Enterprise Search, Take 4

• By Doug Barney
• 03/31/2008

This is a pretty big area, and one that is very easy to test. Any clown can tell you which search works best -- that's why Google rules in Web and desktop searches. It only takes one or two queries before the depth of its indexing proves superior.

The new Microsoft software is in beta, and now works with OneNote (should be called OneCustomer) and Outlook.

The biggest flaw is its Windows-centricity. Some may run almost all-Microsoft operating systems, but the data is stored in apps from all over. This means you need more than one enterprise search tool if you really want to find things.

Am I right, or all wet on this issue? Let me know by writing me at [email protected].

Hyper-V: As Easy as Pie (Once You Configure the Stove!)
Our new magazine/Web site/blog/newsletter Virtualization Review is fully up and running. In fact, we just printed and shipped tens of thousands of copies of the very first issue.

Leading our virtualization charge is former Redmond Editor Keith Ward, now editor of Virtualization Review. (Keith is so good, we hire him back every time he leaves for what he thinks are greener pastures. Now he knows the truth: Ain't nothing greener than virtualization!)

Keith is a techie at heart and lately has been messing with a sweet HP loaner server, most recently loading Windows Server 2008 and the beta of Hyper-V. So far, so good. The only glitch was enabling virtualization on HP's Xeon processors before he could successfully load the new Microsoft hypervisor.

Keith promises a steady stream of reports on various hypervisors -- all from the perspective of a new virtualization user, which most people in IT actually are. Keep up with Keith's blog here or get the RSS feed here.

Redmond Report Beta Build
Last week, I told you about RedmondReport.com. At the risk of some confusion, RedmondReport.com is not a Web version of this here newsletter, but instead a portal to all things Microsoft.

This newsletter mostly talks about things that our own Web sites can elaborate on. Hopefully, we give you enough that you don't need to go to other sites, but if you want more info, the articles are there.

RedmondReport.com is the opposite. The links are entirely to outside sources -- competitors, rivals and even enemies all get equal billing. I hope you bookmark this site, and check it out daily. Just don't stop visiting our other sites!

Bill on Immigration (Bill Gates, That Is)
I try to avoid being political in this newsletter, but in this case I'm making an exception.

Here's the backdrop: Bill Gates has long argued for loosening our Visa rules so companies such as Microsoft can bring in smart people. Bill made this same case in a speech a few weeks ago in front of the U.S. House of Representatives.

I happen to agree with him. I'm pretty hardcore when it comes to illegal immigration -- and not because I dislike immigration. Just the opposite; I love immigration. My feeling is that illegal immigration restricts a country's ability to welcome legal immigrants. A country should be able to define its immigration strategy, and has the right to give preference to highly educated immigrants.

I know some people are threatened by smart newcomers stealing the best jobs; things might get more competitive. But how many startups are started up by foreigners? Smart immigrants build economic leadership, invent new things and create some pretty sweet jobs.

Tell me where I'm wrong at [email protected].

Google Earth Hour: Feel Good While Doing Nothing
Last week, Google turned its page black to raise awareness of energy conservation.

My first thought turned to hypocrisy. Google uses millions of kilowatt hours powering massive server farms so we can look for Kim Kardashian videos.

Turns out, there was a deeper irony. Apparently, it takes more electricity to power a black screen than a light one.

Mailbag: Another Micrsosoft Standards Move?
One reader shares his thoughts about Microsoft's plans for network and systems management:

I would watch very carefully what Microsoft is doing in the network and systems management area. They are hiring Unix/Linux people with experience in DMTF/CIM -- maybe they are doing the right thing, more standards, less proprietary? Many other vendors are on same track.
-Tuomo

Tell us what you think about any of the topics covered here! Leave a comment below or send an e-mail to [email protected].