I just tested X1 for a few minutes and I’m truly impressed with its ability to quickly index and search my local repository of files and email messages.

“X1 is free PC software that uses an advanced indexing process that lets you find any word in any email or file on your computer, in under a second.”

The Pro version of X1 is just under $50 (US) and adds the ability to search network shares and native file preview options as well.

X1 isn’t a new concept, but I like the hit-highlighting, search history and the integrated web searching (via Google et al).

IMHO however, what would make this a killer application (especially within the enterprise) would be to incorporate federated network or P2P searching capabilities, whereby I could search disparate repositories that other “trusted” X1 users have indexed.

Indeed, you’d have to be much more selective in what you’re indexing locally, but the benefits in distributing the workload (and security) would outweigh the risks.

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