With the abundance of data and applications at our disposal, finding the right information quickly can be a daunting task. 

This is why search engines exist. 

From the early days of the internet to the present era of AI-driven algorithms, search engines have played a pivotal role in shaping the way we discover and access content online.

In this article, we’ll explore the four different types of search engine solutions, ranging from web search engines to enterprise-specific tools, and discuss their unique features and applications.

Different types of search engines

1. Web Search

Web search engines, such as Google (the largest search engine) and Yahoo, are tools used to index and retrieve information from the vast expanse of the World Wide Web. While they excel at providing access to publicly available information, they are not able to search within an organization’s internal data sources and applications.

Purpose: To surface public information across the internet 

Examples: Google, Bing, Yahoo

2. Enterprise Search

Workplace enterprise search tools are specifically tailored for searching within an organization’s internal data sources and applications, providing employees with seamless access to the information they need to perform their jobs effectively. These tools typically offer advanced features such as federated search, natural language processing, personalized recommendations, AI chatbots, and integration with collaboration platforms.

Purpose: To surface internal company information across workplace apps 

Examples: GoSearch, Glean

GoSearch is a new enterprise search engine created by GoLinks, designed to revolutionize information retrieval within large organizations through its AI-powered search capabilities. It enables employees to swiftly find company-wide knowledge by searching public company sources and personal documents all from one search box. It integrates with 100+ data connectors to streamline access to a diverse range of company resources and offers a mobile app for resource access on the go.

3. Site Search

Site search tools focus on indexing and retrieving information from a specific website or domain. They are commonly used by organizations to improve the search experience on their websites, enabling visitors to quickly find relevant content.

Purpose: To surface public information from one particular website

Examples: Algolia, Swiftype

4. Enterprise Search for Specific Apps

Some enterprise search solutions are designed to search within specific applications or ecosystems, providing users with targeted access to information within those platforms. For example, Google Cloud Search is tailored for searching within Google Workspace apps, while Copilot specializes in searching within Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Purpose: To surface internal information within specific applications 

Examples: Google Cloud Search, Copilot

FAQs

What is the difference between enterprise search and web search?

Web search engines like Google are designed to index and retrieve information from the entire internet. Enterprise search, on the other hand, is specifically optimized for searching within an organization’s internal data sources and applications. 

What is the difference between site search and enterprise search?

Site search tools focus on indexing and retrieving public information from a specific website, providing visitors with a tailored search experience on that site. In contrast, enterprise search software is designed to search across an organization’s entire ecosystem of internal data sources and applications.

What is an open source search engine? 

An open source search engine is a software system designed for internet searching, whose source code is freely available to the public for use, modification, and distribution. It allows developers to contribute to its development, enhancing features or customizing it to meet specific needs, fostering innovation and community collaboration.

What are popular search engines? 

Popular top search engines include Google, known for its comprehensive search results and advanced algorithms; Bing, offering unique search features and integration with Microsoft products; and DuckDuckGo, which emphasizes user privacy and does not track searches.

Improve workplace productivity with enterprise search 

Different types of search engines play a crucial role in facilitating information retrieval and knowledge management within organizations. 

Whether it’s web search engines for accessing publicly available information or enterprise-specific tools like GoSearch for searching within internal data sources, choosing the right search engine solution can significantly impact productivity and efficiency. 

Ready to start using enterprise search for better knowledge management and workplace productivity? Schedule a demo to see GoSearch in action.