1. A method for searching for information in a distributed data processing system, the method comprising: providing a semantics-based search index by storing in the semantics-bases search index search keywords from documents according to semantics from selected document structure templates, the document structure templates selected in dependence upon the structures of the documents and upon model document structures in the document structure templates; establishing a search scope corresponding to semantics supported by the semantics-based search index; receiving from a client a search query message comprising search terms and, optionally, the search scope; retrieving, from the semantics-based search index, index entries satisfying the search terms and the search scope; creating from the retrieved index entries a search result message; and transmitting the search result message to the client.
1. A method for searching for information in a distributed data processing system, the method comprising: providing a semantics-based search index by storing in the semantics-bases search index search keywords from documents according to semantics from selected document structure templates, the document structure templates selected in dependence upon the structures of the documents and upon model document structures in the document structure templates; establishing a search scope corresponding to semantics supported by the semantics-based search index; receiving from a client a search query message comprising search terms and, optionally, the search scope; retrieving, from the semantics-based search index, index entries satisfying the search terms and the search scope; creating from the retrieved index entries a search result message; and transmitting the search result message to the client. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the distributed data processing system comprises a multiplicity of computers, including clients and servers, coupled for data communications through hyperlinking protocols.