Artificial Intelligence to be part of new software by 2020

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies will be integral part of new software product and service by 2020 predicts Gartner.

Gartner predicts that by 2020, AI will be a top five investment priority for more than 30 percent of CIOs.

“As AI accelerates up the Hype Cycle, many software providers are looking to stake their claim in the biggest gold rush in recent years,” said Jim Hare, research vice president at Gartner.

“AI offers exciting possibilities, but unfortunately, most vendors are focused on the goal of simply building and marketing an AI-based product rather than first identifying needs, potential uses and the business value to customers,” added Hare.

In industry circles, there is a widely held fear that AI will replace humans, the reality is that today’s AI and machine learning technologies can and do greatly augment human capabilities. Machines can actually do some things better and faster than humans, once trained; the combination of machines and humans can accomplish more together than separately.

To successfully exploit the AI opportunity, technology providers should focus on differentiation, simple approach and building skillsets.

To build trust with end-user organisations vendors should focus on building a collection of case studies with quantifiable results achieved using AI.

Advancements in AI, such as deep learning, are getting a lot of buzz but are obfuscating the value of more straightforward, proven approaches. Gartner recommends that vendors use the simplest approach that can do the job over cutting-edge AI techniques.

More than half the respondents to Gartner’s 2017 AI development strategies survey indicated that the lack of necessary staff skills was the top challenge to adopting AI in their organisation.

“Software vendors need to focus on offering solutions to business problems rather than just cutting-edge technology,” said Hare.

“Highlight how your AI solution helps address the skills shortage and how it can deliver value faster than trying to build a custom AI solution in-house,” added Hare.