SoftServe emerges as a frontrunner in pioneering advanced AI solutions with a strong commitment to responsible deployment.

In anticipation of the AI & Big Data Expo North America, where the company will showcase its expertise, Chuck Ros, Industry Success Director at SoftServe, shares valuable insights into the company’s AI initiatives, challenges encountered, and future strategies for harnessing this potent technology.

Spotlighting a recent AI endeavor that epitomizes SoftServe’s innovative ethos, Ros delves into the company’s bespoke solution for a software firm in the field service management sector. The objective was to craft an intuitive, language model-driven interface empowering field technicians to seamlessly access service histories, equipment documentation, and maintenance schedules, thus amplifying productivity and operational efficiency.

Ros elaborates, “Our AI engineers devised a prompt evaluation pipeline, meticulously factoring in cost, processing time, semantic relevance, and the risk of distortions. This architecture proved highly effective, yielding improved operational efficiencies for the client, heightened productivity for field users, a competitive edge for the software company and its clientele, and, crucially, a catalyst for further innovation.”

While acknowledging AI's undeniable potential, Ros underscores the common missteps businesses make when deploying AI solutions, stressing the importance of robust data strategies, well-constructed data pipelines, and rigorous model testing. He cautions against hasty deployments of generative AI solutions without thorough assessments of feasibility and business viability, asserting, “We must devote as much attention to the question of 'should we build it?' as we do to 'can we build it?'.”

Recognizing the paramount importance of ethical AI development, Ros emphasizes the necessity of human oversight throughout the entire process. “Safeguarding dynamic data quality, detecting and rectifying biases and inaccuracies, upholding stringent data privacy standards, and ensuring ethical AI system usage all demand human intervention,” he asserts. SoftServe’s approach to AI development encompasses structured engagements to scrutinize data and algorithms for suitability, assess potential risks, and implement governance measures to ensure accountability and data traceability.

Looking ahead, Ros foresees AI assuming an increasingly pivotal role in SoftServe’s business strategy, with ongoing enhancements to AI-assisted software development life cycles and the introduction of novel tools and processes to further bolster productivity. Softserve’s findings suggest that GenAI can enhance programming productivity by up to 40 percent.

“I envision more models aiding us in daily tasks, from drafting emails and documentation to streamlining mundane chores,” Ros envisages. “Over the next five years, I anticipate continual refinements in AI integration within SDLCs, accompanied by the regular introduction of new tools, models, and processes, pushing productivity gains beyond the 40 percent mark to 50 and 60 percent.”

Addressing SoftServe’s utilization of AI for societal benefit, Ros elucidates the company’s endeavors, ranging from machine learning models facilitating student exploration of passions and aptitudes to supporting educators in their daily responsibilities.

“This question resonates deeply with SoftServe's core values, as we are committed to leveraging technology to foster positive change. It’s a lofty aspiration, but it's one that resonates with our employees and clients alike,” Ros reflects.

“We’ve established the Open Eyes Foundation, raising over $15 million with contributions from the public, clients, partners, and employees. Our support for the Open Eyes Foundation encompasses a wide range of technological needs, including AI initiatives.”

At the AI & Big Data Expo North America, SoftServe plans to deliver a keynote presentation titled “Revolutionizing Learning: Unleashing the Power of Generative AI in Education and Beyond,” delving into the transformative potential of generative AI and large language models in education.

“As we explore the mechanisms through which generative AI harnesses data – including training methodologies like fine-tuning and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) – we will identify high-impact, low-risk applications poised to redefine education,” Ros affirms.

“In narrating the journey from conceptualization to deployment of an AI solution at Mesquite ISD, where generative AI facilitated personalized learning experiences by unveiling student passions and aptitudes, this presentation will underscore the tangible benefits and transformative potential of generative AI in education.”

Additionally, the company will participate in panel discussions covering topics such as “Getting to Production-Ready – Challenges and Best Practices for Deploying AI” and “Navigating the Data & AI Landscape – Ensuring Safety, Security, and Responsibility in Big Data and AI Systems.” These sessions will provide attendees with valuable insights from SoftServe’s experts on overcoming deployment challenges, ensuring data quality and user acceptance, and mitigating risks associated with AI implementation.

As a key sponsor of the event, SoftServe endeavors to contribute to the dialogue on responsible and ethical AI development while sharing its expertise and vision for leveraging this potent technology to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and address global challenges.

“Our interest lies in both sharing and learning about the diverse array of business cases for AI and big data applications: the concept of a rising tide lifting all boats is particularly pertinent in the realm of AI, and GenAI in particular. We're proud to be part of the AI technology community,” Ros concludes.