** Reply to note from Brian Kelly <[log in to unmask]> Fri, 2 Feb 2001 14:07:38 -0000
> The change at Leeds is interesting as I'd assumed that externally hosted
> search engines would be used by small colleges, departments or by projects,
> especially those with limited technical expertise. Leeds Univ doesn't fit
> this profile. The search engines is available at
> http://www.leeds.ac.uk/search/.
>
> The service seems very quick, and benefits from the functionality of Google.
> However there are network charging issues, reliance on a third party,
> loss of control over indexing policy, etc.
>
> Any thought on this?
It is usually easier for senior management to face up to paying for
services, goods, machines and similar than employ staff. If they have staff
shortages (who doesn't) or income uncertainties it may appear as a more
attractive proposition (in the sort term anyway) to buy a service than to
employ more staff.
Only a guess.
Charles
==============================================
Charles Christacopoulos, Secretary's Office, University of Dundee,
Dundee DD1 4HN, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44+(0)1382-344891. Fax: +44+(0)1382-201604.
http://somis.ais.dundee.ac.uk/
Scottish Search Maestro http://somis2.ais.dundee.ac.uk/
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