Inktomi was a pioneering search engine company founded in 1996. It played a significant role in the early days of the internet by providing search technology for various websites and portals. Inktomi's search engine was known for its ability to index large amounts of web content, making it easier for users to find information online. In 2000, Inktomi was acquired by Yahoo!, which integrated its technology into its own search services. Although Inktomi eventually faded from prominence as other search engines like Google gained popularity, its contributions to web search technology laid the groundwork for future developments in the field.