Whitepaper · Search architecture
Modern enterprise search
The main kinds of search used in enterprise systems, how each works, and where each belongs. Written for the architects who have to choose.
What it covers
Search is not one thing
Most arguments about search are about which layer is meant. A part number needs an exact match. A field report needs meaning. An agent needs both, and the permissions of the person asking.
- Layer 01
Keyword
Exact terms, BM25
- Layer 02
Fuzzy
Typos, variants
- Layer 03
Vector
Meaning, not wording
- Layer 04
Hybrid
Both, one ranking
- Layer 05
Graph
How records relate
- Layer 06
Agents
Search as a tool
Chapters
Six chapters, keyword to agents
01 · Page 03All six layers
Search is not one thing
Why most disagreements are about which layer is meant.
02 · Page 06Keyword
Where keyword still wins
Exact retrieval for part numbers and identifiers.
03 · Page 09Vector
What vectors add
Meaning beyond the words a field report uses.
04 · Page 11Hybrid · Graph
Hybrid and graph retrieval
Ranking that knows how records relate.
05 · Page 13Agents
Agents that search
Search as a tool, under the user’s permissions.
06 · Page 15All six layers
How Curiosity implements it
All six layers, in one system.
The full paper
The paper takes the layers apart, so you can choose them on purpose.
Download the PDFYour data. Your infrastructure.