AI in nearly all new software within three years - Gartner

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is also causing 'considerable confusion' for the industry

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will be in almost every new software product by 2020, according to Gartner.

The research house claims market hype and growing interest in AI are pushing established software vendors to introduce AI into their product strategy, but this is creating considerable confusion in the process.

"As AI accelerates up the Hype Cycle, many software providers are looking to stake their claim in the biggest gold rush in recent years," said Jim Hare, research vice president at Gartner.

"AI offers exciting possibilities, but unfortunately, most vendors are focused on the goal of simply building and marketing an AI-based product rather than first identifying needs, potential uses and the business value to customers."

In January 2016, the term "artificial intelligence" was not in the top 100 search terms on Gartner's website. By May 2017, the term ranked at number seven, indicating interest in understanding how AI can be used as part of a digital business strategy.

Gartner predicts that AI will be a top-five investment priority for more than 30 per cent of CIOs by 2020.

AI refers to systems that change behaviours without being explicitly programmed, based on data collected, usage analysis and other observations.

While there is a widely held fear that AI will replace humans, the reality is that today's AI and machine-learning technologies can and do greatly augment human capabilities, stated Gartner.

Machines can do some things better and faster than humans can and, once trained, the combination of machines and humans can accomplish more together than separately, suggested the research house.

"Software vendors need to focus on offering solutions to business problems rather than just cutting-edge technology," added Hare.

"Highlight how your AI solution helps address the skills shortage and how it can deliver value faster than trying to build a custom AI solution in-house."