Search June 26 2008

Search sub-group

June 26, 2008 at 1:00 p.m., Mathematics & Computer (MC) 1058

Minutes by: Lauren Harrison

1. Set up and administration

2. Short term changes

Old search log in information is missing. Therefore, only minimal changes can be made. Changes to the template are not an option This presents us with two options:

  1. Use the free custom search and implement redirects from the old search
  2. Update the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) on the old search to make it appear similar to the new search

It was decided that the best short term solution would be to update the CSS so that they appear as similar as possible. Redirects would be too time consuming for just for a short term solution.

3. Discussion of the June 12th Google presentation

AJAX search – issues with AJAX consist of a limited number of returned results (4 pages of results, after that it redirects to google.com). There is a possibility that we could blend AJAX with Custom search. There is also a concern with relying on JavaScript? for our Search.

Pros for Google appliance:

  • Reporting opportunities
  • Index frequency and completeness
  • Layout and design control
  • Flexibility
  • Less programming with more possibilities
  • Sponsored links, ONEBOX
  • Less dependent on connectivity
  • Speed improvements

Concerns about Google appliance:

  • Hosting
  • Area access

Conclusion: We are all in agreement that if we are going with a paid option, then Google Appliance would be the best solution assuming some questions get answered. The Next Steps: We will invite Scott back to go into more details about the appliance (or find some other way to answer these questions). Paul to find out about costs for hosting a box.

Questions for Scott Goodhew (Google):

  • More details on how the reporting features work, how much detail is provided (is this more than Custom Search?)
  • How the searching of protected areas works, who has access, how is this set up.
  • How much time and effort goes into set up and maintenance of the box (do we install patches? How often?)
  • How the process of using the appliance works (if possible)
  • How would we set this up with all the subdomains? Would we get reporting on that level?

-- MeganMcDermott - 27 June 2008