SharePoint Customization for NonDevelopers
September 3, 2012
Customization in SharePoint is always a hot topic, as it can be difficult, costly, and non-intuitive. However, Ricardo Wilkins at the Microsoft SharePoint Blog believes it can be possible even for the non-developer. Read all of his ideas at his post, “Fake It ‘til You Make It – Alternatives to Custom Application Pages for Non-Developers.”
Wilkins begins:
SharePoint is a versatile tool meant to empower end-users. So, for me it seems such a shame when end-users feel powerless when it comes to their ability to ‘create’ in SharePoint. Sometimes for a non-developer, it can seem like the only way to make something interesting in SharePoint (besides a fancy list or some Wiki pages) is to get help from a Developer or Web Designer. But I submit that, with a little creativity (and maybe some smoke-n-mirrors), non-developers can make an ‘application’ that looks and feels like a Developer’s custom application page.
Wilkins goes on to provide a good list of not only techniques for customization, but also software add-ons and apps to make that possible. An alternative is to invest in a smart third-party solution that streamlines the customization process simply by being inherently more intuitive. One such solution is Fabasoft Mindbreeze, which boasts an entire suite of effective solutions for the enterprise. However, in regard to SharePoint, Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise can serve as a standalone alternative, or a compliment to an existing SharePoint infrastructure.
See for yourself if your SharePoint customization woes might be eased by the simple addition of Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise.
Emily Rae Aldridge, September 3, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext.
WalMart Blasts Off with Polaris: Destination Semantic Search
August 31, 2012
I just read “WalMart Rolls out Semantic Search Engine, Sees Business Boost.” The semantic technology “not only helps users find items they want on its Web site, but also delivers results based on their interests and likely intent, the company said Thursday [August 30, 2012].”
Let’s begin with an essay question. What is semantic search? You have 15 minutes, describe how “semantic search works,” name three vendors with profitable semantic search businesses, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of semantic search, including costs and computational requirements.”
I assume you skipped the essay question. I know that Martin White and I struggled to craft a brief, reasonably accurate definition of “semantic search” in our Successful Enterprise Search Management, published by Galatea an eon ago. I think the book is still available at www.galatea.co.uk.
I had to define “semantic search” in my new monograph for Sue Feldman at IDC, and I think I recycled something from Wikipedia. The definition is okay, but I am not comfortable with that definition or any of the definitions I have written over the past few years.
The reason is that “semantic search”, like big data or analytics, is pretty much meaningless. Depending on whom you consult, the speaker trotting out the term, or the company touting its “semantic search” system—there are too many angles on the topic.
Find someone else to grade your exam, pilgrim. Or, better yet, just give yourself an “A” and move on. Easier and in today’s search environment, good enough.
I thought about semantic search when I worked through the flurry of “real” journalists’ and “real” pundits’ writings about Wal-Mart’s semantic search system. You know WalMart, the outfit that made Fairbanks Second Street into a ghost town overnight.
“Wal-Mart’s Homegrown Search Engine Already Paying Dividends” provides the insight which makes my beta blockers work overtime. The article reveals that WalMart has written its own search engine “from scratch.” In today’s world with the open source options readily available, I wonder what “from scratch” means. The story reveals that Endeca is being replaced with Polaris. Endeca, in case you are curious, is one of those late 1990 search engines which has been gobbled by a giant company. In an effort to pump up Endeca’s revenues and pay the estimated $1.1 billion acquisition price, some folks may be worrying about the total cost of ownership of Endeca. I am okay with Endeca but Oracle may not be happy with the pace of revenue growth. ( had heard that Wal-Mart had a brush with Google’s search appliance, but I don’t know if that technology delivered what Sam’s folks needed.)
WalMart offers fewer items, so, the article reports, WalMart had to figure out how to make search work better. The key point in the write up is in my opinion:
The new search engine technology has rolled out to both the Web site and mobile site in the U.S. Wal-Mart is now planning to roll out internationally to Brazil and other countries. @WalmartLabs was created in part by the $300 million acquisition of Kosmix, a data company based in Mountain View, Calif.
Kosmix had a search system, so I am curious about how “new” the technology is which WalMart is using. Kosmix was an interesting system and the company had, at one time, some interactions with Google. (For more information about Kosmix, see “Kosmix: YAGK (Yet Another Google Killer)” and “Kosmix and Its Positioning”.
Another outfit covering search is the estimable Technology Review. “Wal-Mart Dives Into Search Technology” is representative of similar stories in many blogs and trade news coverage. The main idea is that WalMart is aware that WalMart people are going online to buy the treasures from Wuhan which are available in the physical stores. The article makes this point, which strikes me as something quite a few people overlook:
All in all, focusing on search seems like a good move for Wal-Mart, but to fully see the benefits, the company will have to bring shoppers to its site in the first place, rather than competitors’ such as Amazon.
Do I have an opinion about Polaris? Well, owning a search engine sure looks more economical in the long run. Is it? Wal-Mart will know soon enough. And some of the people who are likely to use Wal-Mart’s Web site may just compare prices against Amazon’s and make a decision based on price. WalMart people without computer shopping in their DNA may just grab a cart and cruise a store. In Fairbanks, small towns run a bus to WalMart for shopping. No online connectivity in some places where WalMart has a store. We’re watching.
Stephen E Arnold, August 31, 2012
Sponsored by Augmentext
Clearing Up or Adding to the SharePoint 2013 Rumor Mill
August 31, 2012
As rumors continue to fly regarding SharePoint 2013 it is hard to say at this point whether they are being dispelled or expounded. ShareMuch is adding their two cents with a Screencast video specifically targeted at SharePoint search and FAST search. Watch the full video, “Screencast: Clearing Some Rumors Around Sharepoint 2013 Search and FAST Features.”
The author gives us some points to be on the lookout for as we watch:
Here are some highlights of the video:
1. Search service is still a service application
2. Configuration options in Central Admin UI are pretty much the same as in SharePoint 2010 search
3. Content sources can be defined on the site and tied to a rendering template
4. Query Builder is a neat feature to create query transformations and preview them before publishing
5. Importing and exporting search configurations is great
SharePoint 2013 is exciting. The enterprise search community can hardly wait to see what’s around the corner. But for some smaller enterprises, a smart idea might be a third party solution. Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise can work as a standalone solution or compliment an existing SharePoint infrastructure. Updates are released quarterly and require no maintenance or hassle on the part of the organization.
Philip West, August 31, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext.
SEO Pro Emphasizes Content Quality
August 31, 2012
Desperate SEOs are constantly looking for a new angle. In Search Engine Journal’s “Content Confusion: Why Webmasters Fail—Time After Time,” Gregory Smith tries to convince his readers that it should be all about quality content instead of the latest ploy to game an algorithm. He begins:
“I’ve discovered many Webmasters who have lost a lot due to Google’s Panda and Penguin updates. Many have lost their entire income virtually overnight. Can you imagine how badly losing your income would affect your life in a very intolerable way? Instead of learning from this lesson, more and more people are steadily heading in the same direction, still completely confused.”
Yes. Smith spends some time discussing ranking tricks like guest posts, links of dubious quality, and infographics and the very good reasons such tactics no longer work like they used to. Though he insists that search engine optimization is still “one of the most valuable investments that any business owner” can make, he implores his SEO colleagues and their clients to focus on providing quality content. If they do, the rankings will take care of themselves, he says.
Well, to a certain extent. We wouldn’t want all those SEOs out of a job just because their field is becoming increasingly obsolete, right?
Cynthia Murrell, August 31, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
EntropySoft Offers SharePoint Users Aid
August 31, 2012
SharePoint is a big name in the semantics tech world, but unfortunately it is not a one-stop shop. For businesses who are trying to utilize SharePoint’s features, the not so savvy user might need to access the program information, making things complicated to say the least. The article, Search and Act in SharePoint explains how using extra tools like EntropySoft’s FAST Search makes for a better user experience:
“EntropySoft’s FAST Search for SharePoint and FAST ESP Connectors allow documents from external content repositories to be included within their indexes. This means users can securely search and find documents from these external ECM systems directly from the native search bar in SharePoint…Users can access document versions and metadata, and with the appropriate permissions, they can also edit meta data or delete versions.”
The solutions to some of SharePoints most pesky user issues definitely allows for a more enjoyable experience using the program. In an ideal world our BI technologies would be advanced enough that there wouldn’t be a need for extra tools like EntrophySoft’s Fast Search or their other child EntropySoft Content Hub SharePoint Edition, a tool that allows an easy to use single point of access – but, we will take what we can get.
Edie Marie, August 31, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
Semantics and Facets in Mindbreeze InSite
August 30, 2012
Fabasoft Mindbreeze will not only meet your internal enterprise search needs, but can also meet external needs in terms of your public facing Web site. Fabasoft Mindbreeze InSite can provide your users with intuitive search on your Web presence. The Fabsoft Mindbreeze blog entry, “Semantics and Facets: Mindbreeze InSite Makes Your News Cosmos ‘Sexy,’” pays attention to the topic.
The author begins:
The key term is semantic search, which means ‘understanding content.’ And I’m proud to be able to report that Mindbreeze InSite can do this perfectly. But how does it work? It’s not magic code, just statistical mathematics and sophisticated content analysis. Both aspects molded together in one program give Mindbreeze its power to ‘think.’ Through content analysis and statistics, Mindbreeze InSite really can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each website operator. Essentially the result is always the same: The perfect search results you need quickly. You can also search, for example, according to author, topic, tags and terms.
The semantic and faceted search can pay real dividends for your business. Users appreciate a hassle-free and intuitive experience when navigating a Web site. This can be especially useful in retail contexts. In addition, Fabasoft Mindbreeze backs all their products with outstanding customer support and frequent updates.
Emily Rae Aldridge, August 30, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext.
Watson in Your Hip Pocket: Win TV Game Shows Anywhere, Anytime
August 29, 2012
Autumn is fast approaching, and it is time for IBM to wheel out the Big Berthas of its marketing campaigns. I spotted the story “IBM Creating Pocket Sized Watson in $16 Billion Sales Push.” The headline snagged my attention. First, it pointed out that the $100 billion services giant wants to generate $16 billion more. A goal can be useful. Second, one of the products which will help blast through this sales target is Watson.
Will IBM Watson pull a rabbit from a hat or wear a hat which looks like a rabbit?
I found this passage particularly interesting:
The next version, dubbed “Watson 2.0,” would be energy- efficient enough to work on smartphones and tablets. The challenge for IBM is overcoming the technical obstacles to making Watson a handheld product, and figuring out how to price and deliver it. Watson’s nerve center is 10 racks of IBM Power750 servers running in Yorktown Heights, New York, that have the same processing power as 6,000 desktop computers. Even though most of the computations occur at the data center, a Watson smartphone application would still consume too much server power for it to be practical today.
Okay. No problem.
The fact that a noted technology expert like Ray Kurzweil is passing along public relations output which flowed from IBM to Bloomberg to Mr. Kurzweil is instructive. The Bloomberg story is “IBM Envisions Watson as a Super-Siri for Businesses.”
Several observations:
First, Watson won a game show. I questioned the credibility of a machine victory particularly when game shows are produced. The good old days of College Bowl on which I appeared in the 1960s were live. Today’s game shows are subject to lots of work by men and women in edit booths. I was okay with the stunt, but did it sell Watson? I don’t know.
Second, I called attention to IBM’s assertions that Watson would rework health care. You can find those write ups—“IBM Watson in Health Care,” “IBM Watson Still Chasing Health Care,” and “IBM Public Relations Chugs Away on Watson and Health Care”—in Beyond Search’s archive. I have lost track of Watson’s revolutionizing medicine.
Third, I have been skeptical about IBM’s claims that Watson slices, dices, and performs various works of retrieval magic in an affordable manner. The most recent analysis of Watson appears in my discussion of Watson in a monograph about open source search which is in press at this time. The full megillah will be available from IDC, the giant consulting firm, in the fall. You can get a taste of what we do at this link: LucidWorks Profile. Let me say that Fancy Dan systems are difficult to make into profitable businesses of the magnitude of IBM’s $16 billion. Autonomy was about a $1.0 billion when it was sold to Hewlett Packard. I mention this as a point of reference only.
Third, the voice search thing is viewed as one of the next big Star Trek things for big companies to do. The challenges, however, are intriguing. There is the issue of accents. There is the issue of ambient noise. There is the issue of a lousy phone due to the owner’s dropping it or spilling a smoothie on it. There is the issue of computational horsepower. There is network latency. There is confusing strings of speech which, if you consider your conversation with a colleague, is full of fits and starts and direction changes. There is the issue of lousy hardware in an automobile’s “smart” dashboard. You get the idea.
Will Watson slam dunk voice search? In demos, Watson will be impressive. In the real world, it may perform as the system did on Jeopardy.
Stephen E Arnold, August 29, 2012
Sponsored by Augmentext
Fabasoft Mindbreeze Even Better with Summer 2012 Release
August 29, 2012
One of the many positives to the Fabasoft Mindbreeze suite of solutions is the company’s dedication to quarterly updates. Fabasoft Mindbreeze ensures that customers keep up with current trends while never having to bother with disruptive overhauls. Unlike Microsoft, famous for its three-year cycle of software updates, Fabasoft Mindbreeze ensures that products are constantly improved instead of infrequently replaced. The summer 2012 release of Fabasoft Mindbreeze pays a lot of attention to social media needs.
The Fabasoft Mindbreeze blog says:
Nowadays almost every company uses social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook just as much as a document management system. So why not use these tools to collect our search results? The new Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise 2012 Summer Release offers exactly this possibility: Collect from all open interfaces. This helps a company’s employees to save time and energy for the most important tasks, thereby increasing customer satisfaction.
In addition to paying attention to Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise, Fabasoft Mindbreeze InSite also gets some attention. InSite gets a facelift with federating capabilities.
Individualism also applies to federated data sources with Fabasoft Mindbreeze InSite. Your website visitors can find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise and Fabasoft Mindbreeze InSite make you ready for the future. Connect Enterprise and the Cloud. Conveniently and easily.
Regardless of your enterprise technology needs, Fabasoft Mindbreeze has a solution to help you meet it.
Emily Rae Aldridge, August 29, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext.
SharePoint Updates and Versions
August 28, 2012
SharePoint followers understand the constant battle in terms of keeping up with SharePoint versions and updates. Microsoft is notorious for its three-year cycle of highly-anticipated updates. In the meantime, small tweaks and patches normally focus on capability with emerging technologies as well as fixes and security patches. On the Material SharePoint blog, James Sturges helps sort out the details in, “SharePoint Versions and Updates.”
Sturges begins:
Thus far I haven’t found a simple official chart by Microsoft on TechNet or otherwise that shows not only the version number for each SP version. Even more, the few resources I’ve found only cover 2010 individually, and certainly not WSS/MOSS. However, Todd Carter has a brilliant blog post on all major SP versions for 2007 and 2010 I’ve referred to so many times I copied here below. I refer to it so much in fact that when he recently moved his blog and the page was unavailable for a day or so I was completely lost.
The remainder of the post is equally helpful for those who follow SharePoint. However, for enterprise users who are tired of keeping up with changing versions complicated updates, a switch to a smart third-party solution might be a good bet. Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise serves as a stand-alone enterprise solution or compliments an existing SharePoint infrastructure. Most importantly, Fabasoft Mindbreeze provides ease of use and an intuitive interface, both of which SharePoint lacks.
Emily Rae Aldridge, August 28, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext.
Baidu Employees Caught Deleting Posts
August 28, 2012
Oh, my. Objective information has just taken a new turn on its winding path. TechWorld reports, “Baidu Workers ‘Found to be Deleting Posts for Cash’.” Apparently, the practice of illegally deleting controversial or negative posts for pay is common in China, where Baidu is the dominant Web search engine. Writer Sophie Curtis reports:
“Chinese search giant Baidu has fired four employees after it emerged that they may have accepted bribes to delete posts from its website.
“Three of the former employees have also been arrested for accepting cash to delete forum posts. Baidu’s spokeswoman Betty Tian told BBC News that the sums involved amounted to ‘tens of thousands of yuan’ (thousands of pounds).”
Baidu asserts that they have always taken a firm hand with such behavior, promptly reporting it to authorities. This breech has been discovered less than a year after the search firm pledged to ramp up self-regulation efforts. Baidu, along with 38 other top Chinese IT firms, made that pledge in response to government pressure; China is determined to control the evolution of the Internet within its borders.
Baidu, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Beijing, is by far the largest Chinese-language search engine. It also boasts of hosting the largest blog system in China, Baidu Space. Their name, which literally means “hundreds of times,” comes from a poem written during the Song Dynasty describing the persistent search for the ideal within chaos. An apt name for a Web search engine, I think.
Cynthia Murrell, August 28, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
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