Microsoft Continues to Innovate with AI Tools and Services

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a bit controversial at the moment, but there can be no denying that it will play an important part in the business world in the years to come. In fact, many organizations are seeking to expand their AI offerings and capabilities, including notable companies like Microsoft. Here are some of the solutions Microsoft is offering businesses in terms of AI.

Azure AI

Azure—Microsoft’s cloud computing platform—offers businesses several AI services. These include Azure Machine Learning, a tool to help developers build, train, and deploy machine learning tools; Azure Cognitive Services, a solution for prebuilt AI capabilities and tasks like vision, speech, and language understanding; and Azure Databricks, which is an excellent analytics platform with AI capability.

Microsoft Research

To further AI development, Microsoft has an entire research division dedicated to improving AI and making considerable contributions to the field. By focusing on natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning, the idea is that Microsoft can use what is learned to build better AI products and features.

AI for Good

With AI for Good, Microsoft attempts to use AI to address societal issues. This program includes initiatives like AI for Earth, AI for Accessibility, AI for Humanitarian Action, and AI for Health, all of which try to use AI to address challenges like environmental sustainability, accessibility, healthcare, and disaster response.

Microsoft AI Platform

Developers can build their own AI platforms with tools and frameworks created by Microsoft and published through their AI Platform solution. Some examples of these applications include Microsoft Bot Framework for chatbot creation, Visual Studio tools to develop AI solutions, and other AI frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

AI in Microsoft Products

In addition to external AI products and services, Microsoft builds integrations right into their own solutions. For example, things like CoPilot in Microsoft 365 applications, allowing you to use AI features in solutions like Word, Excel, and Teams.

Acquisitions and Partnerships

To provide even more AI services and capabilities, Microsoft has acquired certain companies, like GitHub, LinkedIn, and Nuance Communications. This provides Microsoft with more knowledge and expertise to develop better solutions.

Ethical AI

Microsoft has also made contributions to the conversation around the ethics of AI. They are one organization that has put forth guidelines and tools to help ensure AI development and deployment are being done responsibly. 

Education and Training

Microsoft continues to provide educational resources and training to help users navigate the challenges associated with not only developing AI, but using it effectively. Some of these resources include online courses, certifications, and developer tools.

As expected of one of the biggest technology companies in the world, Microsoft is making great strides in AI and its integration with business technology. You can make great strides too, by working with a managed IT provider like Directive. To get started, call us today at 607.433.2200.