DataStax Announces Integration with Microsoft Semantic Kernel for Simplified Enterprise RAG Development

DataStax Partners with Microsoft Semantic Kernel to Simplify Enterprise AI Development

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 26, 2024 — DataStax, the GenAI data company, has announced a significant milestone in its mission to streamline enterprise retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for developers. The company has integrated with Microsoft Semantic Kernel to provide developers with a more accessible way to build RAG applications and vectorize data using Astra DB and Microsoft’s AI ecosystem.

With the integration of Astra DB as a vector database with Microsoft’s open-source Semantic Kernel, developers can now leverage Semantic Kernel’s unique features for managing contextual conversations, multi-step functions, and connections with the Microsoft AI ecosystem. This collaboration aims to simplify the development of powerful RAG applications and AI agents for enterprises looking to bring their existing applications into the AI world.

Semantic Kernel, an extensible open-source SDK, offers developers the ability to build agents that can call existing code and integrate with orchestration models like OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, GitHub CoPilot, and Hugging Face. Key features of Semantic Kernel include semantic functions, chaining capabilities, planners, and connectors for various enterprise applications and data sources. By combining these features with Astra DB’s capabilities, developers can create AI applications and agents with high relevancy, ultra-low latency, and global-scale.

Matthew Bolaños, Group Program Manager for Semantic Kernel at Microsoft, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “It’s amazing to see the work of DataStax and Astra DB and the collaboration with Microsoft’s Semantic Kernel to build AI agents and RAG applications with ease.”

Ed Anuff, CPO of DataStax, highlighted the significance of the integration, emphasizing that out-of-the-box RAG solutions are in high demand and can be a pivotal differentiator for enterprises building GenAI applications. The collaboration between Astra DB and Semantic Kernel aims to simplify development and enable the creation of more intelligent, responsive, and personalized generative AI applications.

Tisson Mathew, CEO and founder of Skypoint, shared his enthusiasm for the integration, stating that it is a game-changer for their healthcare-focused AI platform, enhancing the way insights are generated and conveyed to users through private AI Copilots.

For more information on the collaboration between DataStax and Microsoft Semantic Kernel, readers can visit the DataStax blog. DataStax, known for its RAG-first developer experience, offers a Generative AI Stack that enables developers to build smart, high-growth AI applications at unlimited scale on any cloud. Leading enterprises like Audi, Bud Financial, Capital One, and SkyPoint Cloud rely on DataStax to deliver GenAI solutions.

Source: DataStax