Microsoft debuts Agentic Retrieval Preview in Azure AI Search to handle complex queries better

Microsoft debuts Agentic Retrieval Preview in Azure AI Search to handle complex queries better

  • 02.06.2025 00:00
  • windowsreport.com
  • Keywords: AI Search, Agentic Retrieval, Azure OpenAI, Semantic Ranking

Microsoft launched Agentic Retrieval Preview in Azure AI Search to better handle complex queries. It uses an OpenAI model to review conversation history, breaking questions into subqueries for parallel processing, improving recall and accuracy. AT&T successfully uses it; pricing applies during preview with standard billing post-preview.

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Estimated market influence

Microsoft

Microsoft

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Debuts Agentic Retrieval Preview in Azure AI Search

AT&T

AT&T

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Among the first to adopt agentic retrieval in their enterprise AI solutions

Azure

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Platform for Agentic Retrieval and AI Search

Azure OpenAI

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Model used in Agentic Retrieval

Azure AI Search

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Search technology that uses Agentic Retrieval

Context

Analysis of Microsoft's Agentic Retrieval Preview in Azure AI Search

Key Features and Functionality

  • Conversational Understanding: Uses Azure OpenAI model to review entire conversation history for context.
  • Subquery Processing: Breaks complex questions into smaller, targeted subqueries processed in parallel.
  • Hybrid Search Method: Combines keyword text and vector-based semantic data for improved recall and accuracy.
  • Activity Logging: Provides detailed logs of each query handling process.

Early Feedback and Adoption

  • AT&T's Adoption: AT&T is among the first adopters, using it in their enterprise AI solutions.
  • Mark Austin's Statement: VP of Data Science at AT&T, Mark Austin, highlights the technology meets their speed and complexity needs.

Pricing Model

  • Preview Availability: Currently in public preview across select regions.
  • Cost Structure:
    • Semantic ranking is free during the preview period.
    • Post-preview, standard token billing applies for query planning via Azure OpenAI and semantic ranking through Azure AI Search.

Market Implications

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Potential to improve search accuracy and efficiency across industries.
  • Competitive Landscape: May prompt competitors like Google or Salesforce to innovate similarly in AI search.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Differentiation for Microsoft: Strengthens their position in enterprise AI solutions.
  • Potential Responses: Competitors may accelerate their own AI developments to stay competitive.

Long-term Effects

  • Shift in Data Retrieval: Could lead to more efficient business operations and decision-making.
  • Regulatory Considerations: Future focus on AI's role in data retrieval may require regulatory scrutiny.

This structured analysis highlights the strategic and market significance of Microsoft's new AI search feature, emphasizing its potential impact on businesses and competition.