Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are the science of
developing algorithms and the statistical models computer systems use to
automate a wide range of tasks. Thanks to the growth of cloud computing,
the rise of compute power and data volumes, and the arrival of no-code app
development, ML is suddenly accessible to all. Unlike human tasks, which
require explicit instructions, ML relies on patterns and inference, which can be
used to scale, unlock new revenue streams, and solve operational challenges
more efficiently than ever.
Small and medium-sized businesses across nearly every industry are using
ML to achieve positive business results. For many, ML has become a core
component of their operations. According to IDC, spending on AI in the United
States will grow to $120 billion by 2025, representing a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 26 percent over the 2021–2025 forecast period.
1
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is playing a pivotal role in the advancement of
ML, providing the broadest and most complete set of AI and ML services for
¹ "Spending on Artificial Intelligence Solutions Will Double in the United States by 2025, According to a New IDC Spending Guide," IDC, March 17, 2022
businesses of any size. More than a hundred thousand AWS customers are
using AI and ML in finance, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing,
media and entertainment, the public sector, retail, technology, and many
other industries.
Categorizing machine learning objectives
Companies of all sizes have successfully leveraged ML across three essential
categories of critical business objectives:
1. Improving customer experience
2. Accelerating innovation
3. Optimizing business operations
This eBook features success stories from AWS customers—small and
medium-sized companies—that have achieved transformative results across
one or more of these categories with the help of accessible ML tools.
INTRODUCTION: REALIZING THE BUSINESS VALUE OF AI
Operating in the age of accessible artificial intelligence
and machine learning
3
