Google has added a new feature to its Google Search Appliance that unlocks data from enterprise applications.

OneBox offers to search for data in enterprise software from Oracle ( click here for Oracle search news ), Cisco Systems, NetSuite, Salesforce.com, SAS and Cognos.

Google has published an API that allows third-party developers to connect to the technology.

The company has also introduced a new Enterprise Developer Programme in which developers can get access to development software and documentation, and share work with customers, partners and other developers.

The Google Search Appliance was previously limited to data on corporate intranets and the public internet.

In addition to the OneBox feature, Google has updated several other features of its search appliances that aim to boost search quality and system performance.

Although Google is the leading search provider in the consumer space, it trails in the enterprise market behind specialised players including Autonomy.

Other vendors including IBM, Oracle, Yahoo and Microsoft have also set their eyes on enterprise search.