Line up 10 venture capitalists and ask them what technology they’re most interested in investing in for the future, all 10 may tell you that artificial intelligence and AI-powered platforms and solutions are one of their top priorities.
At Cisco Investments, this isn’t anything new for us. In fact, over the last several years, we've already made over 20 AI-focused acquisitions and investments. Just this week, we announced a $1B global investment fund to expand and develop secure, reliable and trustworthy AI solutions. AI and AI-powered solutions are among our top priorities.
We’ve already learned a few things along the way.
AI adoption differs between consumer-facing applications and enterprise use cases, with businesses prioritizing immediate value creation, like boosting efficiency in tasks such as marketing and development. Many of the customers we work with have told us they’d like to do more to integrate AI solutions into their workflow, but adoption has been slow because of concerns around governance and trust.
We recently sat down with two of our AI investments, DataRobot and Robust Intelligence, to discuss ongoing AI trends, and how enterprises can best leverage the technology in a safe and secure way. Here are the top takeaways from that conversation:
Holistic AI Integration: Organizations benefit from end-to-end AI solutions that encompass the entire AI lifecycle, including development, deployment, governance, and security measures. This comprehensive approach ensures seamless integration with existing data assets and business processes while safeguarding against evolving threats and vulnerabilities.
Diverse Application Scope: The landscape of AI applications transcends conventional boundaries, extending far beyond predictive analytics. It encompasses the realm of generative AI, unlocking innovative possibilities across diverse industries. From streamlining productivity workflows to tackling critical security challenges like prompt injections and data breaches, AI proves instrumental in addressing multifaceted business needs. This broad scope underscores the transformative potential of AI, offering tailored solutions to meet specific organizational objectives and enhance operational efficiency across the board.
User-Centric Accessibility with Built-in Security: Making AI accessible to business users within their familiar workflows is crucial for driving adoption and maximizing impact. Integrating AI seamlessly into everyday business applications, such as chat interfaces or CRM systems, empowers users to leverage AI insights effectively. This user-centric approach includes robust security measures, such as AI firewalls and real-time threat detection, to mitigate risks and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of AI-driven processes and data.
Secure Deployment Strategies: Ensuring the seamless integration and safe deployment of AI solutions is paramount for organizations navigating the digital landscape. As AI adoption accelerates, businesses prioritize robust security measures to mitigate risks associated with data breaches and malicious attacks. By aligning AI initiatives with industry standards and regulations, organizations fortify their defense mechanisms, safeguarding sensitive data and bolstering trust in AI technologies. Through strategic adherence to security protocols and proactive risk management, enterprises cultivate a culture of compliance and confidence, paving the way for sustainable AI-driven innovation.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can watch the full webinar featuring DataRobot and Robust Intelligence on demand, here.