1. A method of updating a b-tree of search keys within a search engine, comprising the steps of: inserting a first search key into the b-tree by reconfiguring a plurality of sibling nodes of the b-tree into an overloaded form having a shape that is independent of a value of the first search key inserted therein and then performing a split operation on the plurality of sibling nodes by redistributing the first and other search keys among an expanded plurality of the sibling nodes; and deleting a second search key from the b-tree by reconfiguring the plurality of sibling nodes into a predetermined underloaded form having a shape that is independent of a value of the second search key omitted therefrom and then performing a merge operation on the plurality of sibling nodes by redistributing remaining search keys among a reduced plurality of the sibling nodes.