In a recent conversation with businessline, Mohammed Rafee Tarafdar, the Chief Technology Officer at Infosys, delved into the company’s changing stance on AI, highlighting the transition from broad, large-scale AI models to more refined, industry-specific solutions. This shift in focus has sparked a wave of innovation within Infosys, reshaping the landscape of AI integration and paving the way for future advancements in artificial intelligence technology.
Embracing the Evolution of AI
At Infosys, the philosophy of practicing what they preach is deeply ingrained in their approach to implementing new technologies. Tarafdar emphasized the importance of internalizing AI solutions before offering them to customers, recognizing that true growth and improvement stem from applying these innovations at scale. Over the past two years, Infosys has witnessed three distinct waves of GenAI adoption, each building upon the last to refine and enhance their AI capabilities.
The initial wave focused on persona-specific Enterprise AI assistants designed to boost individual productivity and efficiency. The introduction of the code assistant, developed in partnership with GitHub, marked a significant milestone in this journey. This tool, powered by finely-tuned models, has been embraced by nearly 20,000 developers at Infosys, driving internal collaboration and innovation. Moreover, AI assistants have been integrated into various facets of the company’s operations, spanning learning, sales, and HR functions to streamline processes and enhance overall performance.
As the second wave of GenAI adoption unfolds, Infosys is expanding its AI applications to include operational domains such as business processes, IT operations, sales and marketing, risk management, compliance, and employee training. The advent of agentic technology has opened up new avenues for process reengineering and experience enhancement, positioning Infosys at the forefront of AI-driven transformation. By leveraging AI to drive autonomous decision-making and operational efficiency, Infosys is poised to revolutionize the way companies approach workforce management and resource allocation in the digital age.
Strategic Shifts in AI Deployment
One of the key strategic decisions made by Infosys in the realm of AI development was the introduction of Specialized Language Models (SLMs) in lieu of Large Language Models (LLMs). This shift was driven by the company’s vision to tailor AI solutions to specific business domains, leveraging proprietary data and minimizing operational costs. By focusing on specialized models that align with their vertical integration strategy, Infosys has been able to enhance the performance and cost-effectiveness of their AI offerings across various sectors, including banking, IT operations, and cybersecurity.
The coexistence of SLMs and LLMs within the AI ecosystem underscores the importance of striking a balance between generalized knowledge and domain-specific expertise. While LLMs excel at handling broad-ranging tasks that require advanced reasoning abilities, SLMs are better suited for specialized functions that demand a high degree of precision and compliance. Infosys’ strategic alignment of SLMs with existing platforms like Finacle and Cyber Next has enabled seamless integration and value creation in key operational areas, underscoring the company’s commitment to driving innovation through AI.
When it comes to selecting foundational models for AI agents, Infosys employs a diverse array of models, ranging from commercially available solutions like GPT and Gemini to open-source platforms like Llama and Mistral. Embracing a Poly AI strategy, Infosys aims to leverage the best-in-class models, providers, and platforms to deliver optimal outcomes for their clients. This multifaceted approach ensures that Infosys remains at the forefront of AI innovation, catering to a wide range of business needs and operational requirements.
In conclusion, the integration of AI into modern business deals has become a ubiquitous trend, with almost every new deal featuring some form of AI component. As Infosys continues to lead the charge in AI innovation, the company’s commitment to adapting and evolving its AI capabilities remains unwavering. By embracing specialized models, harnessing the power of agentic technology, and leveraging a diverse range of AI frameworks, Infosys is poised to redefine the future of AI integration in the digital era.
