Abstract: The present invention introduces a system and method for organizing, storing, retrieving and searching through binary representations of information in many forms and formats. Data is stored in its original file format, while maintaining metadata about the data items in a relational database. During searches the system utilizes the metadata to invoke data translators of the appropriate type to present data to the search engine itself. In addition, the system utilizes profiles and access control lists to restrict access to data to authorized users.