An overview of the problems enterprises have with finding information, including complex queries and multiple repositories. Search administrators recommend trying before buying, defining problems such as dynamic updates, repetitive language, context, scale and query options. Search engines mentioned include Ultraseek, Autonomy, the Google Search Appliance, and iPhrase.
Discusses new approaches to site search, surveys search technologies with sample vendors. Describes the SinglePoint approach, which uses classification, term frequency, inverse database frequency, length, timeliness, keyword prominence and positioning, and ways for users to disambiguate queries. iPhrase and InQuira offer natural-language processing of search queries, although it's difficult to get users to enter full sentences. Mentions many other search engines, VIMA's image-recognition software, search engine optimization techniques and email search.
Search
On Information Week, January 20, 2003 by Tony Kontzer
Discusses the need for useful search engines in corporate intranets. Describes experiences in Ford's Learning Network using Autonomy; Bank One and Kaiser Permanente using the Google Search Appliance for simplicity, low cost and speed; KMPG UK's use of Verity K2 for sophisticated taxonomy and social networking; Gateway's implementation of iPhrase for support technicians; and EDS using Recommind for role-related search results.
Discusses the need for useful search engines in corporate intranets. Describes experiences in Ford's Learning Network using Autonomy; Bank One and Kaiser Permanente using the Google Search Appliance for simplicity, low cost and speed; KMPG UK's use of Verity K2 for sophisticated taxonomy and social networking; Gateway's implementation of iPhrase for support technicians; and EDS using Recommind for role-related search results.
Report from eTail 2002 conference about online commerce sites responding to user demand by improving their search engines. Describes how Talbot's implementation of EasyAsk increased the average order size when using search by 18%, and the number of shoppers who search and then purchase by 34%. Nieman Marcus chose iPhrase and Spiegel chose Endeca after extensive comparisons.
Describes search features including natural-language querying and concept matching. Can display variations on terms generated automatically such as IRA related to Individual Retirement Account, and generate SQL and other query syntaxes. Can display content in XML with stylesheets or extract sections and show them in table form. See also the overview In Search Of The Enterprise which has an analysis and reseller information.
Describes value of natural language search technology for answering questions within narrow vertical contexts. Quotes from the Washington State Dept. of Information Services explain the value of the Jeeves single search for all departments, and regular reports of user questions. Also provides examples of how iPhrase converts questions with implicit structure to explicit database queries.
Describes the value of search engines and categorization as essential elements of corporate portal infrastructures, to handle the "deluge" of information within enterprises. Quotes Aberdeen analyst Guy Creese who points out that without a good way to search, corporations would be "blowing their investment in the content". Covers recent announcements of search and categorization features by Autonomy, Verity, AltaVista, iPhrase, and Smartlogik (Muscat).
Describes how the financial services firm spent nine months installing iPhrase search technology, based on a desire for a natural language search engine. The search engine presents tabulated results from multiple sources, instead of a list. This search functions best with the sections of the site that have structure, requires additional work for unstructured areas.
Short description of question-answering software. Kathleen Hall, an analyst with Giga Information Group, says, "iPhrase definitely has the technology advantage with its one-step solution. Financial-services sites, such as Charles Schwab, that have a lot of product information can benefit from this technology, but it's not going to replace full-service search engines."
Describes how Charles Schwab will use iPhrase for help with financial information and support issues.
Describes Atomz Enterprise Search, with praise from a customer, and iPhrase natural-language analysis, with description from a Charles Schwab executive and general pricing.
