Microsoft unveiled several updates to its database offerings during the Build 2024 conference. One major update is the addition of vector search to Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL, a non-relational database service within the Azure Cosmos DB database offering. Non-SQL databases eliminate SQL limitations for improved speed, flexibility, and scalability. Azure Cosmos DB supports various data models, including API for MongoDB and Apache Cassandra, as well as a version of PostgreSQL.
Last year, Microsoft introduced vector search to Cosmos DB for MongoDB vCore service, utilizing DiscoANN algorithms for scalable approximate nearest neighbor search that accommodate real-time changes. The company also made the Azure Database extension for PostgreSQL to Blue AI available, enabling developers to connect data to Azure AI for simplified LLMs and PostgreSQL generative AI experiences. Additionally, Microsoft is working on adding an embed generation feature to Azure Database for PostgreSQL, currently in preview, to generate embeds within the database.
Furthermore, Microsoft is enhancing Copilot capabilities within databases to aid developers, such as providing technical documentation summaries in response to user queries in Azure Database for MySQL. In March, the company announced a private preview of Copilot at Azure SQL Database to offer natural language to SQL conversion and self-help for database administration.
Overall, these updates demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing its database offerings to provide improved AI capabilities and enhanced user experiences for developers. The introduction of vector search, AI integrations, and enhanced Copilot features aim to streamline database operations and enable developers to work more efficiently with Microsoft’s database solutions. These updates emphasize Microsoft’s focus on innovation and ongoing development in the database sector, catering to the evolving needs of developers and organizations seeking advanced database functionalities.
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https://www.infoworld.com/article/3715486/microsoft-build-2024-cosmos-db-for-nosql-gets-vector-search.html