About the Author
Duncan MacRae is an award-winning editor with over 20 years of experience in journalism. He has launched his tech journalism career as editor of Arabian Computer News in Dubai and has since edited various tech and digital marketing publications, including Computer Business Review, TechWeekEurope, Figaro Digital, Digit, and Marketing Gazette.
SAS Unveils Game-Changing Approach for Organisations to Tackle Business Challenges Head-On
Specialist in data and AI solutions, SAS, has unveiled a ‘game-changing approach’ for organisations to tackle business challenges head-on. Introducing lightweight, industry-specific AI models for individual licence, SAS hopes to equip organisations with readily deployable AI technology to productionise real-world use cases with unparalleled efficiency.
A New Era of AI Adoption
According to Chandana Gopal, research director, Future of Intelligence, IDC: "SAS is evolving its portfolio to meet wider user needs and capture market share with innovative new offerings. An area that is ripe for SAS is productising models built on SAS’ core assets, talent, and IP from its wealth of experience working with customers to solve industry problems."
Gopal highlights the importance of moving beyond large language models (LLMs) and delivering industry-proven deterministic AI models for industries spanning use cases such as fraud detection, supply chain optimization, entity management, document conversation, health care payment integrity, and more.
Breaking Down Barriers in AI Adoption
Unlike traditional AI implementations that can be cumbersome and time-consuming, SAS’ industry-specific models are engineered for quick integration, enabling organisations to operationalise trustworthy AI technology and accelerate the realisation of tangible benefits and trusted results.
The demand for agility in using AI to solve problems is on the rise. Organisations are facing pressure to compete effectively and are looking to AI to gain an edge. At the same time, staffing data science teams has never been more challenging due to AI skills shortages. Consequently, businesses are demanding flexible AI solutions to quickly drive business outcomes.
Expanding Market Footprint with Packaged Solutions
SAS’ easy-to-use yet powerful models tuned for the enterprise enable organisations to benefit from a half-century of SAS’ leadership across industries. Delivering industry models as packaged offerings is one outcome of SAS’ commitment of $1 billion to AI-powered industry solutions.
As outlined in the May 2023 announcement, the investment in AI builds on SAS’ decades-long focus on providing packaged solutions to address industry challenges in banking, government, healthcare, and more.
Udo Sgvalo’s Insight
Udo Sgvalo, VP for AI and Analytics at SAS, said: "Models are the perfect complement to our existing solutions and SAS Viya platform offerings and cater to diverse business needs across various audiences, ensuring that innovation reaches every corner of our ecosystem."
By tailoring their approach to understanding specific industry needs, SAS’ frameworks empower businesses to flourish in their distinctive environments.
Democratising AI with Packaged Models
SAS is democratising AI by offering out-of-the-box, lightweight AI models – making AI accessible regardless of skill set – starting with an AI assistant for warehouse space optimisation. Leveraging technology like large language models, these assistants cater to non-technical users, translating interactions into optimised workflows seamlessly and aiding in faster planning decisions.
Sgvalo said: "SAS Models provide organisations with flexible, timely, and accessible AI that aligns with industry challenges. Whether you’re embarking on your AI journey or seeking to accelerate the expansion of AI across your enterprise, SAS offers unparalleled depth and breadth in addressing your business’s unique needs."
Future Outlook
The first SAS Models are expected to be generally available later this year.
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Conclusion
SAS’ packaged AI models offer a game-changing approach for organisations to tackle business challenges head-on. By providing industry-specific, lightweight, and accessible AI solutions, SAS aims to make AI adoption possible regardless of skill set.
With the increasing demand for agility in using AI to solve problems, SAS’ commitment to delivering flexible and timely AI solutions is more important than ever. Whether you’re embarking on your AI journey or seeking to accelerate the expansion of AI across your enterprise, SAS offers unparalleled depth and breadth in addressing your business’s unique needs.