Enterprise Search: Please Just Give Users What They Are Searching For
April 30, 2021
Here’s a modest proposal. Be upfront about what “enterprise search” can and cannot do. Nope, will not happen. Enterprise search, like a file manager, is a utility. But those with money bet on enterprise search becoming the next big thing will not admit to the craziness of statements like “index all your information.” All? Yeah, violate privacy, health information regulations, secrets related to acquisitions, etc.
Where is enterprise search? What types of things do the builders of enterprise search consider? CIO Applications gives us some insight in its write-up, “Five Important Features of Enterprise Search Platform.” To hear them tell it, it is all about the UI. We’re informed:
“Enterprise search platforms should have a world-class user interface (UI) that makes it simple and stress-free for users and allows for an excellent user experience. Organizations today face unimaginable volumes of unstructured data, necessitating the creation of an efficient enterprise search platform. An enterprise search tool aids in the analysis and interpretation of organizational data. It assists a company in making better strategic decisions and gaining a competitive advantage.”
According to the post, the five key features include data security, user friendliness, scalability, flexibility & customization, and search analytics. We feel this assessment is off the mark. Lipstick on a pig does not capture the cosmeticizing of a basic function. Aside from security, these components are perks that should be considered after the core requirement is met—employees have to be able to find what they seek. Unfortunately, most enterprise search systems fall short on search itself. The rest are just bells and whistles to distract from that reality. Keep in mind that in order for a person to locate a PowerPoint with the changes a slightly out of control sales professional made to close a big deal with a new customers more than enterprise search is needed. How does one make search in an enterprise work? How about wave hands, chant AI AI AI, and close the deal with a faked demo? This has worked for many search vendors for many years.
Cynthia Murrell, April 30, 2021
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