Leading the Evolution of AI Applications: Product Roadmap Update

Leading the Evolution of AI Applications: Product Roadmap Update | C3 Transform 2023 Keynote

Introduction

In 2022, the total AI software market was quantified at $ 596 billion. This figure, impressive in its own right, was revised to a staggering $ 791 billion in 2023 by IDC. The annual growth alone surpasses the size of the entire analytics platform market, underscoring AI’s pivotal role within the tech industry. However, the prevalent approach—employing data lakes and developing departmental AI applications—presents significant challenges such as lack of scalability and reusability.

C3.ai's Value-Driven Approach

C3.ai adopts a value-centric methodology when developing products and refining its product roadmap. The focus is on understanding and realizing value across various industry value chains. By collaborating closely with customers, C3.ai has created specialized suites of applications, including but not limited to Supply Chain, Reliability, Sustainability, Defense, State and Local Governance, Financial Services, CRM, and Oil & Gas. Each release is built upon direct feedback and measured by the tangible value it brings to the customer.

A Case Study in Supply Chain

The supply chain sector heavily benefits from AI despite its underlying technology not traditionally being AI-focused. The C3.ai platform integrates pre-existing systems, enhancing the entire supply chain's efficacy. Point solutions often fail to deliver holistic value, but C3.ai focuses on a common data foundation and machine learning predictions to drive optimal results.

The company utilizes technologies beyond AI, such as optimization for production schedules and demand uncertainties. C3.ai's ability to redesign and execute supply chains in real-time translates into significant economic benefits for its clients.

The C3.ai Platform

A key highlight lies in the robust AI application development platform that C3.ai has developed over the past 14 years. The platform enables rapid AI app development, catering to data scientists, system integrators, and developers through multiple interfaces like Jupiter lab, Canvas low-code tool, and VS Code interface.

Additionally, it supports Ex Machina, a no-code analytics platform enabling BI, machine learning, and automl at scale, ensuring a seamless flow from business analysts to developers.

Recognitions and Accolades

Thanks to feedback and real-world application challenges, C3.ai was recognized as a leader in several domains within the AI and machine learning platform space. The new acknowledgments included leading rankings by entities such as Forester, IDC, OMD, Bloomberg, LNS Research, and Constellation.

Future Roadmap

For the next year, C3.ai's roadmap—developed across multiple categories, thanks to extensive customer feedback, surveys, and complex deployment learnings—highlights further innovations focused on enabling seamless AI integration across workflows and business processes.

In Action: A Supply Chain Example

In a practical use case, three employees at a fictional company Acme Corp utilize C3.ai's suite to improve supply chain efficiencies. The Global VP of Supply Chain, Maria, begins by querying performance metrics, uncovering underperforming regions and suppliers.

Next, Supply Analyst Theo takes these insights to mitigate risks presented by specific suppliers, leveraging AI explainability and geospatial views. Finally, Data Analyst Armando employs Ex Machina to predict delays and develop mitigating strategies, publishing actionable insights for the supply managers.

Conclusion

C3.ai’s focus on generating tangible value through innovative AI applications positions it as a leader in the AI software market. With a promising roadmap and a platform driven by years of refinement and customer collaboration, C3.ai continues to evolve and lead in AI-driven solutions.

Keywords

AI software market
C3 Transform 2023
C3.ai
Supply Chain Management
Optimization
Machine Learning
Data Integration
No-code Analytics
Ex Machina
Roadmap

FAQ

Q: What was the AI software market value in 2022 and its revised value in 2023? A: The AI software market was valued at $ 596 billion in 2022, which was revised to $ 791 billion in 2023 by IDC.

Q: What challenges do companies face with data lakes and departmental AI applications? A: Companies often find such setups non-reusable and non-scalable, resulting in diminished long-term value.

Q: How does C3.ai ensure its platform and products deliver value to customers? A: C3.ai collaborates closely with customers to develop and refine applications, ensuring each version is built to maximize realized value at the customer level.

Q: What are C3.ai's specialized suites of applications? A: Some of the specialized application suites include Supply Chain, Reliability, Sustainability, Defense, local governance, Financial Services, CRM, and Oil & Gas.

Q: How has C3.ai been recognized in the technology space recently? A: C3.ai has been ranked as a leader by several entities, including Forester, IDC, OMD, Bloomberg, LNS Research, and Constellation.

Q: What is Ex Machina, and how does it fit into C3.ai's platform? A: Ex Machina is a no-code analytics platform by C3.ai that supports BI, machine learning, and automl at scale, enabling users to create insights seamlessly across the AI platform.