When it comes to Internet search engines, Google is undoubtedly the first name that springs to mind. However, there exists a lesser-known contender beyond the realms of Google and Bing—Lycos.
The Genesis of Lycos: A Pioneering Search Engine
Lycos was established in 1994 as a result of a university project. It held the distinction of being the premier search engine until the emergence of Yahoo in subsequent years, and by 1998, the ascent of Google nearly eclipsed its dominance. Despite its pioneering status, Lycos’ trajectory did not lead to lasting success.
One enduring image etched in many minds is that of the search engine’s emblematic black Labrador. This canine companion captured an entire era, even appearing in television commercials in a quirky, reality-blurring quest for information.
The company changed hands multiple times and is presently under the ownership of the Indian online marketing firm Ybrant Digital, which acquired it in 2010 for a staggering 30 million dollars. Remarkably, Lycos still maintains its headquarters in Massachusetts, United States. Prior to its current ownership, it passed through various hands, with the noteworthy ownership by the Spanish Terra Networks, a subsidiary of Telefónica.
Lycos’ Intricate Affiliation with Telefónica
During the dotcom bubble era, Telefónica, via its Spanish subsidiary Terra, procured Lycos for a staggering 12.5 billion dollars. However, the merger did not unfold as anticipated, and after a few years, Telefónica sought to divest. What was once Telefónica’s paramount multinational investment soon turned into its most colossal setback.
The acquisition in 2000 aimed to position Telefónica as an Internet powerhouse, spanning across regions, including North America. While the Terra and Lycos merger initially promised a comprehensive online portal, mismanagement of this newfound power ultimately led to its downfall.
By 2002, the company’s stock market valuation had plummeted well below the acquisition cost Terra had incurred. Ultimately, in 2004, the baton was passed to the South Korean website Daum, which subsequently sold it to its current custodian, Ybrant Digital.
The Evolving Face of Lycos
Today, Lycos is not as antiquated or obsolete as one might assume. While it may not rival Google, it can still serve as a valuable tool for finding essential information. There is indeed life beyond Google!
The company has retained some of its original assets, including WhoWhere, Lycos Chat, and Tripod. Notably, in 2015, Lycos ventured into the realm of wearable technology, introducing a smartwatch tailored for athletes.
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