IBM recently organized the IBM Global Systems Integrators and Consultancy Exchange event in New York, where they gathered with their services partners to discuss the implementation of AI in business. During the event, the focus was on the key factors that enable the successful deployment of generative AI technology.

Summary

IBM held the IBM Global Systems Integrators and Consultancy Exchange event in New York to discuss the role of generative AI in business. The event highlighted the importance of governance and trust in successfully implementing generative AI technology. IBM emphasized the need for ethical principles and transparency in governing AI systems. The event also showcased real-world applications of generative AI, including customer service, application modernization, and human resources. Additionally, the event emphasized the critical role of IBM’s services partners in providing industry expertise and skills in conjunction with IBM’s generative AI technology.

One of the main takeaways from the event was the significance of governance and trust in hardening generative AI for real-world applications. IBM stressed the importance of incorporating discussions around ethics, transparency, and trust when engaging with clients about generative AI strategies. IBM’s approach to trustworthy AI places ethical principles at the core of its generative AI technology, creating an open and diverse ecosystem that benefits everyone.

Another key theme discussed was how generative AI serves as a catalyst for holistic business strategies, rather than just focusing on individual technology initiatives. It was noted that generative AI can support various aspects of business, including customer service, application modernization, and human resources.

Generative AI Use Cases

IBM’s partners shared insights into their ongoing work with generative AI and highlighted several use cases across different industries:

Customer Service

Customer service emerged as the top priority for CEOs when it comes to generative AI. A majority of CIOs (63%) stated their intent to invest in generative AI use cases for customer service by the end of 2023. IBM’s Watson Assistant is being used to deliver consistent and intelligent customer service solutions through conversational AI. This includes capabilities such as email-based self-service, intelligent call routing, virtual agents, and customer agent assistance.

Application Modernization

The modernization of applications and data is a critical aspect of business strategy for 83% of C-suite executives. Additionally, 89% of executives believe that generative AI can drive growth by improving existing products and services. IBM’s Watson Code Assistant products provide tailored foundation models that transform code and generate code recommendations for developers. The solution uses pre-trained models specific to programming languages to ensure efficient and accurate code generation.

Human Resources & Talent

Generative AI is revolutionizing jobs and tasks across all levels of an organization. It allows customer service agents to handle routine questions, automates mundane programming tasks for coders, and enables HR specialists to focus on talent development. IBM’s Watson Orchestrate is helping HR professionals automate repetitive and high-friction tasks, such as interview scheduling or posting job openings. For example, IBM recently partnered with EY to launch EY.ai Workforce, a solution powered by Watson Orchestrate that automates HR tasks and processes.

Generative AI Skills and Expertise

Consulting organizations and large systems integrators need to have a strong foundation in generative AI technology. They must continuously develop their skills to keep up with evolving AI technologies. IBM’s partner program, Partner Plus, offers access to resources, incentives, and support to meet the increasing demand for generative AI solutions. To further enhance their partners’ skills, IBM is hosting the Watsonx Challenge for IBM Global Systems Integrators, providing a hands-on coding challenge to improve generative AI skills.

IBM understands the impact generative AI has on how clients access and use information. Trusted consultancies and systems integrators play a crucial role in identifying the right use cases for generative AI and implementing these technologies. IBM has curated a trusted ecosystem of partners with the necessary expertise, insight, and skills to support clients worldwide.

Summary

IBM recently hosted the IBM Global Systems Integrators and Consultancy Exchange event to discuss the implementation of generative AI in business. The event highlighted the importance of governance and trust in the successful deployment of generative AI technology. Key themes included the need for ethical principles and transparency in governing AI systems, as well as the role of generative AI in customer service, application modernization, and human resources. IBM’s services partners were recognized for their industry expertise and skills in conjunction with IBM’s generative AI technology.

FAQ

What was the focus of the IBM Global Systems Integrators and Consultancy Exchange event?

The event focused on the implementation of generative AI in business and the key factors that enable its successful deployment, with an emphasis on governance and trust.

Why is governance and trust important in generative AI?

Governance and trust are crucial for hardening generative AI for real-world applications. Ethical principles and transparency are necessary for responsible and trustworthy AI systems.

What are some real-world applications of generative AI?

Some of the real-world applications discussed at the event include customer service, application modernization, and human resources. Generative AI can improve customer service through conversational AI, facilitate application modernization by generating code recommendations, and automate tasks in HR.

How important are services partners in the implementation of generative AI?

Services partners play a fundamental role in providing industry expertise and skills alongside IBM’s generative AI technology. They are crucial in identifying the right use cases for generative AI and implementing the technology effectively for clients.

What resources does IBM offer to partners for developing generative AI skills?

IBM’s partner program, Partner Plus, provides access to resources, incentives, and support to help partners develop and enhance their generative AI skills. Additionally, IBM hosts events like the Watsonx Challenge for IBM Global Systems Integrators to provide hands-on coding challenges for skill improvement.