SAS Aims to Make AI Accessible Regardless of Skill Set with Packaged AI Models

SAS, a leader in data and AI solutions, has recently introduced what it describes as a “revolutionary approach” for organizations looking to address business challenges effectively. The company is presenting lightweight, industry-specific AI models designed for individual licenses, aiming to provide easy-to-deploy AI technology for real-world applications with remarkable efficiency.

Chandana Gopal, Research Director for Future of Intelligence at IDC, commented, “SAS is evolving its portfolio to meet broader user needs and capture market share with innovative offerings. There is significant potential for SAS to productize models built on its core assets, leveraging its extensive experience working with clients to solve industry-specific problems.”

Besides the current emphasis on large language models (LLMs) for generative AI, SAS recognizes that LLMs account for only a small fraction of the modeling requirements for practical AI deployment in business decision-making. The latest initiative moves beyond LLMs, offering deterministic AI models validated in various industries. These models address diverse applications, including fraud detection, supply chain optimization, entity management, document conversion, and healthcare payment integrity.

Unlike traditional AI implementations that can be labor-intensive and protracted, SAS’s industry-targeted models are crafted for rapid integration. This design allows companies to operationalize reliable AI technology, expediting the achievement of meaningful benefits and trustworthy results.

Expanding Market Footprint

Organizations are under pressure to maintain competitiveness and are increasingly turning to AI for an advantage. However, the challenge of staffing data science teams due to a shortage of AI skills complicates this transition. As a result, businesses are seeking nimble AI solutions capable of quickly driving favorable outcomes. SAS’s user-friendly yet robust models, honed for enterprise applications, enable organizations to leverage the company’s five-decade legacy across numerous industries.

Bringing industry models to market as packaged offerings reflects SAS’s commitment of $1 billion toward AI-powered industry solutions, as detailed in a May 2023 announcement. This investment builds on SAS’s long-standing emphasis on creating standardized solutions to tackle challenges in sectors such as banking, government, and healthcare.

Udo Sglavo, VP for AI and Analytics at SAS, stated, “Models serve as an ideal complement to our existing solutions and SAS Viya platform offerings, addressing diverse business requirements across various audiences, ensuring innovation permeates every aspect of our ecosystem. By customizing our strategy to meet specific industry needs, we empower businesses to thrive in their unique environments.”

Bringing AI to the Masses

SAS is democratizing AI by providing lightweight, out-of-the-box models that make AI accessible to users of all skill levels, starting with an AI assistant designed for warehouse space optimization. These assistants utilize technology such as large language models to assist non-technical users, seamlessly translating interactions into optimized workflows, which facilitates quicker planning decisions.

Sgvalo explained, “SAS Models deliver organizations with flexible, timely, and accessible AI that resonates with industry challenges. Whether you’re just beginning your AI journey or looking to enhance AI functionality across your organization, SAS offers unmatched depth and breadth in meeting your specific business demands.”

The initial SAS Models are anticipated to be generally available later this year.

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