Cognizant research shows plug-and-play AI is a myth

Cognizant released new research showing that companies pursuing AI adoption overwhelmingly prefer IT services firms – such as “AI Builder” firms, a new services model defined by designing and building custom, full stack AI solutions – to deliver real enterprise value from AI.

The research, based on a quantitative study of 600 AI decision makers and qualitative interviews with 38 senior executives, finds that organizations rank custom solutions and flexible engagement models as the most important factor when selecting an AI partner, ahead of pricing and time to value. Pricing and proven AI case studies remain important, but rank below capabilities that enable AI to be embedded directly into business operations and value chains.

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At the same time, enterprises cite generic, off-the-shelf AI solutions as a leading reason to reject an AI provider, along with lack of industry-specific expertise, inability to integrate into existing technology stacks, and inadequate support and ...