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Zero-retention enterprise search: No indexing, no data storage

by Monika Kisielewska6 min readDecember 12, 2024

Qatalog has revolutionized enterprise search by eliminating indexing entirely. Our ActionQuery engine connects directly to your existing tools and platforms, delivering real-time results without ever storing or copying your data. No more security risks, no more costly infrastructure, and no more outdated information.

How does a no-index enterprise search work?

Unlike traditional systems that rely on pre-indexed data, Qatalog's innovative ActionQuery no-index enterprise search engine revolutionizes how organizations access their data:

  • Direct API connections to your existing tools

  • Real-time data retrieval without storage or indexing

  • Native permissions inheritance from source systems

  • Instant processing of live information

Why do organizations choose Qatalog?

No-index enterprise search has several advantages over traditional providers:

  • Maximum data security: No data duplication, native permissions inheritance

  • Cost-effective implementation: No storage costs, no indexing infrastructure

  • Instant setup: Start searching across your tools in hours, not weeks

  • Always fresh insights: Access real-time data directly from source systems

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The process is simple

  1. Sign up for a free trial
  2. Connect your tools in one click (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 tools, BigQuerry, Snowflake, Zendesk, and more)

  3. Start searching structured data and unstructured documents immediately

  4. Get real-time results directly from source systems

  5. Maintain your existing security permissions

1. Immediate value, zero setup

Traditional enterprise search tools require weeks or months of setup, indexing, and configuration. Enterprise search without data indexing eliminates these barriers:

  • Start searching immediately after integration

  • No need for extensive data preparation

  • Zero indexing infrastructure required

2. Data privacy-first

Data privacy and security isn't just a feature – it's fundamental to the indexless enterprise search architecture:

  • No data duplication enterprise search means reduced attack surface

  • Inherited permissions from source systems

  • Compliance with existing security protocols

Related: Why is data indexing a problem for AI-powered search

3. Always fresh, always accurate

Real-time access means you're always working with current information:

  • Access data the moment it's created

  • No lag between updates and availability

  • Perfect for dynamic, frequently changing content

4. Cost-effective scaling

The no-index approach transforms the economics of enterprise search:

  • Start seeing value from day one

  • Eliminate storage costs

  • No indexing infrastructure needed

How do we compare to indexed solutions?

While Glean and similar solutions require extensive setup and ongoing maintenance of indexed data, Qatalog's secure enterprise search offers a more direct approach:

Aspect

Qatalog

Glean enterprise search

Setup Time

Hours

Weeks/Months

Data Storage

None

Complete copy of company data

Information Freshness

Real-time

Depends on reindexing schedule

Security

Native permissions

Requires separate permission system

Maintenance

None required

Regular reindexing needed

Cost Structure

Free trial, $15 per user/mo

No storage costs

High storage and processing costs

Enterprise search tools that don’t index your data are perfect for the most critical use cases where indexed solutions fall short:

  • Real-time decision making

  • Sensitive data access

  • Compliance-regulated information

  • Complex permission scenarios

  • High-value data assets

Key takeaway

The shift from indexed to real-time search mirrors broader technology trends – moving from batch processing to real-time operations. As organizations prioritize security, agility, and cost-effectiveness, solutions like Qatalog's no-index search become increasingly crucial.

FAQ

Is there an enterprise search without indexing?

Yes! There are enterprise search solutions that operate without data indexing. These systems rely on retrieving data directly from the source instead of pre-building and storing an index of all the information. One of the best enterprise search tools without indexing is Qatalog, which connects directly to your tools and platforms via APIs to fetch live results when a search is performed.

How does Qatalog handle data privacy?

Qatalog never stores or indexes your data. When a search is performed, we access information directly from your source systems through secure APIs, process it in real-time, and immediately discard it after delivering results. This means your sensitive data never leaves your secure environment, and we maintain no persistent copies of your information.

What are the implementation costs for a no-index enterprise search?

The costs of implementing enterprise search without indexing are minimal, unlike indexed solutions requiring significant infrastructure investment. You pay for a monthly subscription with no additional storage or indexing infrastructure costs. There's no need for extensive IT resources or ongoing maintenance teams.

How long does it take to set up Qatalog?

Most organizations can start using Qatalog within hours. Simply connect your tools through our secure APIs, and you're ready to go. There's no lengthy indexing process or complex configuration required. You can start with a few key tools and expand your integration over time.

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How does Qatalog maintain search performance without an index?

Our ActionQuery engine is optimized for real-time data retrieval and processing. We use advanced query optimization and parallel processing techniques to ensure fast, responsive search results. While individual queries might take milliseconds longer than pre-indexed searches, you gain the advantage of always-current information and eliminate the overhead of maintaining an index.

Does Qatalog support compliance requirements like GDPR and CCPA?

Yes, Qatalog is fully compliant with major data protection regulations. Since we don't store your data, compliance is significantly simplified. Our no-index enterprise search engine inherits and respects all existing permissions and access controls, and our no-storage approach means there's no risk of retained data violating retention policies.

How does enterprise search handle large volumes of data without indexing it?

Indexless search architecture is designed to scale with your data volume. Instead of maintaining a massive index, it works by optimizing real-time queries for your source systems. This approach becomes more efficient as data volumes grow since results generated from indexed data may appear grounded in real information but can end up using irrelevant or incorrect data points.

Can Qatalog integrate with custom systems?

When you sign up for a free trial, you can connect with over 20 apps and tools, including HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 tools, BigQuerry, Snowflake, and more. We can integrate custom systems as long as they have API endpoints. Book a call with us to discuss your use case.

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