Microsoft recently wowed the market by showing off their most recent developments in cloud services for industrial sensors and AI, as well as tools for database software that were designed to compete with Oracle Corp.
Currently, one AI service is using the company’s ability to translate languages automatically as a way of adding subtitles into PowerPoint presentations, while another gives customers the opportunity to index video and identify specific speakers by sight, or apply tags when a phrase or word is uttered. The indexing solution can be used to find specific data across hours of footage too.
Highlighting Azure for IoT
During the Build Developer conference in Seattle, the chief executive officer of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, highlighted the benefits of Azure cloud services for the development of IoT. Today, various smaller computing devices and sensors can track data that Microsoft then analyses through AI and cloud tools. While previously, the company’s focus had been on transferring crucial information back to data centres for analysis, Azure IoT Edge will mean that that data management can happen on-site.
Initially, the focus will be on industrial applications, and Nadella drew attention to the fact that this approach would allow for faster responses to things like malfunctioning tools. He also showcased a future opportunity known as “AI for Workplace Safety”, where construction sites will be able to tag pieces of equipment with information like how they should be used, and who should be using it. By using AI that can recognise what’s happening through sensors and videos, systems can then trigger alerts if something isn’t used correctly.
Growing with AI
It’s clear to see that Microsoft’s CEO has made internet-based computing solutions and AI crucial areas of investment for the company as the brand searches for new areas of growth. Microsoft is now squaring up to various rivals like Amazon.com, who are currently previewing products intended to make IoT smarter too. They’re also competing well with Google, while trying to draw business from older competitors too, like Oracle.
Microsoft also recently revealed a cloud database solution that it considers to be a significant technological leap. Known as Azure Cosmos DB, this database will provide a single instance for operation across various countries, so that cloud information stays updated, anywhere. Jet.com is already using it
Microsoft Stays Strong
Though it’s safe to say that Microsoft is making progress into new areas of business, its traditional models are staying strong too. Windows 10 is currently in use across 500 million monthly active devices. Once, the company was aiming for a billion by the end of 2018, but its retreat from the phone market has meant that it’s scaled its goals back a little.
Additionally, Office 365 is in use across 100 million commercial spaces, and Cortana has more than 140 million monthly active users. In other words, things are looking good for Microsoft right now.
