System and method for ranking search results

摘要

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for ranking search results and can be conveniently associated with the provision of search results when the delivery of data corresponding to the search results is metered, such as when data are delivered to terminals connected to mobile networks. In one arrangement embodiments of the invention provide a method of generating a search results list in response to a search request comprising one or more search terms. The search terms are held in a storage system that is arranged to store a plurality of search listings; one or more said search terms; and a bid amount, each search listing being associated with a network location providing access to a set of data. The method comprises:
receiving a search request;
accessing the storage system so as to identify search listings having search terms generating a match with the received search request;
retrieving data indicative of a first bid amount and a network location corresponding to the or each matched search term, the network location providing access to a set of data corresponding to the matched search term;
generating a second bid amount in dependence on the first bid amount and an amount of data associated with the set of data accessible via the network location;
ordering the identified search listings into a search results list in accordance with values corresponding to respective second bid amounts for the identified search listings; and
outputting data indicative of the ordered search result list, said outputted data comprising a plurality of selectable links, each corresponding to a said network location.