Longitude makes Microsoft's search ranking algorithm more intelligent with its patented
AptivRank technology, which leverages explicit user actions to make future searches more accurate. Longitude's expands upon Microsoft's use of 'click-through' to drive relevance by also taking into account the actions a user takes with regard to the document.
As a user searches for information, Longitude monitors the user's search session. Should the user take action on a document (emailing, printing, or downloading a local copy, for example) the document is tagged as being 'popular' relative to the search query used. All actions users take are collected and passed back to the ranking algorithm, which will subsequently rank the document higher in the future.
Metadata and Relevant Concept TaggingWith Longitude, when a relevant document is found, the associated search term is automatically tagged to the document as part of its metadata. For example, if a user searches using the term 'HR Benefits', and after review, he/she prints or downloads the document, it is quite clear the document had something to do with HR Benefits. Therefore 'HR Benefits' becomes a 'Concept' describing the document.
In Longitude, all relevant content is automatically tagged with key concepts based upon previous searches and the actions users took upon those results. This constant aggregation of rich metadata optimizes future searches and helps the search engine become more intelligent.
Advanced Content Processing from Other SystemsLongitude extends Microsoft's content processing functionality to other 'connected' data repositories. For example, if a user queries his/her ERP system to find vendor information, the user could also be presented with the associated vendor contract that might be located in a separate file system. Using
Longitude Connectors, this disparate information is automatically associated and linked at index time.
Why this matters Longitude gives users the ability to quickly assess the relevance of search results, and - if the document is deemed relevant - empowers them to act on the document directly from the preview interface. From a search perspective, such action is an explicit form of feedback indicating something relevant has been found. This information is more precise than whether a user clicks on a particular link to view the file…which may not prove relevant at all.
Instant Suggestions While Users Type a Search QueryLongitude provides users with a real-time drop-down similar to those offered by SharePoint 2010 and FAST for SharePoint. But in addition to presenting past keyword queries, it also presents metadata, Best Bets, and Concepts which relate to the keyword or phrase being entered.
When an action is taken by a user, Longitude will automatically tag the content with the search term or phrase the user issued in the query. Over time, a rich set of metadata is built to describe the relevant content in an organization.
Suggestions After a User Runs a QueryLongitude offers users a dynamic Tag Cloud that contains the 'Key Concepts' describing the search result. The concepts presented within the Tag Cloud are derived from search queries previous users have made which resulted in the user taking an explicit action on the relevant content, powered by AptivRank. Users can efficiently refine their search by clicking on any concept within the Tag Cloud.
Why this matters One of the challenges of keyword-driven search is knowing what keyword(s) to enter when searching. If a variety of unrelated keywords is entered for an unfamiliar topic by one user, other users running subsequent queries will be offered search terms that failed to help in the past. Longitude helps prevent such inefficiencies by providing users with a real-time drop-down menu that presents relevant concepts.
Longitude provides administrators with the ability to generate metadata at indexing time. This provides users with a richer navigation experience and cuts down on the amount of manual tagging required by administrators and users.
Advanced People Search by ExpertiseLongitude enhances Microsoft SharePoint and FAST 'People Search' by enabling comprehensive
'Expertise Search'. Longitude's interface can display all information describing employees and groups in an intuitive point-and-click fashion, so a user can quickly identify expertise within the organization without unnecessary guesswork.
Why it matters Microsoft's SharePoint and FAST technologies require that a user must search for an expert by entering the type of expertise into a blank box. This assumes the user knows exactly what the expert's specialty is. Longitude takes the guesswork out of searching for expertise.
Deploy Advanced, Specialized Applications powered by Microsoft Search TechnologiesBA Insight provides out-of-the-box web parts enabling IT Professionals to create rich search interfaces via an intuitive point-and-click interface.
BA Insight also provides over 30 out-of-the-box search connectors that enable enterprises to extend the power of SharePoint and FAST Search connect their enterprise systems and line of business applications. Longitude Connectors are robust, flexible, secure, and scalable, and both map and honor any non-AD system security model.
Learn more about Longitude Connectors for SharePoint and FAST
Why this matters All of Microsoft's enterprise search technologies empower developers to build search-powered applications. However this requires development and coding, and is not provided out-of-the-box. With Longitude, deployment can take days, instead of months.