New Cuil search engine ceases operations by July 2009?

With former Google engineers at the helm, Cuil had an incredibly high profile launch amidst great hype (props to the PR firm).

Almost immediately after launch,  however, Cuil experienced server performance and availability problems.

When service was finally restored, Cuil suffered the worst criticisms of all - the usability and relevancy of the search results were well below expectations.

One month after the launch, Cuil's VP of Product quietly stepped down to a consulting role.

And, as reported by Net Applications, Cuil traffic has now dwindled to near-zero usage.

Prediction: Cuil will cease operations by end of June 2009.

Judgement can be made earlier with a formal announcement made by Cuil or the mainstream media. Otherwise, judgment will occur July 1, 2009.