Microsoft Search available for In Focus web parts (Atlas 5.1+)

The Microsoft Search data source within In Focus has been upgraded for simpler setup. We have also deployed several new features to enhance your search experience when using Microsoft Search.

Microsoft Search has enhanced enterprise search capabilities, including spell check, connectivity to external data sources, and the ability to query information not only within SharePoint but also across user emails and calendars.

Currently the default Atlas functionality is still using SharePoint Search, but this groundwork allows us to switch to it some time in the future, as well as enabling you to use it for custom scenarios.

In this article:

• Spellcheck and modifications
  • Turn spelling features On or Off for a web part
• Partial Keyword Search
  • Enable or Disable Partial Keyword Search

Spellcheck and modifications

In Focus web parts, when powered by Microsoft Search, can now offer spell check suggestions.

These intelligent prompts refine your search queries, presenting alternatives when the current results are sparse. Furthermore, spell check corrections now operate seamlessly, guiding you to the accurate keyword without manual input. Each 'In Focus' web part allows individual configuration settings, granting you tailored control.

Turn spelling features On or Off for a web part

To turn the spellcheck and/or spelling suggestions on or off, first you need to ensure your web part is using Microsoft Search in the Data Source section:

If you had to change from SharePoint Search, open the Microsoft Search section and check that SharePoint Items is set in the Entity Types, and make sure you set the Result Source to an Atlas one from the dropdown list:

Keep scrolling in the same section and you will find the spelling settings:

Turn these on or off as required for the current web part.

Partial Keyword Search

We've unlocked the capability for partial keyword search, ensuring you can still find what you're looking for, even if you only remember part of a word.

Enable or Disable Partial Keyword Search

Administrators can customize this functionality through the tenant properties list, ensuring a search experience that's both flexible and precise. To make this change you will need to be an Administrator with access to the Tenant Properties list. You can find how to access this here: Access Tenant Properties

Scroll down in the properties list, or search for "partial" to find the correct property:

Select the property, click edit at the top, then change true to false or vice versa to turn the feature on or off. This will effect all web parts in the tenant.