摘要 |
<p>An indexing agent is provided on each of a plurality of devices connected to a network. The indexing agents generate indexing data including information regarding the content and location of resources on the respective devices. An index server is connected to the network, including a query engine for searching the resources on the devices. The indexing agents transfer the indexing data from the respective devices to the index server, either automatically or with a crawler from the index server. The index server compiles the indexing data from the respective devices into a searchable database. The indexing agents may translate the indexing data from device-specific formats into formats that may be interpreted by the index server. The indexing agent may also allow indexing of mobile devices connectable to the network, and may restrict indexing to authenticated search engines.</p> |