LIVE FROM MWC25 DOHA: Martin Kon, president emeritus of Cohere, emphasized that deploying AI applications designed primarily for consumers into enterprise settings may not yield significant transformation. Speaking at the Mobile World Congress, he highlighted the distinct demands of enterprise environments, which differ fundamentally from those of the consumer sector, where most technological innovations have garnered attention.
“Most of the hype to date has been on mass-market consumer-focused tools,” Kon stated, noting that the consumer sector often operates under a “winner takes all” paradigm. This trend is evident in various disruptive digital technologies that have emerged in recent years.
Kon pointed to Google Search as a prime example of the challenges in adapting consumer technology for enterprise use. “It is one of the most incredible products to be launched ever, 3.3 billion of us use it every single day. But what has Google done for enterprise search? Nothing, because enterprise search is completely different,” he explained.
According to Kon, businesses and sectors have specific needs and existing infrastructure, necessitating a tailored approach to AI deployment. He stressed that simply using consumer chatbots or other consumer-oriented technologies in enterprise settings will not lead to meaningful change. “Just taking consumer chat bots or taking consumer-oriented tech and models and plopping them into enterprise is not the solution for real transformation,” he asserted.
While acknowledging the significant hype surrounding AI, Kon is optimistic about its potential. He described AI as “the biggest transformation in how humans and computers interact in 30 years.” He underscored the technology’s capacity to address the skills gap and improve productivity, particularly benefiting less productive workers. “AI helps less productive people relatively more than more productive people,” he summarized.
As AI continues to evolve, businesses are urged to consider how best to integrate these technologies into their unique operational frameworks. The emphasis on a tailored approach may be critical for enterprises looking to harness the full potential of AI and drive genuine transformation in their operations. The discussion at MWC25 underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the intersection between consumer technology and enterprise application, as businesses navigate this rapidly changing landscape.
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