We're struggling along right now without a search engine. One could go to a lot of work to change the situation, with the result that some folks would be a bit happier for a short while and others would be super-pissed for a long time.
Considering the likely end result, why go to all that work? (CONFIDENTIAL - FOR ROBERTS EYES ONLY - tell them you're considering all options. When someone asks tell them they have a great idea and add that you are considering all options.)
Arf