If you think you need a search application, there are some useful first steps to take: validating that full-text search is the right technology; producing sets of ideal results you'd like to return for a range of queries; considering the value of supplementing a basic search results list with document clustering; and producing more specific requirements and investigating technology options.

There are many ways that people come to the conclusion that they need a search application, and a variety of ways in which they can then proceed. Here are some of the steps that users often consider (or maybe should consider) before they're ready to start building an application.