The document discusses search-based applications (SBAs), which are custom-built applications that allow users to access information tailored to their specific needs and context. It provides definitions and examples of SBAs, and outlines factors to consider when determining if an SBA is the right solution for a given problem. The remainder of the document discusses a case study of Siteworx's work with NPR to implement a new digital media archive platform using open source software.

1. Search Based Applications
November 1, 2011 – Enterprise Search Summit
Presented By:
Siteworx, Inc.
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2. Introductions
David Nickelson, PsyD, JD
Director of Digital Engagement
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3. Siteworx
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4. OVERVIEW
Award-winning interactive agency
Strong qualifying track record in global 500
Specialize in audience driven design & digital branding
Expertise in web content management implementation & integration
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5. Search Based Applications
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6. Definition
SBA’s allow users to unlock value of information specific to their functional need
 Custom built (tailored input and output options)
 Contextual
 Specific business purpose/audience
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7. Use SBA’s for:
Strategic research portals
Sales Enablement
Customer Service and Support
Product Finder
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8. When is an SBA the Right Solution?
 POST
 People
 Objectives
 Strategy
 Technology
Source: Owens, Leslie (2011) “Tapping the Power of Search-Based Applications”. Forrester Research,
Boston, MA.
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9. Content Professionals and Application Development
Professionals Share Responsibility for SBA Assessment
Source: Owens, Leslie (2011) “Tapping the Power of Search-Based Applications”. Forrester Research,
Boston, MA.
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10. NPR Digital Media Archive
Confidential
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11. NPR Digital Media Archive
Background Purpose
NPR has thousands of important transcript Ingest and manage transcript and
and audio files audio files through a new platform
The NPR librarians’ primary focus is to Ingest transcripts and provide librarians
catalogue and archive these records with an effective tool to manage
associated metadata
Before the DMA project these files were
managed through a legacy system Define the taxonomy for the new
archive
The NPR legacy instance had not been
updated in over 9 years Provide a robust search interface that
can be used by librarians, NPR internal
There had been 5 failed attempts at moving staff, reporters, and eventually the
to a new archiving platform/system before general public
this initiative
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12. Points of
Interest
Phases
PHASE 1:
Discovery, Alignment and Requirements • POC was between a COTS and an open source product
• There is a large demand in the media industry for archiving
PHASE 2: software
Proof of Concept/Bake Off
• The archiving software selected was previously only used
for museums
PHASE 3:
Implementation • Open source technology had never previously been
successfully implemented by any company outside of the
software creator
• Project started in a waterfall methodology and is finishing
using NPR’s agile methodology to accommodate new
project requirements that have arisen since inception
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13. Points of
Interest
Phases
PHASE 1:
Discovery, Alignment and Requirements
PHASE 2:
Proof of Concept/Bake Off
PHASE 3:
Implementation
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14. Points of
Interest
Phases
PHASE 1:
Discovery, Alignment and Requirements
• Project team consisted of NPR librarians and NPR
technical stakeholders
PHASE 2:
• Extensive detailed background documentation from past
Proof of Concept/Bake Off
projects
PHASE 3: • NPR technical team heavily lean towards open source
Implementation technologies and open standards
• Consulting vendor was tasked with setting up the POC,
including contracting and managing vendors and software
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15. Points of
Interest
Phases
PHASE 1:
Discovery, Alignment and Requirements
• Bake-off between a COTS product and an open-source
product
PHASE 2:
• 2 technology vendors were provided with sample data for a
Proof of Concept/Bake Off
POC
PHASE 3: • The open-source product was selected, the base software
Implementation was much more tailored to archiving instead of digital
asset management
• The challenge with the open-source product was lack of
support
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16. Points of
Interest
Phases
PHASE 1: • Initially attempted to work with the software company (1
Discovery, Alignment and Requirements person) to provide subject matter expertise for the project
• Software company would not participate in the project
PHASE 2: unless they could completely own the implementation
Proof of Concept/Bake Off
• Siteworx also partnered with the archivist to assist with
creation of the taxonomy
PHASE 3:
Implementation • The project consisted of design and development of the
search interfaces, configuration and customization of the
software
• Consultation vendor completed the initial creation of the
platform in a waterfall approach and moved to an agile
approach to accommodate later phase final items
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22. Q &A
Confidential
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23. Contact Information
David Nickelson, PsyD, JD
Director of Digital Engagement
703-657-1280 (o)
703-593-5843 (m/txt)
dnickelson@siteworx.com
DrDNickelson (Twitter)
DWNickelson (LinkedIn)
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