HAL Flickers to Life
December 15, 2015
My Overflight intelligence system overflows with news about artificial intelligence. Talk about the bandwagon. How many more big time outfits can climb on the horse drawn wagon. I think I hear Meredith Willson’s music playing now.
I read about the OpenAI initiative. in “Introducing OpenAI.” I view the artificial intelligence openness play as an automobile-lease lease deal for certain AI technology. As important is the cheerleading for smart software to learn just like a human. You can read about this breakthrough in smart software in “AI Software Learns a Simple Task Like a Human.” Yep, progress.
However, I interpreted these unrelated announcements against the background of the relentless cheerleading for IBM Watson and its cognitive computing campaign.
Is Watson a leader, able to claim that IBM was on the vanguard? On the other hand, is IBM now a follower, chasing a group of more dynamic companies and applications of the smart software?
The answer to the question is important. IBM, unlike the outfits involved in OpenAI and more innovative demonstrations of smart software, needs to generate revenue from smart software.
IBM will probably perceive itself as the Big Dog in smart software. It is possible to see IBM as a follower, and that is not good for stakeholders. IBM’s big play with Watson may turn out to be another missed opportunity to generate revenue from a leadership role.
Instead of HAL’s reminding Dave about his limits, the fresh AI activities may be saying something about the difference between a PR program and a leadership role.
Stephen E Arnold, December 15, 2015
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