Best site search to use

opinions on what tools are out there?

[geoinct]

We need to add a site search utility to a new client’s web site and I’d like to get some opinions on what tools are out there

Wish list, etc

Cross platform capable would be best

Integrates into the clients site (Look & feel)

Easy to install and setup

If free, no ads

Ideally requires no setup on server as we work with many clients’ web hosting companies, some of which are difficult to work with

However, this first client is Windows with index server running

Flexible for users (such as advanced search options, etc)

Webmaster can see the searches that have been performed

Ability to work with advanced analytics such as Click Tracks or Google Analytics

[celgins]

Sounds like a candidate for Google Search.

[geoinct]

Yes Google search is definitely a candidate

We never used Google search and have a couple of concerns, the biggest being that the way I understand it Google site search uses the Google database not the site. In other words unless all or most of the pages are indexed the search will not be performed on the entire site.

Since this site search will be implemented as the new site is launched it could be months before all or most pages are indexed.

I expect Google Site Map will help speed this up

[Animated]

if you are familiar with PHP thats a good way to set up a site search too that works directly with the sites database