Is Enterprise Search Different from Traditional Search Engines?
Although both have search in their names, an enterprise search and a web search engine are two vastly different things.
Published April 3, 2023.
There is often confusion surrounding the difference between enterprise search software and traditional search engines, such as Google or Bing.
Enterprise search is used by organizations to help individuals within a company access information. It collects a vast amount of data in various formats and from multiple sources, storing it on a closed network.
In recent years, technology has seen the rise of AI enterprise search. Enterprise search software now employs machine learning and natural language processing to enable organizations to gain better insights and offer employees a more dynamic experience.
On the other hand, traditional search engines are what most people are already familiar with. These engines scour the internet to offer a broad set of results. They require users to consistently refine their parameters until they find the desired information.
Even though both have “search” in their names, they are vastly different.
Enterprise Search Vs. Traditional Search Engines
Here are some broad buckets that help make this distinction clearer:
- Network access: While web search engines use the internet to provide results, enterprise search uses a closed intranet network
- Search clients: Web searches are designed to cater to end users. Enterprise search, on the other hand, must support end users and client systems.
- Resource types: In a web search, resources are primarily file based. In enterprise search, the information offered extends to internal databases, legacy data sources, and directory services.
- Search types: A traditional search engine offers results based on a set of keywords. On the other hand, an enterprise search uses a faceted search that narrows down results with the application of filters.
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Unlocking the Potential of Enterprise Search
These are just a few factors separating an enterprise search from a web search. Services, such as those offered by Unleash, can help you understand more or significantly improve an existing enterprise search software.
The product is easy to use and searches folders in great detail, allowing small and large organizations to streamline productivity.
