Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which a search request containing search criteria is received from a first user. The search criteria include at least one search category. Filter search specification associated with the at least one search category is determined. The filter search specification is used to specify a particular type of records in the at least one search criteria to be selected for the search request. A search is performed based upon the filter search specification and the search criteria to identify records that match filter search specification and the search criteria.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method includes displaying a search center pane after a user selects a search icon from a search tool bar to begin a user session. The search center pane includes a search frame. The search frame includes a close button. The method also includes selecting a search category from a dropdown list of search categories in the search frame. The method further includes entering a search keyword. In addition, the method includes searching a database for data records matching the search category and the search keyword. Furthermore, the method includes caching the data records matching the search category and the search keyword to maintain persistency of the data records until the user selects the close button to terminate the user session.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present mechanism, a method is provided in which a search request containing search criteria is received from a first user. A search is performed based on the search criteria to retrieve records in one or more databases that match the search criteria. A list of search results based on the retrieved records is displayed to the first user. In response to the first user's request to associate a particular search result in the list to a particular object, associate the particular search result to the particular object.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method includes displaying a search tool bar including a search icon. The method also includes displaying a search center pane after a user selects the search icon, wherein the search center pane includes a search frame. The method further includes selecting a search category from a dropdown list of search categories in the search frame. In addition, the method includes entering a search keyword. Furthermore, the method includes searching a database for data records matching the search category and the search keyword.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which a search request containing search criteria is received from a first user. A search is performed based on the search criteria to retrieve records in one or more databases that match the search criteria. A list of search results based on the retrieved records is displayed to the first user. In response to the first user's selection of a particular search result in the list of search results, details of the particular search result are displayed to the first user.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method includes displaying a search center pane after a user selects a search icon from a search tool bar to begin a user session. The search center pane includes a search frame. The search frame includes a close button. The method also includes selecting a search category from a dropdown list of search categories in the search frame. The method further includes entering a search keyword. In addition, the method includes searching a database for data records matching the search category and the search keyword. Furthermore, the method includes caching the data records matching the search category and the search keyword to maintain persistency of the data records until the user selects the close button to terminate the user session.