Google is shutting down its Google Site Search

Google is pulling the shutter on its Google Site Search, that was designed and created for web publishers who wanted to apply the industry’s leading search technology to their own platforms.

Initially named as Google Custom Search Business Edition, Google Site Search helped websites to add a custom search field of their own to their websites, powered by the technology that runs the Google.com website.

Launched in 2008, GSS was a paid product which required users to pay for the number of searches they made.

According to Fortune report, customers and partners have already received an email from the company.

A Google spokesperson confirmed the report to 9to5Google and said, "We are winding down the Google Site Search product over the next year, but will provide customer and technical support through the duration of license agreements."

As a courtesy, existing licenses expiring between April 1 and June 30 2017 will be extended for an additional three months, with customer and technical support available until the end of the contract. GSS customers can also take advantage of Custom Search Engine solution, a free and ad-supported version that offers similar functionality.

The spokesperson further added, "We continue to build out new functionality and invest in new technology that makes enterprise search a great experience for our customers."

Last year Google announced similar plans to close Google Search Appliance, which was based on CentOS and provided document indexing functionality.

“It appears that Google is decoupling its technology that is ad-based from its enterprise technology which is G Suite based,” said one GSS customer.

Google recently introduced the general features of Google Cloud Search for G Suite customers.