Kamla: The database is one part; the decision making is another part and then how you present it to the front end, which is what I see everyday when I go to Yahoo. How do you tie them all up together on a consistent basis and not go mad?
Ninja: Well I think you have just hit on the guzillion dollar question. I think since our inception that is being the biggest challenge and it is a bigger challenge today than it ever has been because information sources are greater and more varied then they have ever been. And, people are greater and more varied then they have ever been inclusive of our user base. And yet, since the beginning our goal has been really very simple: connect people to what they want when they want it, in a way that enhances their life.
Kamla: So the front end is very simple but the backend is...
Ninja: But, the back end gets increasingly complex, scale becomes an increasing challenge and cutting through what is not relevant, what is less compelling to get to that thing that is the best use of your time now. The thing that you most wanted and may be you did not even know you want it but, again that makes your life better. That is our challenge. Now, how do we do it.? We do it in a very kitchen sink approach. We use everything that we know and everything that we can know, and we bring that to bear. So sometimes it is completely technological solution about algorithmically understanding trends and usage and interest in-by different people, by different regions and matching that to the results on the page right now. And then some of it is just entirely roll up using human finite. Just use your brain and say what would be interesting in this scenario and everything in between.
You were listening to Ninja Srinivasan, editor-in-chief at Yahoo! Inc. Tune back in for part 2 of our conversation. This is Kamla Bhatt; this interview was brought to you in association with Live Mint Radio and as always thank you for tuning in.
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