yellow Pages to include in-depth information pages for each business listed in the directory as well as updated directory categories, proximity searching capabilities, interactive maps and driving directions.

“From its initial launch through today, Yahoo Yellow Pages has remained one of Yahoo’s most popular community tools,” said Niki Pandey, producer of Yahoo Yellow Pages and Yahoo Maps. “The new features further enhance the user experience by providing additional depth of information and increased ease of use.”

The directory features more than 10 million newly licensed business listings from American Business Information Inc. (ABI)–all organized within 14 categories, including Automotive; Community, Computers and Internet, Education and Instruction, Entertainment and Arts, Food and Dining, Health and Medicine, Home and Garden, Legal and Financial, Other Shopping and Services, Personal Care, Real Estate, Recreation and Sports, and Travel and Transportation.

Financial terms of the deal with ABI were not disclosed.

Proximity searches are offered to find businesses closest to a designated location. People can also browse the directory for specific types of businesses such as hotels or dentists within a designated city.

By simply clicking on the business name, individuals are taken to a Web page that includes contact information, an interactive map and links to relevant businesses nearby. The interactive maps, provided by GeoSystems MapQuest, indicate the location of the business and allow users to zoom in and out and pan north, south, east and west. Additionally, the maps offer users driving directions.