{"id":3535,"date":"2024-10-29T11:17:20","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T18:17:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/semantic-kernel\/?p=3535"},"modified":"2024-10-29T11:19:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T18:19:17","slug":"microsoft-extensions-vectordata-abstractions-now-available","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/agent-framework\/microsoft-extensions-vectordata-abstractions-now-available\/","title":{"rendered":"Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData.Abstractions: Now Available"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are thrilled to announce the\u00a0launch of Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData<\/a><\/span> for .NET! Our collaboration with the .NET team since the debut of Semantic Kernel has resulted in a powerful new feature that aligns with the best practices of both current and upcoming .NET releases.\u00a0 This is the second new package as part of this collaboration.\u00a0 You can learn more about Microsoft.Extensions.AI<\/span> from our previous post<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The introduction of Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData<\/span> allows Vector Store vendors to implement .NET abstractions through a streamlined, lightweight package. This will make it easier for developers to integrate their solutions with Semantic Kernel and the wider .NET AI ecosystem.\u00a0 Additionally, this package simplifies the process for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to abstract the differences across Vector Stores.<\/p>\n

What is Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData<\/span> is a set of core .NET libraries providing a unified layer of C# abstractions for interacting with V<\/span>ector Stores.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For those already familiar with Semantic Kernel, think of\u00a0Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData<\/span>\u00a0as the evolution of the\u00a0Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Plugins.Memory <\/a><\/span>package that you are currently using to access Vector Stores.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We have updated the Semantic Kernel memory connectors to use Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData<\/span>, for more information see Out-of-the-box Vector Store connectors | Microsoft Learn<\/a>. We have also updated our existing Semantic Kernel .NET samples to use Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData<\/span>.<\/p>\n

We are excited to support Vector Store vendors and ISVs in delivering their services to professional developers.<\/p>\n

What do I need to change if I am already using Semantic Kernel?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Nothing.\u00a0 We have done the work for you, and you don’t need to change a thing.\u00a0 This is a benefit for Vector store providers to make it easy for them to work in the Microsoft ecosystem. For more information on migrating from memory stores to vector stores go here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to get Started?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you are an ISV or Vector Store vendor eager to explore the new Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData<\/span> preview, please check out the documentation, samples and the new package on the NuGet Gallery:<\/p>\n

Documentation<\/strong>:<\/p>\n