Abstract: A method executed by a computing device includes receiving a search criteria and location data from a user device in communication with the computing device, determining a user location based on the location data, and determining a geographical density of entities about the user location. The method optionally includes selecting one or more access mechanisms based on the search criteria and the geographical density. Each access mechanism, when executed by the user device, causes the user device to access a resource identified by the access mechanism. The method also optionally includes transmitting search results containing the one or more selected access mechanisms from the computing device to the user device.

Abstract: Methods for ranking search results are disclosed. The methods include obtaining an unranked set of functionally similar search that all correspond to an action. The methods further include retrieving a ranking vector corresponding to the action. The ranking vector identifies a plurality of software applications that perform a function corresponding to the action and a ranking range for each of the plurality of software applications. The methods further include iteratively ranking the functionally similar search results of the unranked set to obtain a ranked set of functionally similar search results. The ranking is based on the retrieved ranking vector and a random number generator that generates random numbers between the minimum value and the maximum value of the ranking vector.

Abstract: Methods for ranking search results are disclosed. The methods include obtaining an unranked set of functionally similar search that all correspond to an action. The methods further include retrieving a ranking vector corresponding to the action. The ranking vector identifies a plurality of software applications that perform a function corresponding to the action and a ranking range for each of the plurality of software applications. The methods further include iteratively ranking the functionally similar search results of the unranked set to obtain a ranked set of functionally similar search results. The ranking is based on the retrieved ranking vector and a random number generator that generates random numbers between the minimum value and the maximum value of the ranking vector.

Abstract: A method executed by a computing device includes receiving a search criteria and location data from a user device in communication with the computing device, determining a user location based on the location data, and determining a geographical density of entities about the user location. The method optionally includes selecting one or more access mechanisms based on the search criteria and the geographical density. Each access mechanism, when executed by the user device, causes the user device to access a resource identified by the access mechanism. The method also optionally includes transmitting search results containing the one or more selected access mechanisms from the computing device to the user device.