Build Agents with Knowledge, Agentic RAG, and Azure AI Search
Microsoft Events presents an expert session led by Pamela Fox and Matthew Gotteiner, offering step-by-step demos and guidance for building advanced retrieval agents using Azure AI Search and integrating diverse knowledge sources.
Build Agents with Knowledge, Agentic RAG, and Azure AI Search
Speakers: Pamela Fox, Matthew Gotteiner Event: Microsoft Ignite 2025 (Session BRK193)
Learn how to create advanced AI agents with cutting-edge features in Azure AI Search. This session is designed for developers and technical practitioners who want to:
- Connect agentic retrieval engines to new knowledge sources, including SharePoint, web content, and Azure Blob Storage
- Leverage hybrid search methods and reciprocal rank fusion for optimal relevance
- Apply the Semantic Ranker in AI Search to improve search result quality
- Understand and implement indexed vs remote knowledge source integration
- Optimize query planning and knowledge source selection
- Use iterative retrieval strategies for complex, multi-query scenarios
- See code-focused walkthroughs and demos of setting up and refining RAG solutions
Session Highlights
- Connecting to Diverse Knowledge Sources:
- How to link your agent to SharePoint, web content via Bing, and Azure Blob
- Hybrid Search and Reciprocal Rank Fusion:
- Techniques to blend multiple search signals for more robust retrieval
- Enhanced Retrieval Flow:
- End-to-end walkthrough of hybrid search pipeline and semantic ranking
- Query Planning and Answer Generation:
- Strategies to select and sequence knowledge sources for best results
- Multi-stage retrieval to refine queries and answers
- Code Samples and Step-by-Step Demos:
- Practical coding examples and workflow guides
Resources
For more sessions and technical deep-dives from Microsoft Ignite, visit the event hub linked above.
Chapters
- 0:00 – Introduction and Overview
- 10:34 – Hybrid Search and Reciprocal Rank Fusion
- 12:45 – Semantic Ranker in AI Search
- 14:10 – Complete Hybrid Search Flow
- 18:49 – Knowledge Sources & SharePoint Integration
- 27:21 – Knowledge Source Selection & Query Planning
- 31:08 – Web Knowledge Sources with Bing
- 34:41 – Query Iteration and Context Enhancement
- 35:09 – Demo: Medium Mode Retrieval for Complex Queries
Target Audience
Technical practitioners, AI developers, and architects interested in leveraging Microsoft’s latest AI and search technologies for robust, production-ready agent applications.