The dynamic landscape of the technology world, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence and data analytics, is in a state of constant evolution.

The whirlwind pace of change in AI can sometimes be dizzying.

“I don’t think there’s a board in the world that isn’t challenging a leadership team about what are you doing with Gen AI? What you’re doing with ChatGPT?” said Steve McMillan (pictured), president and chief executive officer of Teradata Corp. “And that real interest in that technology is driving a lot of the conversations that we’re seeing here over the course of the last few days.”

It’s a sentiment many tech enthusiasts resonate with, but it’s the trends and use cases emerging from this rapid evolution that are most intriguing.

McMillan spoke with theCUBE industry analysts Rob Strechay and Rebecca Knight at Possible 2023, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed insights on the evolving landscape of technology and the role of generative AI in shaping the future, as well as the significant trends, challenges and opportunities that businesses are facing in the data and analytics arena. (* Disclosure below.)

Gen AI three-tier strategy, and Adobe’s pivotal transformation

When McMillan joined Teradata three years ago, the data and analytics marketplace was starting to evolve quickly. With the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, that evolution has intensified at breakneck speed, pushing forward the boundaries of what’s possible with data and AI-driven technologies.

“If you think about it, an area of IT to be in just now, data and analytics is right at the core, the epicenter of so much that’s going on,” McMillan said.

This sentiment resonates, with a recent survey highlighting cybersecurity, data and analytics, and cloud as the top three investment areas for CIOs, emphasizing the pivotal role of these domains in shaping the future, McMillan pointed out. With the integration of these core areas, innovative solutions and use cases are emerging at an unprecedented pace and reshaping how organizations approach technology solutions.

The real challenge, however, lies in navigating the vast ocean of gen AI applications. The best approach lies in a three-tier perspective, according to McMillan. The primary level involves transforming customer operations, which affects sales, marketing, R&D and product engineering. The next level integrates gen AI into products and services, reinventing them using innovative technologies. But the most intriguing dimension is how gen AI has the potential to revolutionize entire industries.

Taking Adobe Inc. as a case in point: The company, initially perceived as likely to be disrupted by gen AI’s capabilities in image generation, adeptly and quickly evolved.

“They pivoted super fast over the course of a couple of months to actually say, “No, we’re going to take advantage of this,” McMillan said.

Adobe’s gen AI solution, Firefly, utilized its vast digital imagery, transforming not only its business, but the entire imaging industry.

AI as the enabler: Beyond cost-saving to driving innovation

With every monumental opportunity comes challenges. The current enterprise core challenge can be described in one word — data — according to McMillan.

Less than 25% of organizations believe they have the correct data culture, capabilities and structures in place for ethical and responsible data use, McMillan added. This is where companies like Teradata come into play, aiding organizations to navigate these challenges and ensure data reliability.

Data management, a Teradata strength, is an essential cog in this wheel of innovation. The company’s goal is to “harmonize data inside an organization.” Teradata’s new approach promotes data consistency across various platforms, preventing duplication and ensuring data quality.

Highlighting the transformative potential of enterprise technology, McMillan shared a compelling narrative about JPMorgan Chase & Co’s. audacious goal of achieving a billion dollars in business value through advanced analytics and AI. Examples such as transforming supply chains, innovating in physical retail shopping and aiding medical professionals exemplify the expansive possibilities.

However, the debate on AI and jobs remains ever-present. To this, McMillan offers a unique perspective. Instead of viewing AI as a replacement, it should be viewed as more of an enabler that unlocks added value.

“If I’m a coder and I’m using an AI tool to develop more code and making me more effective, more efficient, I can move to higher-order problems,” he said.

It’s not just about cost-saving, but driving innovation and achieving superior business outcomes, McMillan added.

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of Possible 2023:

(* Disclosure: Teradata Corp. sponsored this segment of theCUBE. Neither Teradata nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE