AI washing obscures technology’s real benefits

Article By : Gartner

Similar to green washing, many technology vendors are now "AI washing" by applying the artificial intelligence label a little too indiscriminately, according to Gartner.

Growing interest, coupled with market hype, is pushing software vendors to introduce artificial intelligence into their product strategy, according to market research firm Gartner.

In January 2016, the term "artificial intelligence" was not in the top 100 search terms on the firm's site. By May 2017, the term ranked at No. 7, indicating the popularity of the topic and interest to understand how AI can and should be used as part of their digital business strategy. Gartner predicts that by 2020, AI will be a top five investment priority for more than 30% 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."

While 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.

Lack of differentiation

The huge increase in start-ups and established vendors all claiming to offer AI products without any real differentiation is confusing buyers. More than 1,000 vendors with applications and platforms describe themselves as AI vendors, or say they employ AI in their products.

Similar to green washing, in which companies exaggerate the environmental-friendliness of their products or practices for business benefit, many technology vendors are now "AI washing" by applying the AI label a little too indiscriminately, according to Gartner. This widespread use of "AI washing" is already having real consequences for investment in the technology.

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

"Use the term 'AI' wisely in your sales and marketing materials," said Hare. "Be clear what differentiates your AI offering and what problem it solves."

Advancements in AI, such as deep learning, are getting a lot of buzz but are muddying 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.

Meanwhile, the lack of necessary staff skills was the top challenge to adopting AI in many organisations, according to a Gartner survey.

The survey found organisations are currently seeking AI solutions that can improve decision making and process automation. If they had a choice, most organisations would prefer to buy embedded or packaged AI solutions rather than trying to build a custom solution.

"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."

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