Google has taken desktop search corporate, joining X1 and Copernic in the enterprise. But, there is one key differentiator: Google Desktop Search for Enterprise is available free of cost, although it lacks some of the more advanced features ingrained in its competitors' software.

Google Desktop Search Corporate searches across the desktop, intranets and Internet for e-mails, dozens of commonly used file formats, Web history and instant messages. At present, Google is the only desktop search utility that aggregates AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) messages and provides full text search of cached Web pages.

The software also supports Lotus Notes messages, in partnership with IBM.

Searches can be restricted from indexing secure sites, specific file types and domains; entire indexes may be encrypted. Installations and settings are centrally configured with the option to test and validate installations prior to adoption in valuable production environments. Deployment and software update management is also centralized.

What's more, Google has programmed compatibility with its Google Search Appliance and Google Mini products. Competitors, including X1 provide server software to centrally index and conserve network bandwidth in lieu of repeated searches from desktop users. Google does this with its search appliance.

"Finding information quickly in business is more than a convenience - it's a necessity," said Dave Girouard, general manager of Google's enterprise business. "With the addition of Google Desktop Search for Enterprise, businesses of all sizes can offer their employees one-stop Google search for the desktop, intranet, or web."

Google lacks the statistical and linguistic algorithms found in Copernic's software that break down full text searches into concepts and cannot return search fine grained results from within files -- beyond file names -- like X1. However, Google's indexing capabilities can be enhanced by third party plug-ins.

Google Desktop Search for Enterprise may be downloaded from Google's Web site.