How to effectively search for person names

SYMPTOMS

Names of persons can be expressed in different ways. To find many variations, use a search query like this: (first name OR first initial W/3 last name)

CAUSE

Not applicable

RESOLUTION

When searching for "(John OR J W/3 Doe)" , the search results can include the following variations:

• John B. Doe,
• J.B. Doe,
• John Bob Doe,
• Doe, John B.
• Doe, J.B.
• John Doe
• J Doe

If you do not want to find other names/initials but the first one, search for "(John OR J W/2 Doe)".
To find all known initials, search for something like this: "(jb OR j b OR j.b W/3 Doe)".
To find two unknown initials, search for "(? OR ? W/3 Doe)".

When you know more about a person, you can add that information too.
For example, "(John OR J W/3 Doe AND Dr OR Doctor")
You can also use a combination of techniques to find the most variations.

APPLIES TO

6.4; 6.4 Service Pack 1