NTT, the global technology and business solutions provider, is embracing the potential of generative AI to support consumers and enterprise customers. In a recent interview, Takashi Hiroi, Chief Strategy Officer at NTT Group, discussed the company’s approach to AI adoption and the importance of collaboration and partnership.
While NTT is still in the early stages of exploring generative AI, it has already made significant strides in this area. The company has introduced AI-powered marketing data services, developed COTHOA (an automated translation, text translation, and summarization service), and created a ChatGPT solution for a Spanish pharmaceutical company, which helps medical professionals efficiently analyze large medical documents.
Hiroi emphasized the importance of a customer-centric approach to the adoption of generative AI. Before integrating AI solutions, it is crucial to help customers identify and understand their problems or areas for improvement. This approach aligns with NTT’s conventional systems integration practices.
The cost of AI services is another crucial consideration. Hiroi highlighted the complexity of establishing competitive pricing models for AI. While he doesn’t have a clear vision for AI pricing yet, he believes that the value AI brings will ultimately determine its price.
Vab Goel, Founding Partner of NTTVC, added that the high compute and energy requirements of AI deployment must be carefully balanced with the value it provides. Organizations also need to address power consumption and explore renewable energy solutions, which have become important considerations for CTOs.
NTT recognizes the importance of collaboration in the AI landscape and has adopted a collaborative approach with venture capital companies and early-stage startups. According to Goel, partnering with early-stage companies and shaping their vision is the key to success. He advises large corporations to broaden their scope and partner with startups, as it will give them a competitive advantage and help turn the cost of AI into a profit.
Goel also emphasized the significance of go-to-market partnerships for startup companies. Finding partners, such as NTT, who can introduce them to other companies and build services around their offerings is crucial. However, Goel also warned about the potential challenges faced by startups, as they need to find the right partners and avoid the struggles faced by the last wave of companies in analytics and SaaS.
In conclusion, NTT’s vision for AI adoption focuses on a customer-centric approach, competitive pricing models, and collaboration with early-stage companies. By embracing these principles, NTT aims to stay competitive in the AI landscape and deliver value to its customers.
