Search method comparison

Refer to the table in this section for a list of available search methods. The Features, Usage, and Scope columns describe each search method's features and limitations.

Search Method	Features	Usage	Scope
Simple search	A lightweight search feature Usable on any JSP file No set up required out of box Searches performed on base tables	Single term search input Boolean support	Searches the catgroup, catgrpdesc, catentry,catentdesc table (the basic properties of a category and catalog entry) and the (descriptive or defining) attributes defined for the catalog entries such as the attributes and attribute values table. Customizable with both new attributes and new tables
Advanced search	General search feature Usable on any JSP file No set up required out of box Searches performed on base tables Enhanced order search criteria	Multiple term search input Boolean support Most flexible option which expresses inputs and control over output	Searches the catgroup, catgrpdesc, catentry,catentdesc table (the basic properties of a category and catalog entry) and the the (descriptive or defining) attributes defined for the catalog entries such as the attributes and attribute values table. Broadest selection of attributes and tables Broad range of search controls Customizable with both new attributes and new tables
Advanced Product Advisor search tool with base schema support	Catalog exploration tool with 3 views on products: an Exploration tool, a Comparison tool, and a Q&A dialog tool Requires setup of exploration parameters Base table support	Interactive and iterative tool for selecting search term inputs Requires a category to seed start of search No Boolean support	Searches vertical schema with predefined horizontal schema support Searches are limited to a single category
Advanced Product Advisor search tool with separate schema support	Catalog exploration tool with 3 views on products: an Exploration tool, a Comparison tool, and a Q&A dialog tool Requires setup of exploration parameters Requires custom schema setup Highest performance rated search method	Interactive and iterative tool for selecting search term inputs Requires a category to seed start of search No Boolean support	Searches vertical schema with predefined horizontal schema support Searches are limited to a single category Limited ability to include additional columns from the horizontal schema
WebSphere Commerce Accelerator Catalog Search Methods	Complementary general search feature for the Campaigns, Product Management, and Customer Service tools	Augments merchant tasks while using WebSphere Commerce Accelerator tools	Searches the catgroup, catgrpdesc, catentry,catentdesc table (the basic properties of a category and catalog entry).