A tool to search documents over an intranet and to search websites.

Pros: OpenFind Enterprise Search enables a user to search for all types of files (including media files) over the local intranet (LAN, VPN) and also a basic search on the internet. It has in-built multi-language support as well as the ability to search XML by field or tag, automatic grouping of search results and caching to improve future search performance. Searches can also be applied to databases. Advanced Index Management functions include real-time indexes, dynamic indexes, mult-scheduling, and the setting of filtering rules. The index management features are in fact what separate this tool from many competitors. For example, data miners can make the software work to carry out advanced tasks.

There is a report generation to maintain and print out search summaries, query reports and more. Overall, an advanced searching and search management tool targeted at an enterprise audience. Administrators will find it useful.

Cons: For something that works very well, it really has a poor interface. Some advanced functions such as the index management require a significant effort to figure out on your own. There is also the question of utility: generally for web-based searches a user may prefer to use the most popular search engines; an intranet (local area network) search requires some level of administrational co-operation and trust. If you are not on a trusted network (or you are not considered “trusted” on the network) you will fail to come up with too many useful results. Occasionally, you will find search results on an intranet which are actually not accessible (because of password protection or some other security measure).

Overall: 4 stars. Performs its advertised function well. Index management is a good addition to basic search capability. However, it is dogged by a poor interface and there are questions about where it can be used to full effect.