The End of Applications ?

Will AI mean the end of applications as we know them? It's a provocative thought. The reality might be closer than we think.?

Why We Love Applications?

At their core, applications are powerful tools that combine three essential elements:

• Some data structure that supports the application/user goal
• A workflow that supports the user's interaction with that data
• Visualiation that allows the user to complete tasks

Applications are the backbone of the modern enterprise, addressing specific needs and facilitating complex processes in digestible, user-friendly formats. Over the years, as technology has advanced and business needs have become increasingly specialized, the number of vendors offering solutions has exploded. This proliferation of applications is so extensive that the average enterprise today uses over 50 different applications per department.

This statistic underscores the critical role applications play in organizational operations and the vast market for solving specific business challenges.?

The Conversational Nature of AI?

However, the essence of AI, particularly in its interactions with users, is conversational. It can be through almost any UI. Because, when we engage with AI, especially in the context of enterprise applications, we're mostly relying on the data part of the application.

Unlike traditional applications, where the data and workflows are explicitly structured and the user interfaces are predefined, AI introduces a more dynamic interface. The workflow is still present but becomes less conspicuous, integrated into the conversational exchange. This subtle yet significant shift raises the question: Does your GAI understand all the states in the workflows it navigates??What does that mean for it's ability to help the user?

The Future of AI and Applications?

The transition from traditional applications to AI-driven interactions is both exhilarating and daunting. For AI to really replace applications, it must master the complex "business logic" that underpins these applications, as well as the data model.

One might wonder about the fate of tasks like data entry. In the short term, these functions may remain as they are, but as generative AI continues to gain ability, it is plausible to envision a future where even these tasks become automated?with the AI talking directly to the underlying systems.

An Omnichannel Future?

Looking ahead, the interaction with AI in business might transform into an omnichannel dialogue. The AI might still use specific applications for data visualization or for accessing particular functionalities within a predefined context. However, the dominant mode of interaction is through conversation, with the AI meeting the needs of its users continuously, through the ongoing discovery and delivery of information.?

In essence, the future might see the role of standalone applications significantly diminished, with most interactions replaced by interactivek, AI-driven interfaces. This would not spell the end of applications entirely but would redefine their role as data and workflow managers, with human workers consuming data with the help of AI assistants, and returning to the application UIs only when required.

Integrating AI without Overhauling Infrastructure?

SWIRL was designed to offer a true alternative to businesses that want to harness the power of AI, but are wary of bulk copying data. It allows organizations to integrate advanced AI capabilities without migrating datasets into new and often complex databases. It's a practical way to start using AI with existing applications, data platforms and information services...

Conclusion?

While the traditional concept of applications may be undergoing a transformation, the core value of applications remains important. Generative AI, in its conversational glory, needs those models to help users do more, faster, with no gaps in information. And there's no need to start bulk copying data into every new GAI that comes along to harness it, safely, in the large enterprise.

As we stand on the brink of this new era, the possibilities seem both endless and exciting. ?