Enterprise Search: A Haunting Phrase Evokes the Ghosts of Failed Search Past
March 1, 2015
I read a practical explication about setting up SharePoint search to facilitate people search. I am okay with the approach in “More SharePoint 2013 Search Tips for Power Users.” The publisher is one focused on generating received wisdom or hoped for truths. That’s okay.
I did note one important and telling phrase. Here is is:
So how can this knowledge be used to create a real business solution?
When I read this sentence, several thoughts flitted through my mind. Here they are:
- Is this opposed to an unreal business solution.
- Are search solutions chimera?
- 3. Are search solutions false, fake, ersatz?
Am I unduly sensitive to a single statement? No. The phrase strikes at the core of search challenges, not just sticky wickets of the SharePoint variety.
Search allows individuals to “find” something in theory. The reality is that what search outputs for a user crafty enough to use the right term, phrase, or hot link is often wildly off the mark.
The fix is to layer additional controls on top of a child’s wagon, not a vehicle designed to carry the weight of today’s information access requirements.
Result? Search is an endless disappointment to users. How does one find a person in an organization who can and will answer a question? More than search is required in my experience.
Stephen E Arnold, March 1, 2015
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Enterprise Search: A Haunting Phrase Evokes the Ghosts of Failed Search Past : Stephen E. Arnold @ Beyond Search