We are thrilled to announce the launch of Microsoft.Extensions.AI 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.
With the introduction of Microsoft.Extensions.AI, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and AI solution providers can now build enhanced solutions on Semantic Kernel with a streamlined, lightweight package that makes it easy to integrate their solutions into SK and beyond.
What is Microsoft.Extensions.AI?
Microsoft.Extensions.AIÂ is an innovative .NET library that equips platform developers with a cohesive layer of C# abstractions, simplifying the interaction with AI services such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and embeddings. It enables seamless integration of AI capabilities into .NET applications through a consistent and standardized set of APIs and conventions.
For those already familiar with Semantic Kernel, think of Microsoft.Extensions.AI as the evolution of the Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Abstractions package that you’re currently using to access remote AI services. It is precisely this exciting upgrade that allows AI providers to rapidly adopt and align their services with this new extraction layer.
For Semantic Kernel developers, this means that AI ISVs and service providers can swiftly create .NET packages that integrate effortlessly with Semantic Kernel and the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
What’s Next?
When Microsoft.Extensions.AI moves from preview to general availability (GA), we will enable this package in Semantic Kernel .NET and when our Memory packages (for .NET, Python, and Java) move to GA within the next few months, we are excited to support vector service providers and ISVs in delivering their services directly to professional developers. More to come about an abstraction package for this group.
How to get Started?
If you are an ISV or AI provider eager to explore the new Microsoft.Extensions.AI preview, please check out these packages and samples:
Package:
Samples:
- EShop Support with Microsoft.Extensions.AI – eShop Support
- AI Samples – https://github.com/dotnet/ai-samples
Microsoft.Extensions.AI and Microsoft.SemanticKernel is not compatible right ?
should we obsolete SK ?
Will the AI Vendors publish 3 (self + SK + Extensions.AI) set of packages for one language/platform ?
As an AI Vendor, you will be able to use the Extensions.AI for your .NET SDK and publish it as your company. The Extensions.AI has the structure we need to pick it up for SK.
can you provide one sample that Extensions.AI uses SK to understand the integration better?