Accenture and IPsoft partner on AI virtual agent business
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Consulting firm Accenture has announced a partnership with artificial intelligence software company, IPsoft, aimed at spurring the use of AI in the enterprise, ZDNet reports.
The deal will see Accenture integrate IPsoft's AI program, Amelia, into a new business unit called Accenture Amelia. Amelia is similar to other virtual assistants such as Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa, however, IPsoft’s program is reportedly more expressive and capable of showing empathy than other programs.
Accenture will use the platform to offer a suite of new strategy and consulting services. Amelia will act as a virtual agent to businesses within the insurance, banking, and travel industries. Companies can enlist its help to automate a wide variety of service desk roles, such as helping customers open new bank accounts or process insurance claims.
The partnership comes as Accenture seeks to ensure its position in the burgeoning AI enterprise market. The company recently built a new R&D lab in Dublin, Ireland, where Accenture’s head office is. The lab will focus on the development and integration of AI systems into Accenture Operations, including customer support, procurement, supply chain, and warranty services.
The global market for content analytics, discovery and cognitive systems software is projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2019, according to IDC. Other research firms still believe that AI will be the catalyst behind a $5 trillion to $7 trillion economic impact by 2025, notes Forbes.
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