AI is Progressing, but It’s Not the Answer to All Your Problems

You can’t take two steps outside of your home or two mouse-clicks or screen-taps online without seeing something written or hearing someone talking about AI. This has created a situation where every business is claiming AI as a revolutionary tool and consumers, overwhelmed with the term, have begun to take the technology for granted. In today’s blog, we want to determine whether AI brings added value or is just a term used to help companies market their products.

What is AI?

Before we get into what to look for in AI, we should describe what AI means for the average consumer. Artificial Intelligence isn’t exactly the same technology that you remember from science fiction. Although the fundamentals are the same, AI today is effectively computer programs that use the data available to automate aspects of a business and create more efficiency. 

That sounds great, right? This is why nearly every software product you come across nowadays features “AI”. Not all AIs are created equal, however, and today there is quite a bit to sort through. Let’s take a look at three elements of the modern landscape of AI and how they play into you using it for your business. 

AI Will Be Pervasive

Let’s face it, AI is everywhere, and it will continue. In fact, the number of AI systems has grown by 500 percent over the past two years. AI fits into three categories. They are:

• Generative AI - The most prevalent type of AI you’ll see baked into software and as stand-alone software, like ChatGPT. This technology can create text, images, videos, and more and is being used in all manners of applications for government, education, business, and more.
• Machine Learning - This type of AI is being used to turn data into visible insights that can help organizations improve their ability to support the people that use their services and buy their products. 
• Recognition - This AI is being used primarily for security. From simple applications that unlock your mobile device to complex facial recognition tools built into today’s surveillance systems, AI systems fuel real-time recognition that is helping in loss prevention.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. As it is used today, AI is in its infancy and will only get more advanced as time goes on. Do you think you could use AI in your business? If so, our technicians can help. Give us a call at 607.433.2200 to learn more.