SAS, a leading provider of data and AI solutions, has launched a new approach aimed at empowering organizations to address business challenges effectively. The company is introducing lightweight, industry-specific AI models available for individual licenses, targeting real-world use cases with high efficiency.
Chandana Gopal, research director at IDC, commented on SAS's innovative offerings, stating, “SAS is evolving its portfolio to meet wider user needs and capture market share with innovative new offerings. An area that is ripe for SAS is productising models built on SAS’ core assets, talent, and experience."
While large language models (LLMs) dominate the AI market, SAS emphasizes that they represent only a fraction of the modeling needs for practical AI deployments. SAS is moving beyond LLMs by offering deterministic AI models tailored for industries such as fraud detection, supply chain optimization, and healthcare payment integrity.
SAS's industry-specific models are designed for quick integration, allowing organizations to adopt trustworthy AI technology rapidly and achieve tangible benefits. This approach stands in contrast to traditional AI implementations, which can be complex and time-consuming.
As businesses face increasing competition and AI skills shortages, SAS aims to provide agile and flexible AI solutions. The company's easy-to-use, powerful models leverage SAS's decades-long industry leadership, offering packaged solutions across sectors like banking, government, and healthcare.
Udo Sglavo, VP for AI and Analytics at SAS, highlighted the company's commitment to understanding industry-specific needs. He said, “By tailoring our approach to understanding specific industry needs, our frameworks empower businesses to flourish in their distinctive environments."
SAS is also democratizing AI by offering out-of-the-box, lightweight AI models accessible to users regardless of their technical skills. The first model to be introduced focuses on warehouse space optimization, catering to non-technical users and aiding in faster decision-making processes.
SAS's initiative to deliver industry models aligns with its $1 billion investment in AI-powered industry solutions announced in May 2023. This investment builds on SAS's history of providing packaged solutions to address industry challenges.
SAS Models are expected to be generally available later this year, offering organizations flexible and accessible AI solutions tailored to their unique business needs.
