Filed under: Intranets, Search tools
Enterprise search is often deployed as ‘the answer’ for the difficulties of finding information across an entire organisation. The basic concept is that the enterprise search indexes ‘everything’, and findability problems are solved.
In practice, teams given the task of designing and deploying enterprise search find these projects much more complex. Many questions need to be answered:
- Which information sources should be indexed?
- How should the results be presented?
- What functionality should be provided for staff?
To answer these questions, teams need a clear vision of the desired end state, including an understand of staff needs and tasks.
With power comes complexity
The problem with enterprise search tools is that they are too good. Most modern search tools can index an incredible range of information sources, including but not limited to:
- intranet(s)
- public website(s)
- document and records management system
- staff directory
- collaboration spaces
- business systems
- fileshares
- emails
- third-party information sources
[November article, read the full article]