By Siddharth Pai
Mid-sized organisations in India are waking up to the need to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to stay competitive. OpenAI’s enterprise ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, and Google’s Gemini offerings are among the leading AI tools available. Each of these tools has distinct features, benefits, and use cases. Deciding which to adopt can involve several factors. I will go through these factors individually in this column.
OpenAI has positioned its Enterprise ChatCPT as a versatile and powerful conversational AI tool. It is designed to handle various tasks, from customer support to content generation and data analysis. It can also help generate computer code. The response quality depends greatly on the prompt given to ChatGPT, so learning how to use the tool effectively is crucial.
ChatGPT can integrate with various platforms, making it highly flexible and adaptable. It also offers customisation options to tailor responses to the organisation’s specific requirements. According to ChatGPT, its Enterprise version will not use its clients’ data in its training models, thereby allowing for a “walled garden” in which an enterprise can build its AI capabilities (bit.ly/3KMFrE0).
Microsoft’s Co-Pilot is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, leveraging the extensive suite of tools that many organisations already use. It enhances productivity by automating tasks within applications like Word, Excel, and Teams. Co-Pilot can generate documents, create data visualisations, and even draft emails, all while integrating seamlessly with Microsoft’s ecosystem. This is a boon for most Indian mid-sized enterprises, given that Microsoft Office tools are nearly ubiquitous.
Google’s Gemini is also designed for enterprise-level operations, offering excellent data processing capabilities and advanced machine learning models. It stands out for tasks that require complex data analysis, predictive analytics, and automation. Gemini is also known for its robust security features, critical for organisations dealing with sensitive data.
A mid-sized organisation should evaluate several key factors when deciding among these tools. If the primary goal is to enhance customer and supplier support, OpenAI’s ChatGPT might be the best option due to its conversational capabilities and ability to handle diverse queries effectively. For organisations only looking to boost internal productivity (for the present), Microsoft’s Co-Pilot offers a significant advantage with its seamless integration into the Microsoft 365 suite. If the focus is on sophisticated data analysis and automation, Google’s Gemini could be the most suitable choice due to its advanced machine-learning models and powerful data processing capabilities.
However, not just each tool’s strong suit governs whether it should be chosen. Integration with the existing systems in the enterprise is critical. Many mid-sized organisations already have a sizable set of “legacy” applications, such as SAP or Oracle, in a manufacturing setting and various tools for accounting and finance. Management must assess whether the AI tools fit with the “legacy”. For instance, if the company is heavily invested in Microsoft products, Co-Pilot’s integration with Microsoft 365 can provide a smooth transition and leverage existing tools; for organisations using Google Workspace, Gemini’s offerings might integrate naturally. OpenAI’s ChatGPT is platform-agnostic and can integrate with various systems through application programming interfaces, offering flexibility if the organisation uses a mix of tools.
Further questions arise about how much each tool will lend itself to customisation and how scalable each tool may be in actual use. OpenAI’s ChatGPT offers extensive customisation, allowing companies to tailor AI to specific needs. This is particularly useful for organisations that require bespoke solutions. Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, while highly functional within Microsoft’s ecosystem, may have limitations in customisation outside its predefined capabilities. Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini, with its focus on enterprise-level operations, offers scalable solutions that can grow with the business and handle increasing data loads efficiently.
Security is paramount for any technology tool, including of AI. Google’s Gemini is known for robust security, making it a good choice for organisations handling sensitive data. Microsoft’s Co-Pilot benefits from the already capable security measures of the Microsoft 365 environment, which comply with various international standards. OpenAI’s ChatGPT also offers enterprise-grade security. Its creator, OpenAI, does not use enterprise customer data to train its models, but organisations should still ensure it meets their specific compliance requirements.
Budget constraints are another critical factor. Before a company sets off down the AI path, it needs to evaluate the cost of each tool, including any integration and ongoing maintenance expenses. Notably, the potential return on investment also needs to be assessed by looking at how the AI tool will improve efficiency, reduce costs, or generate additional revenue. Firms must first identify the primary objectives and pain points the tool is expected to address.
One way to test the waters is to implement pilot programmes for each AI tool. These programmes evaluate the tools’ performance in real-world scenarios while measuring effectiveness, user satisfaction, and any challenges encountered during the pilot phase. Most mid-sized firms already have IT vendors. Engaging with vendors to understand the full capabilities, support options, and future road maps of each AI tool can be helpful, as can requesting case studies or references from similar organisations to gain insights into their experiences.
AI scares employees. A firm adopting any of these tools should prepare for the implementation by planning training and familiarity sessions for employees to ensure they are comfortable. Developing a change management strategy to facilitate a smooth transition, especially if employee changes are coming, is critical.
By carefully evaluating all these factors, organisations can make an informed decision that aligns with their strategic objectives and maximises the benefits of AI technology. Bring on an experienced consultant. It may be a case of a one-eyed man leading the blind, but it’s a lot better than jumping in head first.
Siddharth Pai, The author is technology consultants and venture capitalist
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