For the last two years, next-generation library interfaces have represented one of the major trends in library automation products. SirsiDynix has entered the fray with the announcement of SirsiDynix Enterprise, a search product that features faceted navigation, built using the GlobalBrain data retrieval technology from BrainWare, Inc.. Both SirsiDynix and BrainWare are portfolio companies of Vista Equity Partners.
In addition to the faceted navigation and relevancy ranking of results that is now a standard characteristic in this new generation of library interfaces, SirsiDynix enterprise will include features such as fuzzy search logic, support of enriched content, saved searches, and the ability to execute searches through a URL. SirsiDynix Enterprise supports multiple languages, including the ability to return appropriate results regardless of the way the user enters diacritics. This product works with either an individual library or can be configured to support libraries involved in a consortia.
SirsiDynix Enterprise can be implemented as an add-on to all of the Web OPACs offered by the company including Symphony e-Library, iLink / iBistro, Web2, and Horizon Information Portal.
The company will focus initially on providing the products to libraries running Symphony, Unicorn, Horizon, or Dynix. The initial version of SirsiDynix Enterprise will be offered only as a Software-as-a-Service solution, hosted on SirsiDynix servers. Locally installed options will be possible in later versions.
Data from the library's automation system is harvested and indexed in SirsiDynix Enterprise. Up-to-date holdings and availability information is available to users through links back into the library's automation system.
SirsiDynix expects the product to be available during the third quarter of 2008; multiple customer libraries are currently participating in a beta test program. A preview of SirsiDynix Enterprise was demonstrated at the 2008 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA.
SirsiDynix Enterprise enters the competition for next-generation library interfaces fairly late. AquaBrowser has been available in the library market since 2004; Innovative Interfaces announced Encore in May 2006; Ex Libris announced Primo in June 2006. SirsiDynix is hardly the only late entry in this category. VTLS announced its Visualizer interface in January 2008. The Library Corporation, although it was one of the first automation companies to get involved with next-generation interfaces through its integration and marketing of both Endeca and AquaBrowser, has only recently begun showing Indigo, the company's own next-generation interface. In the K-12 school library automation arena, Follett Software Company released its Destiny Quest search interface for Destiny Library Manager in June 2008.
