113. Vector Databases and RAG for Grounding AI in Reliable Data - with Christian Peeters

In this Betatalks episode, Rick and Oscar talk with Christian Peeters, a principal Cloud Architect at Betabit and a certified Microsoft trainer. They discuss the intersection of technology, teaching, and continuous learning in software development. They explore emerging tools like vector databases and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), breaking down their complexity while stressing the importance of grounding AI models in real data to ensure trustworthiness.About this episode, and Christian Peeters in particular: you can find Christian on LinkedIn.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky. 

In this Betatalks episode, Rick and Oscar talk with Jos Eilers, a cloud principal at Twyzer,  about his path from engineering to cloud and data platforms, focusing on the rise of Microsoft Fabric. Jos highlights how Fabric unifies data engineering, science, and business intelligence, while simplifying access with features like OneLake. They also discuss challenges around compute resources, the importance of planning capacity, and the critical role of data quality. About this episode, and Jos Eilers in particular: you can find Jos on LinkedIn.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky. 

In this Betatalks episode, Rick and Oscar talk with Bram Albers, Principal Quality Assurance at Betabit, about how software testing has evolved from an afterthought to a core part of development. They discuss how automation and AI improve efficiency but risk reducing critical thinking, making tester instincts and skepticism essential, and Bram warns against confirmation bias while stressing the value of exploratory testing to uncover issues automation might miss. The conversation challenges traditional models like the test pyramid, supporting adaptable, project-specific approaches, with the core message that quality is a shared responsibility.About this episode, and Bram Albers in particular: you can find Bram on LinkedIn.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky. 

In this podcast episode, Rick and Oscar discuss Virtual Vaults' journey of evolving their cloud infrastructure. They reflect on the shift from early cloud deployments to modern containerized solutions, detailing their use of Azure technologies like web roles, app services, and Azure Functions. Emphasizing a pragmatic and incremental approach, they highlight the importance of continuous learning, experimentation, and adaptability. About Betatalks: watch our podcast videos and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this Betatalks episode, Rick and Oscar talk with Jamie Maguire, a Microsoft MVP in AI and a certified Azure AI engineer associate. Jamie shares his journey from documenting his technical insights through blogging to becoming an active contributor to the tech community. They reflect on the evolution of AI from manual language processing to powerful tools like Semantic Kernel and discuss his hands-on approach to learning through projects such as a Raspberry Pi-based home security system. Jamie also emphasizes the value of experimenting, building small projects, and consistently sharing knowledge. About this episode, and Jamie Maguire in particular: you can find Jamie on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and GitHub. Visit his website to read all his blogs and check out his YouTube channel for more content.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky. 

In this episode, we talk with Niels Laute, a senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, about the evolving world of Windows development and emerging technologies. From the experimental playground of PowerToys to the growing impact of on-device AI and edge computing, Niels shares how innovations like the ONNX runtime are making advanced tools more accessible than ever. We also dive into the promises and pitfalls of AI, the value of open-source collaboration, and how community-driven development shapes smarter, more intuitive software.About this episode, and Niels Laute in particular: you can find Niels on LinkedIn and GitHub, or visit his website, Niels Laute | UX Designer.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky. 

In this episode, we talk with Nico Vermeir, a senior application architect and Microsoft MVP. He shares his journey from support technician to application architect, highlighting how passion and persistence helped him succeed without a formal degree. We discuss his involvement in Techorama, his contributions to the tech community and Open Source projects, and the balance between commercial goals and collaboration. Nico also touches on personal interests like brewing beer and listening to thrash metal, showing the human side of tech. About this episode, and Nico Vermeir in particular: you can find Nico on LinkedIn, or visit his website, Nico's Digital Footprint. Via this Spotify link, you can find his list with focus music.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky. 

In this episode, we talk with Megan Bloemsma, who is a Data and AI specialist. We discuss the evolving tech landscape, stressing the importance of collaboration between data scientists and software engineers. She critiques the indiscriminate use of AI and advocates for more thoughtful, selective technology deployment. Megan also highlights the need for diversity in tech, sharing her experience as a woman in a male-dominated field, and emphasizes the ethical concerns surrounding AI. About this episode, and Megan Bloesma in particular: you can find Megan on LinkedIn, and GitHub. Or visit her website: MeganBloemsma.comAbout Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky.

In this episode of Betatalks, Andreas Wänqvist shares his journey from reluctant web developer to AI architect at Voyado, an Aurelia core team member, and Microsoft MVP. We discuss AI’s evolution in software development, from early skepticism about GitHub Copilot to embracing it as a game-changing assistant. Through personal stories and professional insights, we explore AI’s role in enhancing user experiences beyond simple chatbot implementations. Touching on Andreas' background with Aurelia and web frameworks, he highlights the rapid pace of technological change while remaining optimistic about AI’s potential to simplify tasks, automate processes, and unlock new possibilities.About this episode, and Andreas Wänqvist in particular: you can find Andreas on LinkedIn, and Twitter.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky.

In this episode, we talk with Shawn, a consultant, architect, and Microsoft MVP, who thrives on learning and sharing knowledge about .NET, JavaScript, and more. His early experiences with computers fostered a mindset of curiosity, helping him navigate tech trends with a pragmatic approach. As an instructor, he prioritizes storytelling, hands-on examples, and learning from mistakes. In this episode, he shares insights on software evolution, abstractions, and the value of diverse perspectives.About this episode, and Shawn Wildermuth in particular: you can find Shawn on LinkedIn, or Bluesky. Check out his awesome videos or visit his website.About Betatalks: watch our videos and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky.