Prepping SMEs Through Digital Evolution With Generative Innovation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as the vanguard of cutting-edge technologies and algorithms, ushering in transformative changes across global economies and societies. At its zenith, AI offers substantial advantages, particularly in applications dealing with vast datasets and significant variability. In this era of digital adaptation, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) emerge as pioneers in leveraging AI’s capabilities to foster innovation, enhance efficiency, promote collaboration, and bolster competitiveness.

One prevalent topic in contemporary discussions is ChatGPT, the latest manifestation of AI commonly referred to as ‘Generative AI.’ Chat GPT made its impactful debut in November 2022, signalling a paradigm shift in our technological landscape. The introduction of ‘Generative AI’ marks the brink of even more profound transformations. This innovative AI variant possesses the ability to learn from existing artefacts, generating new and realistic creations on a large scale that mirror the traits of the training data without duplicating it.

However, there are concerns regarding the use of AI, especially for companies around the globe, primarily SMEs, as they often grapple with the intricacies of the regulatory landscape, especially with the evolving role of AI tools.

In response to this challenge, Straits Interactive, in collaboration with Rackspace Technology, has dedicated itself to making generative AI accessible for SMEs. Their mission is clear: To create value while managing ethical, privacy, and security risks.

Kevin Shepherdson, CEO of Straits Interactive, highlights the growing concerns within SMEs regarding potential risks associated with AI tools, emphasising the need for comprehensive support in addition to solutions. This recognition led to the introduction of the AI Data Protection Officer (DPO) Assistant, powered by Foundry for AI by Rackspace (FAIR™) on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. The goal is to champion the responsible use of AI by integrating Rackspace Technology’s multi-cloud solutions with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Generative Service.

The collaborative efforts of Straits Interactive and Rackspace Technology result in AI-enabled multi-cloud solutions that integrate Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft Purview for data governance. All part of the Capabara Capability-as-a-Service platform services, these solutions empower organisations to harness the transformative potential of generative AI for business evolution.

At the core of this initiative is the AI DPO Assistant, a pioneer in the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. This chatbot, powered by generative AI within Straits Interactive’s Capabara suite of services, serves as a comprehensive solution for organisations to navigate digital transformation while ensuring the safe and responsible use of generative AI.

Guiding SMEs Through Data Governance Challenges

The AI DPO Assistant plays a pivotal role in guiding SMEs through the intricate landscape of data governance. Shepherdson emphasises its primary goal: To assist SMEs in managing and protecting their data effectively, offering operational guidance for compliance with regulatory requirements within the confines of their typically limited resources and expertise.

“The AI DPO Assistant equips them to manoeuvre these choppy waters via comprehensive solutions and support to meet their data protection requirements effectively and efficiently,” Shepherdson affirms. This statement underscores Straits Interactive’s commitment to providing SMEs with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges posed by data protection regulations.

A Comprehensive Solutions

Kevin points to the Capabara Capability-as-a-Service suite as a comprehensive solution designed to alleviate the concerns of SMEs. This suite offers SMEs a safe environment to harness the capabilities of generative AI, ensuring its safe, secure, and responsible use while aligning seamlessly with stringent data protection requirements.

“The Capabara Capability-as-a-Service suite, particularly the AI DPO Assistant, seeks to alleviate these concerns. By providing a safe environment, SMEs can harness the capabilities of generative AI while ensuring its safe, secure, and responsible use, as well as align with data protection requirements,” Shepherdson explains.

The newly launched Capabara Capability-as-a-Service suite comprises three vital components: The AI Assistant (including AI DPO), the Knowledge System, and the Capability Management System.

To illustrate how these components work together, Shepherdson provides insights into each:

• AI Assistant: This component doubles as the AI DPO Assistant, serving as a first-level support system for human DPOs. It facilitates inquiries about data protection regulations and practices and hosts other AI assistants within the organisation, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Knowledge System: Ensuring a secure and robust AI solution, this system allows users to engage with company documents securely. Leveraging Rackspace’s Foundry AI, ensures a dedicated and secure space for each customer within the Capabara platform, aligning seamlessly with their data governance framework.
• Capability Management System: Shepherdson highlights its significance, stating, “The ability to turn AI-generated recommendations into actionable tasks is perhaps one of the most transformative aspects of this solution.” This system streamlines complex tasks, ensuring precision and effectiveness in managing an organisation’s capabilities.

Shepherdson emphasises, “The most obvious benefit of developing an AI DPO Assistant would be that it would allow us to leave behind manual processes.”

Collaboration Insights From Rackspace Technology

Hemanta Banerjee, Vice President of Public Cloud Data Services for Rackspace Technology, provides insights into Rackspace’s crucial role in supporting Straits Interactive throughout the development of the AI DPO Assistant. The collaboration began with early ideation and evolved through incubation to industrialisation.

Hemanta said that Rackspace’s primary cloud offerings help Straits Interactive in the form of ideating, incubating, and industrialising. Ideation focuses on identifying use cases and understanding business value propositions, while incubation involves the rapid development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Finally, she said, in the industrialisation phase, responsible AI principles, governance, security, and functional capabilities are applied.

The collaboration extended beyond the launch of an MVP, with Rackspace actively contributing to the industrialisation of the AI DPO Assistant. This involved applying responsible AI principles, ensuring governance, implementing security measures, and enhancing functional capabilities for a comprehensive solution.

As AI adoption continues to surge across Southeast Asia, the collaboration between Straits Interactive and Rackspace Technology stands as a beacon of innovation. By democratising access to generative AI, they are not only promoting responsible AI use but also empowering SMEs to create value in a digitally transformed landscape.

In the words of Kevin Shepherdson, generative AI will propel digital transformation in business. “By synergising the strengths of AI and human insight, it fosters a more effective, efficient, and adaptable strategy for managing data protection while facilitating the alignment with regulatory compliance across the organisation.”

Looking ahead, the journey does not conclude here. The strategic partnership envisions a future where AI continues to drive positive transformation responsibly and inclusively. As technology pioneers, Straits Interactive and Rackspace Technology remain committed to redefining the possibilities of AI in data governance and business evolution. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of AI, ensuring it catalyses progress and innovation in the years to come.