Legacy Systems and Poor Quality of Tools are Top Barriers to AI Adoption

Having to transition from existing legacy systems is the top barrier to incorporation of artificial intelligence or machine learning into organizations today, cited by 18% of developers actively working with AI or ML in Evans Data’s recently released AI, ML and Big Data Development Survey. However, the quality of existing tools was cited by almost the same number (17.4%). Other factors, such as budget or the cost of materials, regulatory or governance issues, and corporate policy restrictions were also cited by nearly as many AI developers as the top two barriers.

The June 2018 survey of active AI developers also showed that model selection is a particularly challenging aspect of AI or ML implementation along with optimizing for specific parameters and increasing algorithm accuracy. Data ingestion is the phase of AI-related development that proves most vexing to fully a third of AI developers while algorithm development is the top problem area for nearly a quarter.

“Legacy systems that are already in place and the current state of specialized tools are fairly expected issues to come up as software technology evolves to embrace artificial intelligence and machine learning,” said Janel Garvin, CEO of Evans Data Corp, “But what we also saw here was a close list of problems cited in addition to those two, and that close range is illustrative of a new but quickly maturing market.”

Additional insights from the worldwide survey of AI practitioners focus on AI in the large enterprise, hardware, parallelism, algorithms, and other focal areas crafted into data research on questions contributed by some of the largest software companies in the world.

The new Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data Survey provides over 130 pages of data, analysis and graphs with an industry standard margin of error of 5%. Topics covered include: Demographics and Firmographics, Perspectives on AI, Enterprise AI, Parallelism, AI Concepts and Approaches, Tools and Processes, Security Concerns, Conversational Systems, Blockchain, Infrastructure Optimization, and more.

See the complete Table of Contents and Methodology here: Table of Contents

Evans Data’s Developer Insights for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data Projects

With the amount of data being collected by businesses and the rise in compute power on desktops, servers, private/public/hybrid cloud systems, mobile devices, and edge connectors, every developer is looking to leverage new AI, machine learning, deep learning and big data technologies. At just about every developer conference and webinar there are presentations and demonstrations of how to use modern techniques to gain business insights and perform analysis and actions close to the customer interaction, edge connection and all along the computing infrastructure. New developer technologies are helping accelerate the digital transformations globally in every industry segment.

Last week I hosted a track on the use of “IoT in Enterprise” at the IoT Tech Expo North America conference in Silicon Valley. Along with the IoT tracks there were two co-located events covering Blockchain and AI. While I roamed the exhibit hall during breaks in my track sessions, you could see and feel the energy surrounding the coming together of IoT devices, data collection, analytics, and AI technologies for business benefits. Developers and decision makers were having wonderful conversations in the aisles and hallways. In my conversations with speakers and attendees it was clear that we are witnessing an acceleration in the developer and business use of machine learning.

Developers Leaving Rules Based Engines for Machine Learning in AI Projects

Yesterday’s Evans Data press release, “Developers Leaving Rules Based Engines for Machine Learning in AI Projects“, (SANTA CRUZ, CA. Dec 5, 2017), reports that just over 50% of developers engaged in artificial intelligence projects now solely implement machine learning technology in those projects, according Evans Data’s recently released Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data Survey. Those using rules based engines alone accounted for 27% of the AI developers while just a little more than 22% are using a hybrid system that combines both machine learning techniques with rules-based technologies.

The rules-based system is one of the simplest types of AI. Also known as an expert system, a rule-based system encodes expert knowledge, usually in a fairly narrow area, into an automated system that can perform tasks or deliver answers in a manner similar to a human. Machine learning, on the other hand, enables the system to create rules on the fly through training which results in a model that is used to classify data. While the rules-based systems have been used longer, machine learning has been increasingly embraced by AI developers.

“There’s plenty of excellent applications for rules-based engines and they have been used for years,” said Janel Garvin, CEO of Evans Data Corp, “but today we’re seeing developers eagerly adopting machine learning algorithms into their projects and training them so they can evolve and function on their own. Major vendors and organizations in the industry are helping to spur this development by providing frameworks and tools to facilitate machine learning development.”

Related data showed that concept clustering, artificial neural networks, and reinforcement learning were techniques that were most likely to be used in AI projects. Speech recognition is also becoming a popular way of interacting with AI systems with 45% of AI developers incorporating this technology into their projects.

The new Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data Survey is conducted twice a year with developers actively working in those disciplines and has a margin of error of 4.8%. The full 150 page report includes sections on Demographics, Industry Landscape, AI Concepts and Methods, Barriers and Challenges for AI, Enterprise AI, I and Cloud, IoT and Machine Learning, Parallel Processing, Hardware and Infrastructure Needs, Conversational Systems, Security Needs, and more.

See the complete Table of Contents and Methodology here: Table of Contents

 

DevRelate Blog Posts Related to AI, Machine Learning and Big Data

Here are a few additional DevRelate blog posts that cover AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, tools, frameworks and more. In looking at many developer programs, I see new additions to embrace AI and Big Data technologies in a range of communities and businesses.

 

David I Facebook Avatar

David Intersimone “David I”
Vice President of Developer Communities
Evans Data Corporation
davidi@evansdata.com
Blog: https://www.devrelate.com/blog/
Skype: davidi99
Twitter: @davidi99

Machine and Deep Learning SDKs, Tools, Frameworks and Systems

We’ve seen the rise of multiple big data solutions in the past few years. Building on top of the volume, variety and velocity of data, we’ve seen the growing need for automating business decisions based on the knowledge coming from online systems, sensors and connected devices. In order to take advantage of this wealth of data we’re seeing the rapid rise of a wide range of machine and deep learning SDKs, tools, frameworks, systems, services, and libraries. This blog post highlights some of the available machine learning and deep learning SDKs available from leading platform vendors, hardware vendors, researchers, and open source projects. It’s a great time to be a software engineer and to have all of these technologies provided by developer relations programs.

Machine and Deep Learning SDKs

 

Machine and Deep Learning SDKs

Here are a few of the many machine learning and deep learning SDKs, tools, frameworks, systems, services, and libraries that are available for developers to use in their cognition-based, big data driven applications. I’ve divided the list up into services/systems, frameworks, libraries and tools (although the distinctions are arbitrary as some provide both a service along with an API, SDK or framework).
16631224-Abstract-word-cloud-for-Machine-learning-with-related-tags-and-terms-Stock-Photo  deep learning tag cloud

Services/Systems

Frameworks

Libraries

Tools/SDKs

Machine Learning Courses

 

Evans Data’s AI and Big Data Developer Research Report 2016 V2

This report focuses on tools, methodologies, and concerns related to implementing machine learning, deep learning, image recognition, pattern recognition and other forms of artificial intelligence as well as efficiently storing, handling, and analyzing large datasets and databases from a wide range of sources. Artificial intelligence is permeating software development in many ways and many industries, which necessitates a thorough knowledge of how developers are doing this. Big Data, often related, is also becoming a reality for more and more companies; this report provides valuable insight into developer opinions on these topics.

This volume includes research and analysis covering topics such as Perceptions of the AI and Big Data Landscapes, AI & Big Data Developer Demographics, Decision-Making for AI & Big Data, Barriers and Challenges for Data Analytics, AI Concept and Approaches, Conversational Systems & Virtual Assistants, Real-Time Events & Time Series Processing, Big Data & IoT, Collaboration in Big Data & Data Science, Advanced Analytics Tools and Services, Databases & Data Warehousing, Hadoop, Parallelism & Big Data, Operating Systems & Languages, and Tools Used for AI & Big Data.

You can take a look at the AI and Big Data Developer Research report table of contents and sample report pages at http://www.evansdata.com/reports/viewRelease.php?reportID=37

Does your Developer Relations Program provide a Machine or Deep Learning SDK, Tool, Library, Framework or Service?

If you’re looking for additional Machine Learning frameworks, libraries, and software you can check out the “Awesome Machine Learning” curated list of resources on GitHub. You’ll find additional resources for a wide range of programming languages.

Would it be cool if your developer relations program used AI to support your community members? Using AI and bot technology to answer common questions or point developers in the right direction?

Am I missing a machine learning or deep learning library, framework, SDK, tool, service, system or API that your developer relations program provides?  Send me an email if I am missing one or more.

David I Facebook Avatar

David Intersimone “David I”
Vice President of Developer Communities
Evans Data Corporation
davidi@evansdata.com
Blog: https://www.devrelate.com/blog/
Skype: davidi99
Twitter: @davidi99

 

Connected Cars, Voice Control and AI News at CES 2017

As predicted, there has been a flurry of announcements by automotive companies related to autonomous vehicles, voice control and the use of AI at this year’s CES 2017. I’ve previously blogged about “Developer Relations Programs for Self Driving and Connected Cars“, “Developer Relations: Doing Great Things with Telematics” and “Voice Control APIs“. At this week’s CES 2017 show in Las Vegas, there have been several announcements and articles about the coming together of connected cars, voice control and AI. It’s so cool to see collaborations between car, platform, cloud and machine learning companies to bring next generation features to automobiles. Here are just a few of the many Connected Cars, Voice Control and AI articles coming out of CES 2017 Las Vegas.

Connected Cars, Voice Control and AI

Connected Cars, Voice Control and AI News

 

pexels-photo-290470

 

CES 2017 Automotive Related Keynotes

 

Connected Cars, Voice Control and AI

 

Exciting Automotive Times for Sure!

 

David I - Developer Relations Conference

David Intersimone “David I”
Vice President of Developer Communities
Evans Data Corporation
davidi@evansdata.com
Blog: https://www.devrelate.com/blog/
Skype: davidi99
Twitter: @davidi99

 

The Evans Data Ecosystem for Developers and Developer Relations

As one of the new team members here at Evans Data Corporation (EDC), I needed to learn about our ecosystem of sites related to developers, developer research, developer relations professionals and development tools. I’m using this blog post to bring everyone up to date on the aspects of software development and developer research that are at the focus of Evans Data’s expertise and execution. If you care about software development, developers, APIs, development technologies, marketing to developers, selling to developers, becoming a better developer and sharing your favorite best practices and experiences with tools and technologies, check out the following web sites, tools and events that are part of the Evans Data ecosystem.

The Evans Data Ecosystem

Developer Research

Evans Data Corporation creates market research, market intelligence, and strategic planning in the software development industry. The market intelligence research is focused on all areas of development from software to hardware to mobility. Developers present a highly focused, highly technical and very influential segment of the software industry, and the need to keep a finger on the pulse of the development community is well understood by many manufacturers. Because of the nature of development and the quickly changing technologies that form their world, traditional market research and consulting services seldom achieve adequate results. Evans Data has in-depth and focused experience working with high-tech professionals, and specializes in conducting market research in the IT and development community. We are experts in analyzing technology trends and attitudes. We know how to speak the language and ask the right questions and more importantly, we can understand the answers.

Evans Data EcoSystem

Each bi-annual multi-client subscription includes:

  • Executive Summary
  • Results of two complete surveys done twice during the year – full reporting with color graphs, detailed tables and commentary.
  • PDF file of complete report and full rights to distribute anywhere within your company, anywhere in the world
  • Invitation to provide questions or content topics and shape the content of upcoming surveys

Companies that purchase a subscription receive a substantial discount (40 percent off the second volume) and also receive a number of additional benefits – which include, but are not limited to, the following: custom webinars, ability to influence follow on surveys and analyst support. Read more information about subscription holder benefits.

You can track the research reports release schedule for 2016 at http://www.evansdata.com/reports/release_schedule.php

 

Strategic research reports include:

 

Tactical research reports include:

 

Vertical research reports include:

 

Internet of Things

 

Custom research reports can also be conducted to your specifications. Before you commit to a major marketing campaign or a continuing product line strategy, wouldn’t you like to know how you’re plan will be received by real developers? The only way to be sure is to conduct quantifiable research with a significant number of programmers. Interviews are based on statistically significant sized samples within the time frame you need. Reports give thorough analysis to all questions and an overall summary.

Analytics Console

The Evans Data Analytics Console is a revolutionary breakthrough in data delivery. Providing seamless self-service developer intelligence on hundreds of software development subjects stemming from our semi-annual Global Development Survey. This user friendly Data Analytics Console allows you to dynamically view virtually limitless charts focused on developer demographics, firmographics, technology adoption and trends. With 26 built-in filters and on the fly data drill down, you can effortlessly dive deeper into particular data sets and instantly extract the developer insights most valuable to you.

Read more about the Evans Data Analytics Console

Watch a short Analytics Console demonstration video.

Developer Relations Conference

The Evans Data Developer Relations Conference (DRC) is an event unlike any other. Developer relations experts from leading companies in the software, telecom and web markets come together to discuss best practices and reveal the techniques behind their success! During the conference attendees hear keynote presentations from top industry leaders. Breakout sessions are presented by developer professionals from leading software, hardware, platform and services companies. During the two day conference you’ll have ample time to network with other developer relations professionals.

The breakout sessions cover all aspects of developer relations, ranging from the business side (program ROI, the connection between developer programs and company revenue, budgeting for/costs of developer programs, how to get an organization’s commitment of internal resources, etc.) to the marketing side (techniques for recruitment, awareness tactics, community loyalty building programs, legal/privacy and global privacy considerations, conducting a privacy audit, internationalizing a US-based developer program, etc), to the technical side (tools used, technology platform leveraged, APIs supported, etc) and much more. Whether you are starting a new developer relations program or building on a current one, you deserve all of the help you can get – and this is the place to get it!

On the Sunday before the two day conference we hold a developer relations Boot Camp that provides a solid foundation on which you can build or enhance your developer program. Concentrated sessions in this one-day instructional program provide the insight and actionable information you can use to build your brand and establish strong relationships with your developer community. The Boot Camp also includes careful consideration regarding the reasons why developers seek out and contribute to developer programs, the most effective means of reaching out to them, and how you can leverage social media to greatest effect.

Evans Data 12th annual Developer Relations Conference 2016 site – http://www.evansdata.com/drc/2016/

Save the dates for the 13th annual Evans Data Developer Relations Conference, Palo Alto, CA, USA – March 26-28, 2017.

DevRelate – Community for Developer Relations Professionals

DevRelate is the online academy and community center for developer relations professionals. At DevRelate you will learn the basics and explore advanced techniques for creating and growing a developer program through online courses that are based on over 15 years of developer research. We also provide additional resources that are geared towards advanced practitioners such as assessments, workshops, and consultations to take your program to the next level. Our insights stem from our vast experience and the direct input from a global panel of software developers about what works for them and what doesn’t.

Join for free, learn developer outreach best practices and collaborate with a global network of developer relations professionals. Once you join, you’ll have access to the member directory, certification exams, blog posts, articles, interviews with Developer Relations professionals, Evans Data Developer Relations Conference presentations, resource links and more.

DevRelate also offers program assessment and workshops by one of the top Developer Relations professionals in the industry. During David I’s forty-three years as a developer, development manager, developer community executive and chief evangelist, he has created a thriving global developer community, thousands of articles, videos and blog posts. View more information about our Developer Program Advisory Workshops and Assessments here.

Finally, the In-Depth Individual Developer Program Assessment is geared towards serious practitioners and provides an assessment of your company’s current (or planned) developer relations program with ideas for improvements and enhancements based on your industry, product, service or platform. Working with your staff, the assessment will do a deep dive into your company, product or services, current or planned developer program features and how well they mesh together.

DevNet – Evans Data Developer Panel

When conducting demand-side primary research it becomes important to recruit the participants (or samples) from sources that are as unbiased as possible. During the years that EDC has been recruiting developers to participate in surveys this ideal has continuously been foremost in our efforts. Consequently, though we have used over 100 different individual sources for recruiting, In this way we provide the most eclectic and unbiased sample available anywhere. With thousands of developers chosen in a deliberately unbiased way from a wide variety of neutral lists, our data truly provides in-depth looks at representative samples of the developer population. The EDC panel of developers includes about 75,000 professional developers in over 80 countries.

You can register to qualify as a developer panel member. As a developer panelist you will: 1. Have your voice heard on hot topics, innovative technologies and key initiatives, 2. Receive points for every validated survey submission, 3. Redeem award points for valuable prizes.

Read more about the Developer Panel.

Register to qualify as a developer panel member.

DevMetric – Reviews of Development Tools by Developers

The DevMetric site allows developers to give their reviews of development tools, libraries and frameworks. Members can browse through categories of developer tools give recommendations for those tools you like and reasons for why you dislike a tool, library or framework. Developers can submit new tool entries and give ratings for all of the listed developer tools. On the site you can view the top rated tools (overall and by category). You can also see the most recent tools added to DevMetric and add your ratings, post comments, and tell others whether a review was helpful or not.

I have never met a developer who doesn’t have an opinion about the tools they use. Developers love to share information, tips and critiques with other programmers. Do you want to Rate and Review your developer tools? Register here!

 

Hot Developer Topics – Big Data, Machine Learning, IoT, Mobile and Cloud

While developers go about their daily tasks, they are also keeping an eye out for hot and cool (can I say both words in the same breath?) technologies invading their development space. Who doesn’t want to read about hot developer topics and work on really cool technologies? Who doesn’t want to make sure they are keeping up on today’s and tomorrow’s hot topics? On every developer news site, most programming blogs, at tech conferences and during just about every product launch you’ll hear the presenter make a connection to big data, machine learning, deep learning, mobile devices, cloud computing and the Internet of Things. The discussions go beyond a focus on one hot developer topic to include the integration of multiple technologies to create awesome solutions.

The Latest Hot Developer Topics

You don’t have to look very far down your favorite developer news sites to see headlines focused hot developer topics.

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What are the latest trends impacting software developers? The need for Big Data development solutions is becoming a reality for more and more companies with the hyper-explosive growth of company data. To improve business decision making, developers are leveraging analytics platforms, machine and deep learning technologies. To connect beyond our desktop computers to billions of devices and sensors, developers are exploring interfaces to every device in their office, on their manufacturing floor, connected to their bodies, running in their homes and available in their cars. To scale their company’s platforms and services, developers are enhancing their application architectures to be housed in on premis and cloud based computing and storage environments.

Evans Data Researches the Hot Developer Topics

Evans Data Corporation was created to fill the demand for market research, market intelligence, and strategic planning in the software development industry. Since then we have become the industry leader in market intelligence focused on all areas of development from software to hardware to mobility. Developers present a highly focused, highly technical and very influential segment of the software industry, and the need to keep a finger on the pulse of the development community is well understood by many manufacturers. Because of the nature of development and the quickly changing technologies that form their world, traditional market research and consulting services seldom achieve adequate results.

Several Evans Data hot developer topics research reports are available. We also cover emerging developer trends in our global development, developer population, developer marketing and developer relations surveys. Click on the links below to find a description and table of contents for each report.

If you don’t find a report on this list, contact us and we’ll collaborate with your team to create custom developer research for topics key to your company’s success.