IBM and TD SYNNEX recently hosted an insightful session for their channel partners, focusing on how generative AI is reshaping the IT channel.
The event addressed challenges such as compliance, transparency, and deployment while highlighting collaborative opportunities.
Featuring presenters from both companies and their technology partners, the session underscored the transformative potential of AI and the strategic actions needed to unlock it.
Challenges to adoption
The discussion began with an overview of the challenges organisations face when deploying generative AI technologies.
“Companies are asking, ‘How is technology trained? Can bias and hallucinations be detected and managed?,’ Charlotte Crowley, ISV and AI partnerships expert at IBM noted.
“These are fundamental questions as businesses strive to use AI responsibly.”
Another key point was the need for transparency in AI models, particularly given the regulatory landscape.
“A lot of companies don’t want to use a black box,” Crowley explained. “This is critical when it comes to audit trails and compliance, especially with acts like the EU AI Act becoming more prevalent globally.”
By enabling features like prompt tuning, fine-tuning, and multi-model testing through platforms like Watson.ai, IBM ensures businesses can adapt AI solutions to their specific needs while maintaining oversight.
Use cases and initiatives
A highlight of the session was IBM’s Build Lab initiative, a collaborative programme designed to help startups and ISVs define use cases and rapidly prototype AI solutions.
Justinas Kairys, founder and CTO of Opendatabay explained the process in the case of generating synthetic data: “We co-create with partners over a four- to six-week sprint.”
“Our engineers work alongside theirs to lock in the use case, build a proof-of-concept, and demonstrate value to decision-makers.”
Real-world examples underscored the effectiveness of this approach.
For instance, IBM partnered with a healthcare startup in Nigeria to use #AI for cost-saving solutions in underserved areas. “All this was achieved within a month,” Kairys added.
The session also explored practical applications of generative AI in the channel, from creating synthetic datasets to enhancing customer service platforms.
Partners were encouraged to think creatively about AI-enabled use cases, leverage IBM’s expertise and resources, as well as additional advisory via TD SYNNEX and explore opportunities for co-creation to drive meaningful business outcomes.
The full article from CRN UK #channelweb can be seen here ->
https://lnkd.in/e95C5qCw
