What is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to AI systems that can produce novel, high-quality outputs based on the data they are trained on. Unlike traditional AI models designed for specific tasks, generative AI can adapt to a variety of use cases - from generating natural language to creating synthetic media like images, video, and audio.
These systems are called "generative" because they can generate brand new outputs, as opposed to just analysing existing data. For instance, tools like DALL-E 3 can generate incredibly realistic images simply from text descriptions. And natural language models like ChatGPT can engage in free-form dialogue and generate paragraphs of human-like text on demand.
The Power Behind Generative AI
What makes generative AI so groundbreaking is its ability to learn complex concepts and patterns from vast datasets, whether they be images, text or other forms of data. Using sophisticated deep learning techniques, these models continuously improve at tasks by recognising intricate relationships in data that are imperceptible to humans.
As an example, GitHub's Copilot leverages OpenAI Codex - a generative AI system trained on billions of lines of public code. It can suggest entire lines or even blocks of code to developers as they type based on its deep learning from such vast training data.
Generative AI for Every Employee
The potential applications of generative AI across business functions are nearly endless. Imagine providing every employee their own AI assistant to help draft emails, create presentations, translate conversations in real-time, and more.
With Microsoft's Azure OpenAI service, integrations like GitHub Copilot, and no-code tools like Microsoft Power Platform, this is quickly becoming a reality. Every worker can be empowered to unlock higher levels of creativity and productivity.
For instance, a sales representative could use an AI writing assistant to draft client proposals in seconds. Or a support agent may leverage automated translations to communicate with customers globally. Even software developers have new AI pair-programming capabilities at their fingertips.
Generative AI for Every Process
Beyond individual functions, generative AI can optimise entire workflows - from HR's talent acquisition process to supply chain operations. Consider an AI system that can analyse past campaign data and rapidly generate creative slogans and ad copy for marketing teams. Or one that reviews hundreds of resumes and profiles to identify the most qualified candidates for open roles.
Microsoft is leading the charge to embed generative AI across business processes with Azure OpenAI Service. This unified platform makes it easy for organisations to leverage models like GPT-4 and DALL-E 3 through simple APIs and expert support. With added capabilities like summarisation, classification, semantic search and more, the possibilities are truly endless.
Generative AI for Every Application
Beyond business processes, generative AI holds immense potential to take applications to the next level when baked into the user experience. Consider an email client that could generate quick responses based on key points in received messages. Or a document editor that suggests grammar improvements and rephrasings to help refine writing.
Microsoft is leveraging generative AI to power more intelligent experiences across its software suite. For example, Office 365 Co-Pilot can provide interactive guidance and recommendations to boost productivity in apps like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Think of it like having an AI expert over your shoulder as you work.
With Azure OpenAI integrations, developers can build all kinds of AI-powered features into custom applications as well. For instance:
- Summarisation APIs to automatically create abstracts of long articles
- Semantic search to understand user intent from queries
- Image generation to customise visuals
- Predictive text to suggest next words in documents
The possibilities to deliver next-level user experiences through generative AI are endless. And easy-to-integrate cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure make it achievable for organisations of all sizes. Unleashing these innovative capabilities can help drive user engagement and satisfaction to new heights.
So, how do you become an AI-ready enterprise?
1. Find the Right Tools - Specialised AI platforms are emerging, and you need to pick the one that fits our objectives best.
2. Manage Your Brand - Develop control mechanisms to maintain brand voice and guidelines across the AI-generated content.
3. Cultivate Skills - Upskill your workforce with skills like prompt engineering - designing inputs to get the desired AI outputs.
Establish New Roles and Workflows - Integrate generative AI models with human teams and processes, e.g. specialist roles to ensure accountability and transparency.
The Value of Certification
As organisations explore integrating generative AI, it's essential they build responsible AI practices rooted in ethics, transparency and accountability. That's why training and certification are so valuable for navigating this technology paradigm shift.
Through immersive courses and certifications from partners like QA Ltd., professionals can master prompt engineering, learn bias mitigation tactics, implement robust model governance and more. Not only does this enable safer adoption, but it unlocks AI's full value.
Certified practitioners also serve an incredibly important role in ensuring human oversight over generative models. As helpful as AI systems are, the judgement of an experienced professional is vital for evaluating appropriateness, managing exceptions, and ensuring quality control.
The Future of Work with AI is Now
Generative AI marks a new era for technology - one where AI assists humans in unlocking creativity, efficiency and innovation at unbelievable scale. The opportunity for transformation across every team, task and process is real and within reach. Are you ready to embrace it?
Check out QA’s Develop Generative AI Solutions with Azure OpenAI Service or Microsoft 365 Copilot Technical Overview for IT Professionals to get started!
Alternatively, discover Microsoft Azure AI, with Azure AI Fundamentals and Designing and Implementing an Azure AI Solution.
Find out more about QA’s Microsoft training offering and help prepare your organisation for the future.
Kofi Glover
Kofi Glover is a passionate technologist with more than 20 years' experience. He currently leads our portfolio on artificial intelligence.