Adopting AI can be difficult, but there is a new option for CTOs – IT World Canada

Its no secret that adopting artificial intelligence can be difficult, which discourages some companies from even attempting to use AI in their businesses. However, there might now be a new option for using AI: AI as a service.

AI is a computer programming methodology that allows the computer to make decisions for itself. This can be done in a number of ways, but the most common approach is machine learning. In machine learning, a computer is given data and can eventually learn how to make decisions based on that data.

Machines that learn is an enormous development. Google CEO Sundar Pichai believes artificial intelligence could have more profound implications for humanity than electricity or fire.

When done well, with strategy and execution, customized AI solutions can differentiate a company and create a competitive advantage.

However, for all its potential, most companies struggle to adopt AI. Failure rates for AI projects are high at 80 per cent or more. There are a few reasons for this. First, data is often siloed within companies, making it difficult for AI systems to learn from it.

Second, AI requires specialized talent that is hard to find, and which has to be managed in a different way than most IT personnel. IT teams are used to managing engineers working towards specific goals, such as releasing a feature. By contrast, data scientists are expected to ask and answer questions, such as why something happens. The answers are not known in advance, and the goals are often moving targets.

Third, even when done well, it can take years to realize the benefits. Given this, we can understand why companies sometimes hesitate to initiate these types of projects.

There are other options available, promising to deliver you what your company needs cheaper, faster and better that you ever could on your own.This is known as AI as a Service (AIaaS) for niche problems related to: sales, marketing, human resources, finance and IT.

AIaaS is the delivery of artificial intelligence services through the cloud. This means that companies can access AI services without having to increase their headcount, or add to their overhead. There is no need to invest in the training of your own developers. You dont need to be responsible for owning all the components of your IT stack.

There are many different AI as a service providers, each with their own offerings. In general, these are the main benefits of working with an AIaaS vendor:

Before rushing out to sign up for one of these services, it is important to do your research before selecting a provider, because not all of them are created equal. More generally, there are some other risks you should consider:

Companies face a trade-off when it comes to investments in AI.On the one hand, with custom solutions comes the possibility of differentiation, but the necessary commitment and the risk of failure are high. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce some of those risks with AIaaS, but the payoff may not be sufficiently high. Whether AIaaS is a good gateway into the world of AI depends on the particular problems that companies are looking to address, and the level of risk they can tolerate.

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Adopting AI can be difficult, but there is a new option for CTOs - IT World Canada