This is part 5 of a 5 part article - 1 2 3 4 5
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Within any modern enterprise it is likely that you will have multiple datasets or potential sources of data available to your users when they search. To improve the efficiency of a search it is important that each of these datasets is displayed to the user in a useful way. One search technology may not be appropriate for all of your data, but wherever possible you should avoid forcing your user to choose between different search options. The majority of people simply want to type in their words or phrase, hit 'Go' and get their answers.
The BBC's intranet, called Gateway, uses a federated search mechanism to simultaneously search across several areas of information within the business at once. This enables us to use one consistent search interface, a single box in the top right-hand corner of every page, to cover a multitude of functions. So, a search for the name of a member of staff will present the user with results from the following data sources:
A search for a word or phrase will return results from the same data sources, although of course this time the results from the message boards, Ariel and the intranet content itself will reflect the phrase searched for rather than the contributions of an individual.

At the Infonortics Search Engine Meeting in 2004 Mondosoft CEO Laust Sondergaard observed that no client is happy with a search service, from whatever company, when it first comes out of the box. Every enterprise environment and every index of information brings its own unique challenge to search technology. However the techniques outlined in this article are all ways to help maximise the benefits your business can derive from the search & retrieval technology that you are using.
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About Martin Belam
I'm a London-based internet consultant and writer, with 8 years experience in product management, information architecture, and user experience design for global brands like Sony, Vodafone, The Guardian and the BBC. I specialise in advising on search, widgets, RSS, online news publishing and bulk email delivery.
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email: martin.belam@currybet.net
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