Earlier this month, Google announced the general availability of Generative AI Studio on Vertex AI. With this update, developers can access its text model powered by PaLM 2, embed API for text and other foundation models in Model Garden, as well as leverage user-friendly tools in Generative AI Studio for model tuning and deployment. 

Simply put, Generative AI Studio on Vertex AI allows users to interact, fine-tune, and deploy foundational models, providing features like chat interface, prompt design, and model weight adjustment. Interestingly, Microsoft also has a similar offering called Azure AI Studio, which empowers developers to create personalised AI chatbot copilots using OpenAI models and APIs. This new feature extends to Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service.

So, which is better? June Yang, VP of Google’s Cloud AI and Industry Solutions, said that Google released its Generative AI Studio first, and Microsoft Azure AI Studio is really trying to follow their lead. “We’re flattered,” said Yang, adding that it would continue to provide the best experience for customers. 

She said that Google has created its studio with a couple of purposes in mind – i.e. to create a playground for data scientists, teams, and for developers to be able to access models very easily, alongside developing prototypes and experimenting faster. Further, Yang said that the users get to access various modalities, be it language, code, image, or speech. She also said that it has built in fine-tuning capabilities, which include prompt tuning, alongside other tuning methods. Yang believes that Generative AI Studio on Vertex AI offers several advantages, and caters to a wide range of users, from casual to sophisticated. 

While Microsoft thinks it is making Google dance, Google believes it is acing the enterprise generative AI landscape, and is quite optimistic about its product offering. Yang told AIM that the demand for their service is at an all time high. “We actually have quite a lot of interest coming in from Indian enterprises across multiple sectors, including retail, education, public sectors, etc,” she added, saying that the interest is actually across the board, citing its success in the cloud game. 

“Of course, our CEO [Sundar Pichai] is originally from India as well. So, there’s been lots of interactions and lots of interest,” she said, hinting at more announcements around its strategic partnerships and collaboration in the coming months. 

Google IT Companies Aboard Google Cloud

Indian IT companies like TCS, Infosys and Wipro have already announced collaboration and have been amongst the initial firms to partner with Google Cloud. Recently, Wipro announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to integrate Google Cloud’s generative AI capabilities into its own offerings. 

Wipro plans on integrating Google Cloud’s suite of generative AI products and services, including Vertex AI, Generative AI App Builder, and the Model Garden collection, with its own AI intellectual property, business accelerators, and pre-built solutions. The Indian IT major  plans to train 20,000 associates on Google Cloud’s generative AI technologies to support clients in realising the full potential of AI and driving secure AI-led transformations at scale.

Wipro and Google Cloud are looking to jointly develop generative AI solutions to address industry-specific challenges and enhance enterprise functions like consumer experiences, marketing, supply chain performance, financial modeling, workforce management, and sustainability. 

Similarly, Tata Consultancy Services had expanded its partnership with Google Cloud for generative AI solutions and plans to provide over 40,000 skill badges to its employees within a year. TCS has launched a new generative AI offering powered by Google Cloud’s tools, along with its own solutions, to deliver custom-tailored business solutions. 

TCS will leverage its client-specific knowledge and agile development processes, along with its co-innovation hubs, to ideate and build transformation solutions. Google Cloud recognises TCS’ expertise and commitment to generative AI adoption.