Name space search mechanism that searches for names and/or unique identifiers in a bounded period of time

摘要

The present invention provides an enhanced computer resource search mechanism that can be used to search for computer system resources using either computer resource names or computer resource unique identifiers. This is accomplished via a search mechanism that is comprised of an enhanced indexing structure and an associated search engine. The indexing structure is made up of a series of entries that are resource name/bag pairs. A bag is a composite structure that is itself made up of one or more UID/location pairs. Each pair within a bag represents one instance of the subject name within the name space under consideration. The search engine uses this enhanced indexing structure to perform bounded searches of a name space based on a presented resource name or UID.