With the release of Portal 6.0 the Workplace Web Content Management SearchModule is no longer available. This means that there are three options available for searching the repository.
- WebSphere Portal Search
- Workplace Web Content Management API
- Third-party search product
Best practices:
Understand what is required by the search
Understand what content is to be searched, where it is stored, how much content there is and its format, what fields need to be searched, the format of the query and how the results are to be displayed. By knowing these things it can be determined if the Portal Search Engine will meet the requirements or if a third party search engine may be required.
Know your users
Don’t bother with an advanced search if your users will never use it. The search needs to be clear and easy for the users to use.
Use Dublin Core Meta tags instead of HTML Meta tags
The former are supported by many enterprise search engines (including WebSphere Portal Search), and the latter are no longer used.
Search secure content
Don’t be afraid to search secure content but ensure that authentication allows viewing of the documents by authenticated users only.
Consider the use of a third party search engine
If a project’s search requirements are comprehensive then consider integrating a third party search engine. Refer to the IBM Redbook™ “ IBM Workplace Web Content Management for Portal 5.1 and IBM Workplace Web Content Management 2.5 for further information
Practices to avoid:
Don’t write a custom search with the API because you can
If the Portal search does not meet your search requirements consider using an existing search product before trying to build your own search engine using the API.
Related Content
Integrating IBM WebSphere Portal Search with IBM Workplace Web Content Management for version 6
Info Center: Portal Search
Info Center: Searching Sites
New search features in 6.1