need internal search engine

remotely hosted internal search engine

[wbrook]

Hi,

I need to implement an internal search engine for a site with about 250 pages. The site is on a windows machine and I know the provider offers that microsoft magic - index server - or something like that. I have to say I am wary of this solution and I think my client would have to upgrade thier hosting package also. Anyone used the microsoft solution? Are you forced to publish the site with FrontPage in order to get it to index the new pages?

I am looking at recommending a remotely hosted solution. I have heard about a few of these, FreeFind, WebSearch and Atomz. We need an inexpensive solution, so something with a small "powered by" message would be fine. What I definitely want, though, is to be able to make the results page look like it is part of the site. I know I can do this with Atomz. Another thing I read about Atomz that interested me are the stats on searches performed on the site. This would be a great feature.

If anyone has experience with any of the above, or knows of any others, I would be interested in hearing about it.

Thanks,

Steph

[engine]

Steph, welcome to WebmasterWorld.
See this thread here [webmasterworld.com] or this one for information about site search engines. [webmasterworld.com]

HTH

[wbrook]

Thanks engine. I had looked at these threads, however they talk primarily about installed solutions rather that remotely hosted. I can't install any scripts on the server.

[engine]

Atomz is mentioned and that is remotely hosted.

[rogerd]

I second the Atomz suggestion for a site of 250 pages. Very quick & easy, good search results, and free...

[wbrook]

Thanks to both of you. Atomz does indeed look good. The only problem I have is that this is the site for an online journal so the number of pages will grow. The 500 page limit for Atomz will definitely hold for another 3-4 years.

I imagine the client is going to ask me what I think of the microsoft solution, so I am hoping someone will reply with their experience.

Thanks again.

Steph

[Birdman]

Why not buy a cheap hosting plan(I know of a 10meg plan for $6) and use a free search script? Then you can design the results page exactly how you like.

[quiet_man]

>>you can design the results page exactly how you like<<

You can customise the HTML of your results page on Atomz.

[wbrook]

Thanks Birdman, that would make it easier, wouldn't it. Unfortunately the client isn't up for changing hosts. They (as I) are in Rome and want to keep their local provider. Not an option.

[danec]

I use Atomz and FreeFind and Master.com for hosted searches on three different sites right now.

You're right when you mention the 500 (or is it 250 now) page limit for Atomz. Thats they're biggest downside as far as I'm concerned. They're fast, clean and very responsive. They're logs are awesome. All in all they're a great service.

I use FreeFind for a site with thousands of pages. I'm not sure if there actually is a limit on the number of pages you can index with FreeFind. Although they do allow you to customize the look of your search results page, they do header the page with text advertisements.

Master is the hosted search solution I've had the least trouble with, but to be honest, I rely upon it the least. Very customizable, very clean and fast -- but I don't use it for anything mission critical so I haven't tested it extensively.

[rogerd]

Unfortunately, Atomz seems to have eliminated their small business search package that would have carried one beyond the page limit (still 500, danec) at a reasonable annual cost. It used to be available for a few hundred bucks a year. Now, their paid search seems to be a pricier venture geared more to enterprise or high-volume clients. They've even removed pricing info from their site (I did an Atomz search! :))

[wbrook]

Thanks danec. The freefind solution wouldn't work for me since the advertising is in English and my site is in Italian - would confuse the visitors, I think, and look cheesey.

They do offer a subscription to eliminate the ads - $9/mo for 500 pages and $19/mo for 5000 pages. This might be a solution if we go over the 500 limit on atomz (which I believe is still the limit)

I'll take a look at master.com

Thanks again.

[rogerd]

One other thought, while we are discussing the Atomz search limitation - if you can divide your site into a couple of searchable sections, Atomz used to let you set up separate searches for them, effectively extending the number of indexable pages. Of course, you aren't offering a "full site" search, but I can imagine some scenarios where it could be useful, like setting up a discussion forum or large link directory as a separate search area.

[wbrook]

good idea rogerd. doesn't work for my case (on-line journal no way to split it up) but I'll keep it in mind for the future.

Steph
(I've never posted so many times in one day)

[rogerd]

Steph, if the 500 page limit will last you for a few years, I wouldn't worry at all. That's eons in web years. Before the time the content breaks 500 pages, something else will either upset the applecart or offer new opportunities. Atomz might eliminate free search or extend its limits, new services may be available, you may change hosts, etc.

[Birdman]

Unfortunately the client isn't up for changing hosts.

I only meant another host just for the search program and the db. Keep your site where it is. I'm pretty new to web development, so that's just my 1/2 cents worth;)

[Jane_Doe]

I use Atomz on three sites, including my kids' elementary school site, and I think it's great. It's very easy to use and install, with cool customized reports each week on what terms people have been searching for.