Yandex B2B Tech Integrates Hybrid Full-Text and Vector Search in Single YDB Query
Yandex B2B Tech has introduced hybrid search capabilities to its YDB database platform, combining full-text and vector search methods within a single query.
The new feature enables organizations to solve two tasks simultaneously: locating an exact document identifier such as a policy number and interpreting the semantic meaning of surrounding text, even when alternative phrasing is used. Full-text search manages precise matches for words, names, and codes, while vector search identifies conceptual similarity across documents.
According to the YDB development team, the two approaches complement each other effectively. In insurance-related queries, for example, the system can return an exact policy number alongside descriptions of incidents that match in meaning despite different wording. Results are combined and ranked inside one SQL query, simplifying application logic.
A key practical advantage is that all data remains in a single database. Companies no longer need to operate a separate search engine and vector database or monitor consistency between the two systems. Indexes are updated together with the underlying data as part of the same transaction, reducing synchronization overhead and potential data drift.
The technology is designed for chatbots, recommendation services, and AI assistants that require more than simple keyword matching. It is especially relevant when processing technical information where both precise part codes and natural-language problem descriptions must be handled accurately.
Hybrid search is available in the corporate edition of YDB 26.3 for on-premises deployment as well as in the cloud Managed Service for YDB.
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