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

 

Voice Control APIs – Actions, Skills, Cognition and more

With almost everyone on the planet having a smartphone and/or a desktop computer with a microphone, platform companies are adding Voice Control APIs to their technology offerings. Developers have multiple choices to add speech control for their applications. Consumers have been experiencing speech recognition systems when calling companies (airlines, department stores, etc.) and using voice commands instead of having to hit keys on their phones. Major platform vendors, online services and others have opened their APIs for developers to add voice control and conversational user experiences in their applications. Developer program SDKs and APIs are available from Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, SoundHound, and others. In the background, powerful AI, machine learning and natural language processing systems are helping with the “heavy lifting” of voice control and recognition. A challenge for developers is choosing which APIs to support (probably all of them). A challenge for developer relations programs is how to quickly help developers integrate Voice Control APIs for their applications. These developer innovations are also allowing other developer programs to integrate with and provide added value on top of these APIs for their own platforms, products, and services. This blog post lists a few of the many Voice Control APIs that developers can use.

2541.W10_Cortana_Lockup_blue_4AD44544  Amazon_Alexa_App_Logo  Google_Assistant_logo  Siri voice control API.AI Logo-360x280  facebook-art uber logohoundify-logo

 

Voice Control APIs and their Developer Relations Programs

Microsoft – Cortana / Skills – Microsoft leverages the Bing Speech API and Microsoft Cognitive services to power Windows and Android applications like Cortana, Skype Translator and Bing Torque. According to Microsoft, “Cortana connects users to your services, across platforms and devices”. The Cortana Developer Center provides the skills kit, documentation, and samples. You can sign up for the preview to arrive in early 2017. The Cortana developer page also provides guidance for programmers with existing code: “Re-use your custom skill code built for Amazon Alexa”, “Using the Microsoft Bot Framework? Cortana brokers connections between users and bots using the skills kit and the Cortana channel “, and “Import Cortana voice commands from Windows 10 apps”.

Google – Assistant / Actions – Google recently announced the opening of Google Home and Google Assistant for developers. For years we’ve been saying “OK Goggle” into our smartphones. The Google Assistant APIs allow developers to create Actions. The Google Actions site says “Actions on Google let you build for the Google Assistant. Your integrations can help you engage users through Google Home today, and in the future, through Pixel, Allo, and many other experiences where the Google Assistant will be available.” Developers can learn how to quickly integrate voice control into their apps using the Conversation API and Actions SDK. Developer guides, samples, reference documentation and a Web Simulator are available on the Actions on Google developer site.

Amazon – Alexa / Skills – Amazon opened up their Alexa voice service to developers. Alexa is also supported on Amazon’s devices including Echo, Tap and Dot. The Amazon Alexa developer page answers the question “Why Alexa?” with: “Alexa, the voice service that powers Echo, provides capabilities, or skills, that enable customers to interact with devices in a more intuitive way using voice. Examples of these skills include the ability to play music, answer general questions, set an alarm or timer and more. Alexa is built in the cloud, so it is always getting smarter. The more customers use Alexa, the more she adapts to speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences.” With Alexa, developers use APIs to  create skills for application voice recognition and operations. Developers can find additional development information on the Alexa Skills Kit site.

Apple – Siri / Domains and Intents – With the release of iOS 10, Apple opened up Siri to iOS application developers with the introduction of SiriKit. According to Apple’s SiriKit site: “SiriKit enables your iOS 10 apps to work with Siri, so users can get things done with your content and services using just their voice. In addition to extending Siri’s support for messaging, photo search and phone calls to more apps, SiriKit also adds support for new services, including ride booking and personal payments.” Developers can learn how to integrate voice control using the SikiKit Programming Guide.

API.AI – Agents / Entities / Intents / Actions / Contexts – natural language platform for developers to create conversation UIs for apps, web applications, devices and bots. SDKs and libraries are available for Android, iOS, watchOS, macOS, Ruby, Javascript, Node.JS, HTML5, Python, C++, C#, Java, PHP and more.  “Our goal is to make the process of creating and integrating sophisticated conversational user interfaces as simple as possible.” You can find the SDKs, APIs, documentation, etc. on the API.AI developer site.

Houndify – Domains – “Houndify is a platform that allows anyone to add smart, voice enabled, conversational interfaces to anything with an internet connection. Once you integrate with Houndify, your product will instantly understand a wide variety of questions and commands.” Houndify, by SoundHound, has developer SDKs for iOS, Android, C++, C#, Java, Javascript, Python, and other platforms via HTTP/REST/JSON. You can join the Houndify developer program for free (there is also a fee level for higher API call volumes) and gain access to the APIs, SDKs, documentation, tutorials, etc.

 

Facebook Jarvis – Voice Control, the “Voice of God” and someday an API

This week Mark Zuckerberg introduced the world to his year long AI development project called Jarvis – “It uses several artificial intelligence techniques, including natural language processing, speech recognition, face recognition, and reinforcement learning, written in Python, PHP and Objective C.” According to news reports, Zuckerberg personally contacted Morgan Freeman so that Jarvis would have the “voice of God”. You can read about how Zuckerberg built Jarvis and watch the introduction on Faceboook. Zuck also built a Facebook Messenger Bot for Jarvis – You can learn about the bot framework at messenger.com/platform.

Voice Control APIs

Uber and Voice Control Integration

The Uber app for iOS now allows you to use your voice and Siri to launch the ride app. First you need to go to your iPhone’s Settings and click on Siri. On Siri’s settings page, choose “App Support” and turn on Siri support for Uber (and other apps that are listed).  I looked in the Uber Developers Ride Requests documentation to see if there was an API related to Siri, but did not find anything yet. Would it be cool if the Uber API had extensions for several Voice Control APIs for custom application development on iOS and Android? I did find an article on the Uber blog titled “Hound and Uber — The voice interface future is here” that talks about the SoundHound Hound app’s integration with Uber. The blog post starts with “We’re on the brink of a voice interface revolution. In an increasingly connected world, we will speak to the products and services around us.” The post also goes on to talk about “Hound, a consumer voice search and assistant app, and Houndify, a developer platform that enables any developer to add a natural, conversational voice interface to their products.”

Does your Developer Program build APIs on top of other Voice Control APIs

Let me know if you have voice control API extensions for one or more of the above platform vendor APIs. If you have your own developer Voice Control APIs send me an email and I will take a look at what you offer.

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

 

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.

822500-329f9fa91824d3597fde56462b7bd201-medium_jpg

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.