WebProNews

Chasing Google on the business PC, Microsoft has updated its Windows Desktop Search product with support for installation via System Management Server.

Microsoft touted its enterprise-focused search product in Barcelona at the IT Forum, and has made Windows Desktop Search available for XP or 2000 machines. They have included the ability to search the desktop, intranets running SharePoint, or the web with MSN Search.

The enterprise options include the mentioned SMS installation and adherence to Windows Group Policy, which limits users to searching only what they could normally access under their group memberships.

Also, WDS permits multiple users of the product on the same PC to use it with their particular settings and permissions.

Microsoft has tried to embrace developers with this release. End-user firms can develop IFilters, which allow the indexing engine to read different file formats beyond those included with WDS.

There is support for writing protocol handlers to access proprietary applications. A desktop search query API will permit integration of search results with other business apps.

Free download of WDS requires a valid Windows license. Microsoft has made that a requirement to obtain non-security products and updates in an effort to crack down on piracy of the Windows operating system.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.