Information services company Experian (yes, that Experian) announced the launch of a widget that includes business information from the company's BizSource database. Designed for directory and local search websites, the embeddable GUI displays business information in real time. The information that is included is the same that appears in Experian's BizCheck reports, which offer a summary of business information and includes a simple credit rating system. Not only does the widget display facts about the company including years in business and address history, but also important information such as potential problem areas like lines, judgments or bankruptcies.

With a simple mouse-over or click, consumers are shown a snapshot of a specific product, item or service-provider of interest that may include financial background, professional product reviews, possible judgments, as well as the swirl of user-generated comments and ratings as provided in other JS-Kit web services. The exact content will depend on the object itself. For example, the info on a plumbing contractor might contain financial background, bond and judgments information from Experian, while a stereo or car might show a snapshot of J.D. Power's product report for that item.

"This groundbreaking tool is the first of its kind to link Web searching to a major business database, like BizSource, in real time," said Alan Edgett, director of Strategy and Innovation for Experian's Business Information Services. "By leveraging this technology, we are able to provide our valuable business information to the general public at no cost, enabling them to conduct more effective Web searches."