An effective search tool on an intranet can make an enormous difference to its usability. In fact, usability expert Jakob Nielsen found that "Poor search was the greatest single cause of reduced usability across intranets". A good search engine ensures that users find what they're looking for, first time, regardless of the format or location of the information. This means that a wide variety of information can be effectively dispersed and made available to staff, without the need for complex navigation systems or filing conventions.

Most intranets evolve over time, and search functionality need not be a daunting task. A search tool can be implemented quickly, and then refined as the intranet grows and the needs of the organization change. Importantly, a flexible search engine that is cost-effective and expands to suit your growing requirements can be a much better investment than a cheap product with no ability to scale or an expensive solution where the majority of its functionality is wasted.

It is important to recognize that every intranet is different, with its own objectives, requirements and environment. This document is designed to guide you through the process of selecting an intranet search engine, by addressing in turn a range of key variables that need to be considered.