I've heard a bunch of feedback from customers to the tune of "why doesn't Microsoft release a search server?" Well, here it is!
Microsoft Search Server 2008 was announced today. It's essentially an updated and rebranded version of SharePoint Server 2007 for Search, with some new features like:
- Simplified Installation Experience
- Enhanced Administration Interface
- New Federation Capabilities - supports OpenSearch 1.0/1.1 (see screen shot)
- Performance and Stability Enhancements
- No Preset Document Limits
(The federation features will be added to MOSS via a no charge, post-SP1 update, due out early next year.)
Search Server 2008 will be available in 2 versions:
- Microsoft Search Server 2008 (MSS)
- Microsoft Search Server 2008 Express (MSSX)
Microsoft is giving Search Server 2008 Express away for free: