Norconex Commons Lang is a generic Java library providing useful utility classes that extend the base Java API. Its name is shamelessly borrowed from Apache Commons Lang, so people can quickly assume what it’s about just by its name. It is by no means an effort to replace Apache Commons Lang. Quite the opposite. We try to favor Apache Commons libraries whenever possible. Norconex uses this Commons Lang library as a catch-all, providing all kinds of generic utilities, some of which have extra dependencies over the base Java API. While this library is used by Norconex in its enterprise search projects, it is not tied to search and can be used in any context.
The following explores some of the key features it offers as of this writing. (more…)
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I’ll say it: enterprise search is expensive and takes time to do properly. The bigger the number of different repository types, the more complex your architecture is, the more you have in-house solutions or archaic systems in place, the more it will cost you time and money. Seems obvious doesn’t it? Then why do so many enterprise search projects go over budget? Possibly due to the fact that enterprise search is often treated as an “add-on” to an existing infrastructure, or even as a necessary evil in some cases. Many will treat search implementations like any other “simple” project. To them the requirements gathering, vendor evaluation, and procurement process are the most daunting tasks. Actual implementation and ongoing maintenance is too often neglected. 
Regardless how many satisfied enterprise search customers we meet, it seems there are always “irritants”. Many enterprise search customers have shared with us their frustrations towards their current search engine solution. For some, frustration grows with their needs. For others, it seems as though no search engine works quite like they want it to. 
Norconex officially launches its Enterprise Search Discussion Group, based on the great Zendesk platform. Reserved to federal employees, this discussion group is the place to share your enterprise search experiences and learn a lot from others. Find out who else is responsible for enterprise search in other departments. Are their challenges similar to yours? Seek advices while helping others. As an independent enterprise search company, Norconex will also be sharing its insights in order to add value to appropriate discussions. There is a lot to talk about:
