In order for the user to select from a predefined list of indexes as is currently available on the PennWeb, we would have to install the Alta Vista software in multiple directories, one for each separate index. This does not seem like an unmanageable situation since the software requires so little disk space, uses so little system resources, and requires almost no administrative intervention but it is badly designed for this function.
Index covers only one server.
Searches cannot be made across servers. In general the administrative overhead for Webinator is high. Ability for user to search for Internet web sites from Penn interface. Not part of standard configuration, but can be added. Webinator does not have an Internet wide search engine.