Software startup Cloudtenna is working a global file search (GFS) solution that, for the first time, provides native desktop integration into Apple’s Spotlight search feature and Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant.
When it debuts — and it’s currently in limited beta testing — users of these two services can now simply enter queries directly into the Cortana or Spotlight search field and achieve results from not only local machine data but across all Cloudtenna-supported repositories, including on-premises repositories, cloud file storage services and hosted/online applications like Slack and Salesforce.
The goal is to deal with the problem of “repository overload.” Cloudtenna CEO Aaron Ganek told Apple World Today that the average number of repository employees use in their daily workflow — including email, Dropbox, ShareFile, etc. — is 6.3. It’s not surprising then that 76% of employees say finding files is a pain.
Cloudtenna DirectSearch uses machine learning intelligence, natural language processing and automation to address the growing problem of file sprawl with enterprise file search, according to Ganek. Through this new integration into Cortana and Spotlight users can now simultaneously search across all collaborative tools available throughout an organization to significantly improve productivity and ensure file version control with results appearing natively within the desktop search.
Users can find files by name, sender, data, file type, keyword, content or other attributes regardless of where it is stored and presents search results in 400-600 milliseconds. DirectSearch learns from relevance, context and user behavior to continuously improve search results and rankings.
DirectSearch is an enterprise product designed to maintain stringent enterprise security requirements and does not store user passwords. Future products from Cloudtenna will address advanced file management, analytics, auditing, and e-governance, Ganek says. It learns from relevance, context, and user behavior to continuously improve search results and rankings. And it presents search results in 400-600 milliseconds, according to the folks at Cloudtenna.
Mac and Windows users interested in applying for Cloudtenna’s beta program for Spotlight and Cortana can visit www.cloudtenna.com.
