San Francisco, CA - As the Google Cloud Next conference kicks off, it's clear that the world of artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly.

In an exciting development, Google Cloud and digital engineering and tech services giant Virtusa have joined to create a Global Generative AI Center of Excellence. This collaboration aims to advance AI development and foster its adoption by enterprises worldwide.

A Partnership for the AI Age

In a strategic move echoing the growing trend of tech companies partnering on AI initiatives, Google Cloud and Virtusa have set their sights on a shared vision. This partnership intends to tackle one of the most critical challenges in AI: training and research.

One of the critical elements of this initiative is the investment to train over 2,000 engineers in harnessing the power of Google Cloud's AI technology. This significant investment underscores the increasing demand for skilled professionals capable of navigating the complex world of AI.

Insights from Virtusa's CTO

Ram Meenakshisundaram, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Virtusa, shared insights into this collaborative effort. He emphasized the importance of investing in research, training, and real-world applications of AI, which is currently the talk of the tech world.

Meenakshisundaram noted, "Generative AI is a hot topic of conversation these days, capturing everyone's attention. Our customers share this enthusiasm for exploring its potential.

However, they often face the challenge of figuring out where to begin and how to turn their aspirations into practical reality, all while distinguishing between the promises and the actual possibilities."

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Bridging the Gap between Hype and Reality

While generative AI has captured the imagination of many, there's often a gap between what's promised and achievable.

Meenakshisundaram highlights the need for practical demonstrations and tangible use cases to help organizations understand how they can leverage generative AI effectively.

"Our objective is to collaborate with a diverse client base to uncover the possibilities inherent in generative AI. Additionally, we recognized the importance of partnering with major technology companies such as Google. This led us to establish a center of excellence dedicated to training individuals in Google's AI technologies," explained Meenakshisundaram.

Exploring Use Cases

One of the primary focuses of this collaboration is to help enterprises optimize their operations through generative AI.

Meenakshisundaram mentioned, "Certainly trying to help enterprise search, which is an area where there's a lot of clear focus and anything to do with that. Inside an organization, how can we isolate valuable knowledge nuggets to enhance productivity for individuals?"

Balancing Cost and Security

Adopting generative AI solutions and the necessary hardware is a substantial investment. Meenakshisundaram stressed the importance of assisting enterprises in selecting cost-effective solutions and prioritizing data security and privacy.

These considerations are paramount in today's data-driven landscape.

The Role of Skilled Engineers

On the human side of AI implementation, there is a growing demand for engineers with the skills to harness AI's potential.

Meenakshisundaram emphasized the need for developers who can effectively integrate AI into various aspects of software development, from core conversions to code generation and test case creation.

He also touched upon the role of business analysts who can bridge the gap between technology and business requirements, allowing technical talent to fine-tune and execute AI-driven solutions effectively.

The Key Need: Leveraging AI

The demand for engineers who can apply AI resources to produce outcomes within organizations is rising. Virtusa's collaboration with Google Cloud aims to address this need by equipping professionals with the necessary skills to leverage AI effectively.

The world of AI is rapidly evolving, and partnerships like this one between Google Cloud and Virtusa are instrumental in ensuring that businesses can harness the potential of AI technology to its fullest extent.

As we navigate this AI-driven future, the emphasis will continue on making AI work for businesses and driving tangible results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Google Cloud and Virtusa partnership?

The partnership aims to create a Global Generative AI Center of Excellence to advance AI development and support its adoption by enterprises. It includes an investment to train over 2,000 engineers in Google Cloud's AI technology.

What challenges does the collaboration address in the world of AI?

The collaboration addresses the challenge of bridging the gap between AI hype and practical applications. It identifies actual use cases and demonstrates generative AI's tangible benefits.

What areas of enterprise operations can benefit from generative AI?

Generative AI can enhance various areas within enterprises, including enterprise search and knowledge extraction, leading to improved productivity.

How does the partnership prioritize cost and security in AI adoption?

The partnership seeks to assist enterprises in selecting cost-effective AI solutions while prioritizing data security and privacy in AI deployments.

What skills are in demand in the field of AI implementation?

There is a growing demand for skilled engineers who can effectively integrate AI into software development processes. Additionally, business analysts who can bridge the gap between technology and business requirements are highly valuable in this space.