A computer-implemented method of indexing an electronic database record to
facilitate searching is provided, as well as a method of performing a
search using the index. The method includes receiving a value for one of
a start field and an end field for a database record that defines a
validity range for a property. The method further includes assigning a
corresponding one of multiple defined index values for the received
value. There is a different index value defined for each of multiple
defined consecutive ranges for the property. The assigned index value
corresponds to a one of the multiple defined consecutive ranges within
which the received value falls. The method also includes storing the
assigned index value in association with the database record in a manner
that is searchable.