You’re finally used to the cloud. You’ve got cloud computing down. You’re almost starting to feel like an expert and suddenly AI makes an appearance. Do you want AI in your business cloud? The technology certainly has its advantages like making it easier to optimize your business processes and operations. So what are some other potential uses of AI in cloud computing? Today we’re covering some of the common uses along with the ups and downs of using AI in cloud computing.
Potential Uses of AI in the Cloud
The cloud gives you instant access to powerful resources. Add in AI. Now you can quickly accomplish complicated tasks like image recognition, processing language, and even taking advantage of predictive analytics. Some common uses of AI in the cloud include the following.
Expand IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a popular buzzword popping up in businesses and residences. Yep, the IoT can easily control your home systems. Since this technology essentially makes the cloud run, it’s well-positioned for AI integration. Businesses can quickly analyze stored data on the AI platform. Even data storage processes are automated, simplifying life for your IT staff.
Boost Your Business Intelligence
Organizations are often looking for ways to boost their business intelligence (BI). This can also be where AI really shines. Artificial intelligence can easily collect data on market trends and even target specific demographics. Say you want to know what shoes to stock for older adults this winter. Your AI-generated BI can quickly pinpoint last year’s sales and trends so you know what to stock.
Since the data appears almost instantly, you don’t need to worry about missing out on a potential trend. This can give you a bit of an edge over your competitors. You may be ready for the season’s trends while your competitors are still trying to review their data.
AI as a Service
Most businesses aren’t equipped to generate an AI program. This doesn’t mean they’re doomed to miss out on any potential advantages. Just like you can subscribe to other services like cloud access, the same applies to AI. You can easily outsource your AI needs without increasing risks to your existing infrastructure. Best of all, outsourcing your AI needs is a cost-effective solution.
A few other common uses of AI in the cloud include chatbots. You know the little conversation boxes that pop up on websites. These little communication boxes are usually AI-powered. IBM and Google are a few organizations using AI for cognitive cloud computing. They’re also offering AI cognitive cloud computing as a service. This may be something to look into if you want a better insight into your consumers’ purchasing and thought processes.
Ups and Downs of AI in Cloud Computing
Just about everything that comes with benefits has at least one or more potential downsides. This is just how life seems to work. There’s always an up and down, sort of like keeping everything balanced.
Possible Benefits of AI in the Cloud
Some of the benefits you may be able to take advantage of often include some obvious ones like cost savings. You can use a pay-per-use AI cloud model so you’re only paying for the services your business needs. The cloud is also scalable, it’s one of the primary advantages. Adding AI doesn’t change this, you can still easily scale up or down as demand changes.
Incredibility Flexible
You can access the cloud from just about any authorized and internet-connected device. This can be great news for your remote staff. Instead of having to stop by the office to check data, they can access it remotely.
You’re saving time and money on employee transportation costs. Projects are being completed efficiently and effectively. Your remote staff also appreciates not having to make the drive into the office every time they need to access workplace information.
Improve Collaboration
Are your employees frequently collaborating on projects? Maybe you have your sales and transportation departments working on a shared project. To ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish, you need the various teams working together.
You can always rely on employees running back and forth carrying messages from different workstations. This approach may even work, at least for a day or so. However, pretty soon you’re going to run into problems with missed deadlines and poor communication. AI can give your teams a shared work platform. Multiple teams can access and work on the data simultaneously and in real time.
Potential Challenges of AI in the Cloud
AI in cloud computing has its advantages. But you can still run into a few potential challenges. A primary concern is data privacy. Don’t forget that all personally identifiable information (PII) is strictly regulated. Not only are you concerned about industry compliance standards but the federal or even a state government may have additional requirements.
These risks tend to be more prevalent in a public cloud environment. You can take steps to mitigate risks by using a hybrid or private cloud. This can help reduce issues like unauthorized data access.
Locked Into a Service Provider
AI as a service is usually the way to go. Especially if your business is worried about potential costs. However there can be a downside to this cost-saving option. Typically you sign a contract and this means you’re stuck with the vendor. Getting out of a contract can be challenging and expensive. Carefully reviewing all service terms before signing a contract can help ensure you’re not looking to switch providers after a few months.
Limited Infrastructure Control
Using a cloud service provider limits the amount of control you have over where the AI is deployed. Since you can’t choose where the AI is installed on the cloud infrastructure you may be dealing with uncontrollable issues. Finding out where and how AI is used in the cloud’s infrastructure is something to consider.
AI in Cloud Computing Can Be a Good Business Move
Even though you can run into a potential downside the benefits of AI in cloud computing typically outweigh the challenges you may face. Just make sure you choose the right service provider and stay on top of any security risks.