Custom search engine

[eluser]txomin[/eluser]
I have a site that contains a great deal of records of different types (all are text, though). I need to implement a search engine to pull records by relevance. These records are private and they are not indexed by Google so that option is out of the question.

Although I don't have experience with it, I am aware of the search functionality available through mysql (like, fulltext, etc). My ignorance on the subject makes me wonder if this is the appropriate approach and how it could be best implemented.

I was hoping some of you guys had experience creating custom search engines and could point me in the right direction. Links, random thoughts, any sort of lead will be most welcome.

Thank you all.

[eluser]pistolPete[/eluser]
There are many topics on this forum, have a look at:

- http://ellislab.com/forums/viewthread/100106/
- http://ellislab.com/forums/viewthread/104159/
- http://ellislab.com/forums/viewthread/92164/
- http://ellislab.com/forums/viewthread/76018/
- http://ellislab.com/forums/viewthread/47683/
- http://ellislab.com/forums/viewthread/96375/

[eluser]txomin[/eluser]
Much, much appreciated, Pete. I looked earlier but without luck. You are the man.