Azure AI Search

Overview

Azure AI Search (formerly Azure Cognitive Search) is a cloud-based search service from Microsoft that combines traditional full-text search with modern vector search and AI-powered semantic ranking.

Features

• Vector Search: Native support for high-dimensional vector embeddings
• Hybrid Search: Combines keyword search with semantic vector search
• Semantic Ranking: AI-powered reranking for better relevance
• Integrated Vectorization: Built-in embedding generation during indexing
• Quantization: Scalar and binary quantization for memory efficiency
• Multi-Language Support: Over 50 languages supported
• AI Enrichment: Built-in skills for content extraction and analysis
• Security: Enterprise-grade security with Azure AD integration

RAG Capabilities

Agentic Retrieval: Complete RAG pipeline with LLM-assisted query planning

Classic RAG Pattern: Using hybrid search and semantic ranking for straightforward retrieval

Document Chunking: Automatic chunking strategies for optimal retrieval

Vector Compression

• Scalar quantization for 4x memory reduction
• Binary quantization for 32x memory reduction
• Built-in HNSW indexing for fast approximate search

Integration

• Azure OpenAI Service for embeddings and chat
• LangChain and LlamaIndex connectors
• Azure Machine Learning integration
• Power Platform connectors

Pricing

• Free tier: 50 MB storage, 3 indexes
• Basic: $75/month starting
• Standard tiers: Scale based on search units
• Storage and query charges apply

Pricing available at Azure pricing calculator.