> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.poweromni.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.poweromni.ai/en/administration-and-configuration/artifacts/connectors/standard-connectors/web-search.md).

# Web Search

The Web Search connector allows the agent to search for up-to-date information on the internet before generating a response.

In the Microsoft infrastructure, this capability uses the Foundry Web Search Tool. This tool allows the model to search for real-time information on the public web and generate responses based on those sources, including citations when available.

This connector is useful when the agent needs to answer questions about information that may change frequently.

Examples of use:

Recent news.

Updated public information.

Queries on web-indexed pages.

Validation of current data.

Research about companies, products, events, or public documentation.

## Important points about data and region

{% hint style="danger" %}
Microsoft states that data sent to these resources may travel outside Azure geographic and compliance boundaries.
{% endhint %}

Microsoft explains that the information sent to Bing includes the search query, tool parameters, and the resource key, which is used for billing and rate limiting. The query sent to Bing is transferred outside the Azure compliance boundary.

For this reason, we recommend caution when enabling this connector in agents that handle sensitive data, internal information, personal data, confidential content, or strategic company documents.

{% hint style="info" %}
If there is any doubt, validate its use with your organization’s security, privacy, or compliance owner.
{% endhint %}

## Web Search costs

Using Web Search may generate additional costs. Microsoft states that Web Search uses Grounding with Bing Search, and this resource has its own billing.

On Microsoft’s Grounding with Bing pricing page, the listed price for Grounding with Bing Search is US$14 per 1,000 transactions.

<figure><img src="/files/987TVlJSMlgLsunkvG0Q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Microsoft also states that transactions are counted based on the number of tool calls during execution. In other words, a single user question may generate more than one search call, depending on the agent’s needs.