OK, so you’re on vacation in Asia (let’s say the Philippines), and then a tsunami hits. Of course, everyone state-side is worried like hell that you were washed out to sea. Once they find out that you are safe, everyone wants to know what the latest “local” news is. But, you go to the same places they go to for news: Google.com and CNN, even though you be on the opposite side of the planet.

CNN is easy anywhere in the world — just turn on the TV. They got Larry King and everything. But Google was a bit more fun.

Sit down at a browser in Manila, Philippines, and type in “www.google.com”. Google, being a smart lot, sends you automatically to their country-specific Filipino interface: http://www.google.com.ph. So, naturally, maganda ang kutob ko, right? Not feeling very lucky, I clicked “Google.com in English” below and got zapped to http://www.google.com/ncr — victory! All Google, all English, all the time. This persistent link is the way to go if you are an English Googler on the run.

So, how does Google geotarget your browser, how do they know where to send you based on country/language? They love the HTTP spec, and they get it done their own way (it’s Google’s way). On IIS Web servers, you can do it server-side with Port80-recommended CountryHawk from CyScape. I am no Apache guru, but this link may help on the open source Web server front. If you have a better link for Apache browser sensing, please send it to us. Here are a few oldie-but-goodie articles on browser sniffing in general:

Browser Detection
Redirect Web Visitors By Country Using ASP and COM Technology

Adios from Hong Kong (where I am now — you just can’t stay in the PI too long), where the standard “google.com” browser input gets you http://www.google.com.hk/ (get your language packs dusted off). Soon, I will be back in San Diego and look forward to a great 2005 with new Port80 tools and a few surprises on the way.

In all seriousness, our hearts go out to all of the victims of the tsunami and their families. People are in need, so give what you can to make the world a little better, a little brighter. All the best to you and yours in 2005.

Chris @ Port80

Source : www.port80software.com

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