The Future of AI is Here: How Microsoft is Paving the Way for Digital Transformation

I have always believed in the potential of technology to reshape our lives in practical and powerful ways. In fact, my passion for technology led me to major in Computer Science at the University of Washington with a focus in Artificial Intelligence, and it has continued to guide my career every step of the way.

More than ever, I am seeing the power of technology come true with AI being at the center of its evolution. AI is such a fascinating space, and I’m excited to see that it’s becoming an integral part of our daily lives. Today, it filters our emails, pilots our planes, and even predicts traffic patterns to make our commutes safer. As a frequent traveler, I experience AI in action every time I order an Uber, as AI and machine learning now predict ETAs for rides and compute optimal pickup locations. Whether we realize it or not – AI is here, and the opportunities for digital transformation utilizing it are endless.

For Microsoft, AI is more than a future trend. Our vision has always been to help partners go to market with innovative solutions and customer experiences. This means integrating AI and machine learning into all areas of business.

“Today we don’t think of aviation as ‘artificial flight’ – it’s simply flight.” — Satya Nadella

Digital Transformation Starts with a Mindset Shift

We all know the need for digital transformation is high, but when you really consider the facts, the impact on our future profitability is pretty astonishing. For example:

• Microsoft and IDC predict 60% of enterprises will implement digital strategies that include AI and machine learning by 2020.
• By the end of 2019, $1.7 trillion will be spent worldwide to create new business models, products, operational efficiencies, and customer experiences utilizing AI.
• By 2025, 95% of customer interactions will be powered by AI.

So, what is the key to transformation success? I believe it’s a shift in mindset. AI is not the technology of the future, it’s the power behind today’s innovations and it’s critical to remain competitive in the current marketplace. To that end, Microsoft is working to bring AI capabilities directly into the core of our products – whether it’s for partners’ everyday use or to power other transformative solutions and offerings.

Rethinking What’s Possible with AI and Machine Learning

The tools to engage in digital transformation are already here. Every time you open an Excel, Word, or PowerPoint file, you’re using AI. PowerPoint’s Designer feature uses it to automatically populate templates, for example. AI-driven ink gestures in Word let you add handwritten text to documents as well as automatically split paragraphs.

What’s more, our partners are building powerful solutions using AI. Tools like Dynamics 365 allow you to take the practical applications of AI even further. Gallup, for instance, uses Dynamics 365 as a sales CRM to route new leads to a specific salesperson depending on the customer’s unique needs. Companies like Adobe combine Dynamics 365 with their own solutions, like Adobe Sign, to streamline sales and onboarding processes.

In September, we announced three AI modules for Dynamics 365, including AI for Sales, AI for Customer Service, and AI for Market Insights. With these modules, machine learning can be applied to various sales processes like pipeline analytics, deal prioritization, and sales coaching to improve lead generation. AI and natural language capabilities allow virtual agents to assist human agents in resolving complex customer service issues. Additionally, AI analysis of social media and market research can provide faster response times to relevant trends and conversations. This is just the tip of the iceberg for everyday use.

Microsoft’s approach to machine intelligence extends far beyond Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365. Cognitive Services, for example, our bespoke machine learning solution, includes AI initiatives for Vision, Speech, Language, and Knowledge. Our bot frameworks and knowledge mining algorithms allow for the easy addition of language translations to any application as well as more complex APIs like facial recognition. In fact, companies like Uber use Cognitive Services to incorporate facial recognition for their drivers to prevent fraud.

I’m proud to be a part of AI-driven solutions like Dynamics 365 and Cognitive services, as well as initiatives like the Open Data Initiative, Microsoft FATE, and Microsoft AI for Earth, that help our partners innovate using emerging technologies. With AI so close at hand, I truly believe anyone can become the next digital disruptor. The time is now to start imagining all the ways these tools and initiatives can be used to redefine what’s possible.

What’s Next?

With the boundless opportunities presented by AI and machine learning in mind, I encourage you to continue your digital transformation journey by checking out the following useful resources:

• Microsoft AI Guided Experience – Learn more about building AI into your current business applications.
• AI Practice Development Playbook – Find out how to use Microsoft in your everyday solutions.
• AI Inner Circle – For those already using AI to innovate, join and stay up-to-date on everything AI.

I’m looking forward to seeing your incredible innovation in action, both now and in the near future.

Until next time,

Alyssa Fitzpatrick