Guest contributor |
Generative artificial intelligence has created opportunities for businesses to transform in ways that were previously not possible. It opens the door to a faster understanding of data, more effective communications and greater productivity in the workplace.
However, generative AI must be used with considerable caution. Early adopters will have to navigate a complex and rapidly evolving landscape around ethics, security, data privacy, copyright and regulatory requirements.
Microsoft and Kyndryl are jointly committed to the responsible use of AI. For instance, Microsoft has designed its Azure OpenAI Service to allow users to apply generative models to new scenarios in a secure environment and with built-in features for responsible use. Meanwhile, Kyndryl is uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate this rapidly changing environment through decades of experience designing and managing complex mission critical systems.
One of the most transformative aspects of generative AI is the ability to quickly analyse and summarise unstructured data. Models can be used to quickly find patterns that would have taken weeks of effort to uncover with older techniques or may have even remained hidden forever. Furthermore, the Azure OpenAI Service has the ability to generate images from unstructured data, which makes it possible to quickly visualise and communicate new insights.
Customer interaction can be reinvented too. Generative AI brings the possibility to customise customer interactions on a scale that was never practical before. Outbound text and graphics can be tailored to individuals based on their skill and experience level, as well as their preferences, location, history or other attributes. Similarly, replies can be analysed by considering similar attributes which can help businesses quickly meet the needs of their customers.
Perhaps the simplest and fastest way to transform with AI is to allow for broad experimentation. This will often bring use cases to light more quickly, and benefits across many small innovations can quickly add up to significant improvements. Still, it is critical that businesses apply the right guardrails, and Microsoft Copilot is designed for just this type of use. From collaboration to content generation to data analytics to software development, Copilot can enable company-wide grassroots innovation.
Businesses transforming with AI will need to consider its impact for regulatory compliance, data security, protection of intellectual property, protection against abuse and protection of brand and reputation.
The Azure OpenAI Service provides many of the tools and capabilities needed to address these needs, such as prompt engineering, filtering to guard against abuse, customised training data, control of the disposition of data and control over the regions where data and models are stored and run.
Microsoft and Kyndryl can enable businesses to deploy generative AI effectively and responsibly.
Stanley Wood is distinguished engineer and vice president of the Kyndryl Microsoft alliance at Kyndryl
This article was originally published in the Autumn 2023 issue of Technology Record. To get future issues delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for a free subscription