'AGENTWARE': Chapter 1 (excerpt)
A Sneak Peek at Chapter 1
Dear Agentware Reader:
New readers of my Linkedin Posts and this Substack newsletter ask how I came to view “agentware”, my term for a new AI-powered generation of software, as the next big disruptive force for knowledge workers in all enterprises.
The short answer is that the “agentware” stack includes multimodal generative AI capabilities which can perform knowledge work — the kind that involves creating, managing, and disseminating information and knowledge across multiple formats.
This isn’t just about automating routine tasks; it's about integrating and synthesizing text, visuals, audio, and interactive media in a way that was previously unachievable. Such AI capabilities enable the generation of comprehensive reports, engaging multimedia presentations, and even creative content like artwork or music, all by understanding and processing diverse data types seamlessly.
The potential of "agentware" lies in its ability to analyze vast datasets to uncover insights, automate and enhance productivity, and provide data-driven recommendations, revolutionizing the way knowledge work is conducted across industries.
This transformative technology is set to redefine professional landscapes, making it the next big disruptive force for knowledge workers everywhere. For example:
Research and Development (R&D): Enhancing the speed and depth of research activities by synthesizing information from various sources, including scientific papers, patents, and experimental data.
Marketing and Advertising: Creating targeted content that spans text, images, and videos, tailored to diverse audiences and platforms, thus improving engagement and campaign effectiveness.
Finance and Analytics: Automating the analysis of financial data, market trends, and risk assessments, providing insights for investment strategies and financial planning.
Human Resources (HR): Streamlining recruitment processes by analyzing resumes and job descriptions, conducting preliminary interviews, and even predicting candidate fit based on organizational culture and role requirements.
Customer Service: Offering personalized customer interactions through chatbots and virtual assistants that can understand and respond to queries across text and voice, improving service quality and efficiency.
Healthcare: Assisting in diagnosis and treatment planning by analyzing medical records, imaging data, and the latest research to support clinical decisions.
Education and Training: Creating customized learning materials and interactive modules that cater to the varying needs of learners, enhancing the educational experience.
Legal Services: Streamlining document review, legal research, and contract analysis, reducing the time and cost associated with legal workflows.
Product Development: Facilitating the design and prototyping process by integrating customer feedback, market trends, and technical specifications into the development of new products.
Supply Chain Management: Optimizing logistics and inventory management through predictive analytics, ensuring efficient operations and reducing costs.
These are just a few examples of how "agentware" can revolutionize industries by enhancing productivity, creativity, and decision-making processes, marking a significant leap forward in the evolution of knowledge work.
This is an important moment in humanity’s evolution.
Sneak Peek at AGENTWARE: CHAPTER 1
I'm thrilled to share a sneak peek into the CHAPTER 1 of my latest book, “AGENTWARE: Unveiling AI's Future – Humanity's Bold Leap into Tomorrow". As I reflect on my journey, this book feels like a bridge between the past and what's to come—a celebration of humanity's steps into a future intertwined with artificial intelligence.
"AGENTWARE" springs from my life's work and curiosity, blending over thirty years of insights from the tech and business worlds with a deep dive into AI's possibilities. It's more than just a book; it's a personal invitation to explore the dynamics of our future selves in a world where digital intelligence amplifies our human experience.
I'm excited for you to join me on this adventure, to think deeply about our collective path forward with AI. Together, let's discover the roles we can play in shaping a future where technology and humanity evolve in harmony. Here's to embarking on this journey with open minds and hopeful hearts!
Chapter 1: ORIGINS OF A NEW ERA: AI'S EMERGENCE
"We have about a hundred million weekly active users now on ChatGPT.”
Sam Altman, OpenAI DevDay, November 6, 2023
AI: THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD
In early 2023, the world stood on the cusp of a revolutionary societal shift revealed with a deceptively simple technology. Decades of research into artificial intelligence (AI), which is essentially computers learning and making decisions like humans, burst onto the scene through a simple text- based interface anyone could use in their daily lives — from receiving personalized shopping recommendations online to having AI-powered virtual assistants in their homes simplifying daily tasks.
Having seen the meteoric rise of ChatGPT, futurists around the globe buzzed with the speculation that a new wave of 'superintelligence' - AI systems far smarter than the smartest humans - promised a transformation as significant as the internet's arrival, poised to reshape how businesses operate and interact with their customers.
Futurists lined up on both sides: techno-optimists saw abundance and life-saving treatments and advocated for acceleration; doomsayers predicted the demise of white-collar jobs and pressed for pauses.
Companies who recognized the opportunity to disrupt their markets also realized that the technology in their competitors’ hands could pose an existential threat. Big Tech cloud and platform providers rushed to announce major investments and acquisitions.
Wall Street broadly recognized chip leaders like NVIDIA as foundational to the AI tsunami. Governments across the globe understood the importance of the AI arms race for national competitiveness and national security.
MARKETSPHERE AT THE CROSSROADS
In the sleek, glass-walled office of MarketSphere’s San Francisco headquarters, CEO David Mitchell stood facing the panoramic view of the city skyline. A self-made man who rose from humble beginnings, David often found himself reflecting on his journey from a small town to the helm of MarketSphere, a retail industry giant with digital and physical platforms. His hands clenched behind his back weren’t just in thought of the company’s future but also a personal reflection on how far he had come.
The door burst open, and in strode Evelyn Kim, the Board Chair, and a major shareholder, known for her sharp intellect honed on the trading floors of Wall Street. Evelyn, a trailblazer who had broken many glass ceilings, carried the urgency not just of the company’s plight but of a personal mission to mentor and foster leadership, especially among women in the tech industry.
"Evelyn, thanks for coming at such short notice," David said, his voice tense, barely turning to acknowledge her.
"I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t critical, David," Evelyn responded sharply, her eyes searching his. "Your message was alarming. What’s going on?"
Without hesitation, David turned, his face lined with worry. "It's IDG, Evelyn. Innovasian Dynamics Group. They're not just ahead of us; they're in a different league. Their recent AI advancements are overshadowing everything we’ve done. We're not just trailing; we're at risk of becoming obsolete."
Evelyn's expression hardened as she stepped closer. "IDG? I knew they were on the rise, but I didn’t realize the threat was this dire. David, we need a counterstrategy, and we need it yesterday. MarketSphere can't afford a downfall at the hands of IDG."
David exhaled deeply, his eyes betraying a sense of desperation. “Our research and development efforts are stretched thin. We're struggling to keep up with IDG's aggressive push in AI, which means they're rapidly developing smarter systems that could outthink and outperform ours.”
Evelyn’s tone turned steely. "We need a radical shift, a visionary who can outpace IDG’s advances. Do we have someone with that kind of foresight?"
A moment of silence passed before David spoke. "There's someone... Ana Patel. She’s a senior product designer; she has an uncanny ability to foresee where digital technology can take us. Ana might be our last best hope to challenge IDG's dominance."
Evelyn nodded, a spark of determination in her eyes. "Then let's bring her into the fold immediately. We need to act now, David. It’s time for bold moves."
INTRODUCING ANA PATEL
Amidst this burgeoning wave of change, Ana Patel, a Senior Product Designer in the digital retail division of MarketSphere, was known for her talent in creating innovative features on the MarketSphere platform that were easy and intuitive for everyday people to use, reflecting her deep understanding of the latest digital trends. Ana, often seen in smart casual attire and comfortable sneakers that mirrored her dynamic approach to life, was more than just a talented product designer. Her drive stemmed from a childhood spent in a multicultural neighborhood, where she learned the value of diversity and inclusion, principles she now championed in every project she undertook. Her approach to product design was more than aesthetics or functionality; she had a knack for understanding and anticipating user needs in an ever-evolving digital world.
In the midst of a routine team meeting, Ana was passionately sharing her vision for their next project. “Our primary aim,” she began with a clear, focused tone, “is to enhance and refine the user experience. Our customers have let us know that we’ve been dropping the ball in some areas. We need to solve our existing search issues and pre-empt future challenges. Consider how our users interact with our platform daily and find exactly the product they need, when they need it. Our goal is to make these interactions more intuitive, more engaging.”
As Ana concluded, she added a personal touch, “Think of how AI is already helping us in everyday life - automating tedious tasks like cheduling meetings or sorting emails. It's time we brought this level of efficiency to our user experience.” It was then that Ana steered the conversation towards a pressing issue on the competitive horizon. "While we focus on enhancing our user experience," Ana said with a hint of urgency, "we must also be mindful of our competitors. Particularly, Innovasian Dynamics Group — IDG.”
IDG, a formidable player in the digital commerce space, had recently emerged from Asia. Known for their aggressive marketing tactics and rapid innovation, they were swiftly gaining ground in key markets. Ana added a practical example: “Consider how AI chatbots are revolutionizing customer service. They’re providing instant, 24/7 support, something we see IDG beginning to adopt. We should explore similar innovations. Their approach is unorthodox, often pushing the boundaries of conventional marketing. We need to be prepared for their next play, which could disrupt our standing in certain segments."
Her team, previously buoyed by the excitement of innovation, now reflected a more somber mood, understanding the gravity of the challenge. IDG wasn't just another competitor; they were a dark horse, unpredictable and ambitious, with the potential to unsettle the balance in the digital commerce ecosystem.
Ana continued, "Our strategy needs to be two-fold. We continue our focus on user-centric innovation, but we must also keep a close eye on IDG’s movements. We need to anticipate their tactics and be ready to respond swiftly. We're in a game of chess against IDG, much like the space race of the 20th century, where each move we make in innovation could determine the leader in digital commerce."
“It’s all hands on deck and we’ll need to work closely with IT to upgrade key customer facing technologies.”
The mention of IDG added a new layer to the meeting's dynamic, reminding the team of the fierce competition that lay beyond the walls of MarketSphere. Ana's leadership would now be tested not just in steering innovation but also in navigating through the turbulent waters of a highly competitive and ever-changing global market.
Ana’s background had shaped her unique perspective on technology. Raised by an electrical engineer father and a teacher mother, she grew up in an environment where the power of technology and the importance of education were ever-present themes. Her childhood experiences, ranging from tinkering in her father’s workshop to delving into books in her mother ’s library, had instilled in her a balanced understanding of technology’s potential and its ethical implications.
Her college years further deepened her insights, especially a local high school platform project that highlighted the dual-edged nature of technology in potentially widening educational inequalities. This experience cemented her commitment to responsible and ethical technology development.
DAVID APPROACHES ANA
Though Ana was a rising star in digital product design, she hadn't yet delved deeply into the world of AI, a field where computers are taught to think, learn, and even create like humans. Her focus had been more on user experience and the immediate impact of digital technologies. It was during this pivotal period that David Mitchell, CEO of MarketSphere, recognized her potential for a more significant role in the company.
As the meeting dispersed, David found Ana in her office, a cozy yet sophisticated space that balanced professional rigor with personal touches. A small potted plant perched near a window that framed the bustling city below, while bookshelves lined with technology and design literature stood witness to her relentless pursuit of knowledge. She was already contemplating the impact of her work on real people's lives, a habit ingrained from her mother, a devoted teacher who had always emphasized the human side of every decision. This perspective was what made her designs stand out and what now drew David's attention.
“Ana, your contributions to MarketSphere have been extraordinary. Your blend of technical skill and deep understanding of customer experience is exactly what we need in a more ambitious capacity. How would you feel about taking on the role of Chief Platform Officer?”, he proposed.
Ana, surprised but intrigued, responded, “That’s a considerable leap, David. What does this role entail, and how do you see it fitting into the larger picture at MarketSphere?”
David replied, “We’re at a critical juncture, Ana. The business world is buzzing about the potential of AI, specifically ‘generative AI’, or GenAI, likening it to the disruptive impact of the internet. IDG just announced that they’re bulking up on AI skills and we look flat-footed. And the AI Times published a glowing article on IDG’s ‘Big AI Bet’ — they expect massive productivity gains with AI.”
David’s words hung heavy in the air. “Word on the street is that they’re overhauling their entire platform within the next year, so we need to move quickly. Also, I’m sure you remember Rohan Kadam in the supply chain division... they poached him from us last month. As far as I’m concerned, we’re in a Code Red situation.”
“I believe you have the energy, insight, and the innovative mindset to guide us through this new era. As Chief Platform Officer, you’d be responsible to integrate AI technologies to drive our future growth. This is strategic and urgent.”
Ana listened intently, realizing the magnitude of the role and its implications. David’s offer wasn't just a step up the career ladder; it was an invitation to lead MarketSphere into an uncharted territory of AI-driven solutions, a realm she had yet to fully explore. This realization marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ana’s journey, one that would challenge her, transform her, and redefine her role at MarketSphere.
After the meeting, Ana’s thoughts lingered on Rohan's departure to IDG. Their professional relationship had been complex; they had collaborated on several key projects, often finding a mutual respect in their work ethics. However, they had also clashed, particularly over Rohan's push for lower quality procurement changes, which Ana believed compromised her rigorous standards in product design. Despite these differences, she remembered a lunch conversation where Rohan had expressed a moderately ethical stance towards AI, showing a nuanced understanding of its implications.
Rohan’s move to IDG felt like a betrayal, not just on a professional level but also ideologically. His shift seemed at odds with the principles they once shared, making Ana question the motivations behind his decision to move. Was it ambition, a differing vision, or something more?
ANA CONTEMPLATES THE OFFER
As Ana considered the offer to become Chief Platform Officer, she couldn’t help but feel like she was being asked to captain a ship through uncharted waters. It was thrilling yet fraught with unknown challenges. Leading MarketSphere's foray into AI-driven solutions would not only impact her career but also place her at the forefront of an industry at the brink of transformation. Rohan’s move to a rival company added another layer of complexity to what would we an already daunting task ahead.
Ana sought guidance from trusted mentors and colleagues who had delved into the burgeoning AI field. Over the next several days, she engaged in deep discussions, carefully considering the potential paths MarketSphere could take under her stewardship. Despite feeling a nascent confidence in her leadership capabilities, Ana was plagued by self-doubt. Her expertise lay not in the technicalities of AI, like those of seasoned machine learning experts. Moreover, she had yet to occupy a C-level position and felt daunted by the financial responsibilities it entailed.
Leaning towards declining the offer, Ana decided to seek the wisdom of her parents. During a family dinner at their home, she outlined the opportunity. Her father's reaction brimmed with pride. “My daughter, at the forefront of AI technology in one of the world's leading companies!” he exclaimed. He shared his own career regrets, revealing how his fear of failure had curbed his professional growth. “I believe you should embrace this chance, Ana. Engage directly with this groundbreaking AI technology,” he encouraged, seeing AI as the next evolutionary step in human intellect.
Ana’s mother, a lifelong educator, expressed both excitement and concern. She reflected on her interactions with fellow teachers – some resistant, others embracing AI, and the varied implications of its integration into education. “Ana, this opportunity is a monumental learning curve,” she advised. “Remember when you introduced me to the iPhone? I was hesitant, but now, I even teach about the effects of social media on mental health. The key is not to know everything about AI immediately; it's about building a network of expertise and learning as you go. Don’t let fear deter you. Your career will be full of challenges; embrace them and learn. Remember the values and sense of responsibility we've instilled in you. We love you, and I believe you’re ready for this.”
Absorbing her parents' insights, Ana realized they too had faced and adapted to technological shifts. Their perspectives cleared her doubts, reaffirming her belief in her ability to rise to this new challenge.
Finally, Ana met again with David Mitchell. "David," she began, "I've given this a lot of thought. It's a significant responsibility, but I'm ready to accept the role. I’m not an AI expert but I’m committed to driving MarketSphere forward with innovation that’s both cutting-edge and ethically grounded. From what I’ve learned so far, Generative AI (GenAI) is coming at us in the workplace like a tsunami. We’ll need to invest in people, and I’ll need to know you’ll have my back.”
David smiled, pleased with her decision. "I'm confident in your abilities, Ana and you’ll have my support. You have the vision and the expertise we need. Let's start by outlining your first steps in this role and setting some immediate goals."
Ana's new role at MarketSphere came at a crucial time. While the company had achieved significant success, it was at a pivotal point, needing to evolve to stay ahead in the rapidly changing digital landscape. Ana's technical expertise and forward-thinking vision made her the ideal next generational leader for an ambitious growth strategy. Importantly, she was also known to be a strong people-oriented leader, with a direct yet empathetic style.
In the digital markets space, David was a prominent figure who commanded both admiration and introspection in the world of technology. His journey in technology began with a small startup that graduated YCombinator1 quickly grew into a renowned SaaS CRM enterprise, and he displayed a knack for seeing potential in emerging tech trends. A visionary entrepreneur with a storied career in scaling his previous ventures, he had built MarketSphere with a focus on innovation and expansion. However, beneath his forward-looking exterior, David had realized he needed fresh thinking, and he was only just beginning to grapple with the opportunities of AI and the threats of AI in his competitors’ hands.
Despite his success, David often found himself in the middle of debates over the rapid progression of AI and its societal impact. His realization that technological advancements could not be devoid of ethical considerations led to a subtle yet significant shift in his leadership approach. It was this evolving mindset that brought Ana onto his radar, recognizing that she could bring a focus on responsible AI to balance the company's aggressive growth strategy.
When they agreed on her new role, David was honest about the challenges that Ana might face: "Ana, you're stepping into a realm where innovation races ahead at breakneck speed, and with it comes a labyrinth of technical and human complexities. You’ll be at the forefront of navigating these waters, balancing the obviously exhilarating potential of AI with the sobering responsibility of its impact. Your role won’t just be about driving technological advancement; you’ll steer us through uncharted territories and ensuring that our growth never loses sight of our human values."
Board member Dr. Emily Martinez had also played a pivotal role in Ana's advancement. With a career spanning across various governmental and advisory roles, Dr. Martinez had established herself as an authority on the ethical and legal dimensions of emerging technologies. Her work, often at the intersection of technology and policy, had given her a unique perspective on the importance of integrating human-centric considerations into AI development.
Dr. Martinez's recent advocacy for responsible AI practices was a driving force behind her support for Ana's candidacy. She recognized in Ana a talented engineer with a knack for product development, but a like- minded ally in the deployment of AI solutions. Dr. Martinez believed that Ana's fresh perspective and her dedication to customer experience would be instrumental in guiding MarketSphere through the complex landscape of AI innovation and regulation.
This belief was grounded in Dr. Martinez's understanding that the future of AI in commerce wasn't just about technological superiority, but also about navigating the intricate web of ethical and regulatory challenges. Her support for Ana was more than an endorsement of her skills; it was a strategic decision aimed at shaping the company's future in a rapidly evolving digital world.
ANA ACCEPTS THE MISSION
Ana soon met with David, Evelyn, and Dr. Martinez in the MarketSphere Boardroom.
Evelyn Kim, the esteemed Board Chair of MarketSphere, carried the aura of experience and wisdom earned through decades in the high-stakes world of finance. In her early 50s, she was the epitome of sharp intellect and pragmatic decision-making, her journey marked by navigating through the tumultuous waves of market trends and strategic upheavals. Her career had been a tapestry of bold financial maneuvers and strategic alliances, weaving a vast network that spanned the upper echelons of the financial sector. While technology wasn't her native turf, her keen sense of market dynamics gave her an acute understanding of its critical role in shaping business futures.
Evelyn's presence commanded respect, yet there was an approachability about her, a mentor-like quality that had nurtured many rising stars in the corporate world. She valued innovation, not as a buzzword, but as a vital pulse for staying ahead in a constantly evolving marketplace. This understanding made her particularly receptive to fresh perspectives, especially those that challenged the status quo, bringing a dynamic edge to MarketSphere's leadership.
As she prepared to welcome Ana Patel, there was a flicker of anticipation in her eyes, a recognition of the potential that this young visionary held, and the pivotal role she could play in steering MarketSphere through the impending AI-driven upheaval.
After a warm welcome from the trio, Evelyn initiated the urgent conversation: “Ana, we’re delighted to have you on the leadership team. This is a time for bold moves, and you’ve got my full support. You can call on me whenever you wish. Being a global platform, the world is expecting our AI announcements. We’ll also back you up with legal and policy when you need it, but first things first....we’ll need you to drive an AI strategy for the board’s review as soon as possible. Educate us and lead the way.”
David added, “Our current business risk is that we don’t act quickly enough.”
Dr. Martinez paused for a moment, then added, “Yet, we also need to keep the political sphere in view. In fact, just last week, Senator Elizabeth Mwangi reached out to inquire about our AI initiatives. There's growing interest and scrutiny from the government regarding AI applications in commerce. Senator Mwangi is particularly concerned about the implications on citizens and regulatory compliance of these technologies. It underscores the need for us to be proactive and mindful in our AI journey.”
Ana, listening intently, felt the gravity of the situation. It was clear that her role at MarketSphere wouldn't just involve technical leadership but also navigating the complex landscape of public perception and regulatory frameworks. She was excited to embark on this new journey at MarketSphere, a company with a solid foundation in the online commerce arena.
With her background in Computer Science and a master's degree specializing in digital marketplaces, she thought that she could handle the Chief Platform Officer role, but Ana knew that she could become a catalyst for the company’s transformation. MarketSphere recognized her potential and entrusted her with a critical mission: to spearhead the company's transition into an AI-driven future.
Ana's first actions as Chief Platform Officer involved assembling a diverse team with expertise in various aspects of AI, technology, and ethics. She also initiated a series of workshops and brainstorming sessions to align the team with her vision and to begin charting the course for MarketSphere's future.
As she embarked on this new journey, Ana felt a mix of excitement, anxiety of the unknown, and an underlying confidence in her ability to adapt. She knew the road ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to lead MarketSphere into a new era of technological innovation and responsible AI integration.
ATTENTION WAS ALL IT NEEDED
In mid-2023, and now as Chief Platform Officer, Ana had found herself in a quaint coffee shop with her long-time friend Jack, an AI researcher, who was in his navy hoodie today. Jack was an accomplished tinkerer who was always exploring ideas to build an AI startup.
"You've got to check this out," Jack insisted, pulling up ChatGPT on his laptop.
Ana had already played with the basic version of ChatGPT for personal travel research and made some new meal plans. She knew it had been trained on the entirety of the internet and additional private knowledge bases. She had heard how OpenAI had employed vast numbers of actual humans to provide feedback to the “large language model” (LLM) during its training in a process called Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF). She thought it was indeed magical, but she was still skeptical about its business application.
Ana trusted her highly curious friend to surprise her.
Once Jack navigated through the advanced features of ChatGPT, her skepticism was shattered. The multimodal capabilities of ChatGPT were beyond anything she had seen before.
Jack showed Ana an application powered by ChatGPT that let her chat with any document, such as a PDF, and she immediately imagined how that would reinvent knowledge sharing in any business, and customer service in an online platform like MarketSphere.
Jack then demonstrated how ChatGPT could analyze and describe complex images. He snapped a picture of the vintage sneakers Ana was wearing and ChatGPT not only identified them but provided a succinct history of the model. The idea that a future customer could take a picture of any item and have the platform describe it and find similar items, opened up a realm of possibilities for MarketSphere.
This was more than the original text-based AI; this was a step into a new world where visual data became a key player in digital interactions.
The multimodal demonstration didn't stop there. Jack showed Ana how ChatGPT could convert her voice prompts to text, process them and return thoughtful responses as either text or a voice of her choosing. The responses could be customized to be very direct or verbose, with varying degrees of empathy. ChatGPT was also multilingual, permitting real-time translations. She quickly imagined being able to use this for an automated customer service front end, handling many service requests automatically.
Finally, they prompted ChatGPT to generate images from text. The DALL-E 32 model generated images that were so realistic that it seemed like magic. Images that once required hours of experienced graphic designers were being generated in seconds.
The prompting examples inspired Ana to try it for herself. She was quickly generating fantasy trip itineraries, custom gym workouts, and learning about her family’s historical home, all from the comfort of the ChatGPT text chat window. While to some it seemed that ChatGPT could write funny poetry as a parlor trick, Ana saw the words stream to her phone as if the app was thinking. The tech and media world picked up on the term “prompt engineering” as the next new thing.
To Ana, the word “generative” was synonymous with creative. She quickly picked up technical terms such as “model temperature” setting of (0-1; 1 being most creative) and context window (roughly the number of words that could be processed during a prompt), and tokens (a part of word or a full word that is converted to a number that the model can understand).
Ana excitedly reported back on her discovery of "Generative AI" to the team. The insights spiralled into a brainstorming about the transformative potential of AI, a pivotal moment that redirected the course of MarketSphere.
THE DAWN OF AGENTWARE
After her initial introduction to ChatGPT, Ana continued to be amazed at the rapid introduction of new AI agent projects and startups in 2023. Agents could “do” tasks that were digital in nature. Beyond single interactions with a ChatGPT-like interface, the AutoGPT project demonstrated how agents could be created to accept an objective, such as gathering research, generate the tasks required to achieve the objective, and then carry out the tasks. This "objective-driven" behavior would eventually be a key that unlocked AI at MarketSphere.
Multiagent environments were envisioned, where one agent could evaluate the quality of another agent's output. It was evident that agents would become standardized when Microsoft released its AutoGen project for multi-agent environments.
In October 2023, the MarketSphere team attended the inaugural "AI Engineer Summit" where they watched Founder Flo Crivello demo Lindy,3 his company having raised about $50M to provide "AI employees" that would manage and generate emails, organize calendars, book travel and much more. The concept of hiring "AI agents" was having a breakthrough moment, made possible by interacting with OpenAI's GPT-4 API at the time.
Then in November of 2023, OpenAI had their big “DevDay” reveal, and the world was awestruck. Ana was in the audience when GPTs were announced and her mind started racing with potential custom applications. GPTs were a self-serve no code version of ChatGPT and could have their own documents which would be accessible as a private knowledge base. The documents would be automatically chunked up into tokens for the LLM behind the scenes. In a bid to build a digital knowledge worker marketplace, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman promised a GPT store. Other demos showed connections to third-party services such as Zapier, making it possible to connect to hundreds of external digital services that could take the GPT output and further process it. OpenAI also released their Assistants API as a programmable agent service.
Ana immediately envisioned that multimodal ChatGPT’s could be customized to accomplish a variety of tasks for virtually every area of most businesses, let alone MarketSphere. She felt a wave of inspiration spread through her body, and she knew this was the direction to pursue.
She imagined how GPTs in a company could make it possible for any employee to “chat with” an HR policy document, and free up the HR staff from repetitive questions.
Then a week later, Microsoft went all in on what they branded as "copilots", promising to infuse these assistants into their entire software suite. Microsoft promised to integrate the power of GPT-4 into everything it offered. The vision was clear to her ... agents, copilots, assistants, or AI employees would soon be a new form of digital knowledge worker.
[…Chapter 1 continues]
Copyright © 2024 by Alan Wunsche. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. This book is a work of fiction. The characters and organizations mentioned in this book are entirely fictional and do not represent any specific real-life individuals. While the narrative may reference historical or current events or technological trends, these are used solely to provide context for the story’s speculative future setting. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Engage and Comment
As we turn the pages of "AGENTWARE: Unveiling AI's Future – Humanity's Bold Leap into Tomorrow," we're invited to journey through a world where the lines between human intuition and artificial intelligence begin to blur. This exploration is not just about understanding the technological advancements ahead but also about reflecting on the very essence of our humanity in an AI-augmented future.
What thoughts or feelings did the preface of "AGENTWARE" stir in you? Are you filled with optimism for a future where AI and human creativity coalesce, or does the prospect of such deep integration raise questions and concerns for you?
Let's open up a space for thoughtful discussion. Share your insights, hopes, and apprehensions below as we delve into the profound implications of our shared journey into the age of AI.
Dive into the discussion and share your thoughts below.
If you’re interested in the future of AI agents in enterprise, I encourage you to check out “AGENTWARE”, now available in Paperback: AGENTWARE: Unveiling AI's Future – Humanity's Bold Leap into Tomorrow (Amazon link)
