ASP.NET-friendly site-search applications

[darrel]

We're finishing up our home made asp.net based CMS that we've been working
on for a year or so.

The content is mainly in the SQL database in a variety of tables. The rest
is in document formate (word/PDF).

I've been informed that we have a bit of a budget to get a search
application. I'd like to know if anyone has any hands-on experience with a
..net based web site search tool and if they'd have any suggestions?

The key for us, I think, is that we need a tool that will index the site
from the end-user's perspective, instead of just diving into the SQL tables
(which really wouldn't have any context outside of the front end interface).

In the past, I've looked at MondoSearch, and it looked good. Anything else
along those lines? Ideally under the 10k price?

-Darrel

 

[clintonG]

The company and solution I prefer would be Endeca [1] who has
developed what they call 'Guided Navigation' which is the most
fascinating and user friendly solution I have yet to evaluate.

Next would be DTSearch [2] that is advertised in many of the
IT trade journals having very useful functionality.

I have also evaluated Texis from Thunderstone [2] which is used
by some very well known sites such as those published by Ziff-Davis.

--
<%= Clinton Gallagher, "Twice the Results -- Half the Cost"
Architectural & e-Business Consulting -- Software Development
NET (e-mail address removed)
URL http://www.metromilwaukee.com/clintongallagher/

[1] http://www.endeca.com/
[2] http://www.dtsearch.com/
[3] http://www.thunderstone.com/texis/site/pages

 

[darrel]

Thanks, Clinton. I will check these out!

--Darrel

 

[darrel]

[1] http://www.endeca.com/

Hmm...can't seem to find any mention of .net nor pricing on their site.
Ironically, there doesn't seem to be a SEARCH tool for their own web site!
;o)

-Darrel

 

[clintonG]

Endeca is Java and they disclose fees if you call. They start
at $50,000 as I recall.

--
<%= Clinton Gallagher, "Twice the Results -- Half the Cost"
Architectural & e-Business Consulting -- Software Development
NET (e-mail address removed)
URL http://www.metromilwaukee.com/clintongallagher/

[1] http://www.endeca.com/

Hmm...can't seem to find any mention of .net nor pricing on their site.
Ironically, there doesn't seem to be a SEARCH tool for their own web site!
;o)

-Darrel

 

[darrel]

Endeca is Java and they disclose fees if you call. They start
at $50,000 as I recall.

Oh geez...way more than what we're looking for. We're aiming for 4 figures
or less and, ideally a .net based system. But thanks!

-Darrel