Tag: MSFT

Llama 2: META’s Open Source Large Language Model

Llama 2: META’s Open Source Large Language Model

Llama 2 is META's open source Large Language Model (LLM) for which the company partners with Azure/Microsoft (ticker: MSFT). I'm writing about Llama 2 because I am curious about what kind of user uptake it may enjoy given that it is free. The best way to drive adoption of a new technology such as LLMs … Continue reading Llama 2: META’s Open Source Large Language Model

Microsoft, Activision & Strategic Glue

Microsoft, Activision & Strategic Glue

Yesterday we wrote about strategic glue. Microsoft (ticker: MSFT), ought to complete its Activision (ticker: ATVI), acquisition in Q4. There is no finer example of strategic glue than the Activision deal. The Activision deal will add stickiness to the Xbox gaming platform with hit games such as the Call of Duty franchise. In order for … Continue reading Microsoft, Activision & Strategic Glue

More AI Madness

More AI Madness

Sure, Palantir (ticker: PLTR), is a fine Info Services company with a predictive analytics platform at its core. However, given the heavy nature of its customer deployments, PLTR can't scale the way AWS, Azure and GCP scale. In fact, Palantir sits on top of AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. So, what are investors so excited … Continue reading More AI Madness

I Detest CEO Hype. Better To Be Honest With Investors.

I Detest CEO Hype. Better To Be Honest With Investors.

I detest CEO hype. I much prefer honesty without hype. CEOs can be honest and upbeat without the hype. Nadella drank his own Kool-Aid. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella fell victim to the AI hype earlier this week when Microsoft reported (HERE) as we told you he would (HERE). It's Nadella's job as Microsoft CEO to … Continue reading I Detest CEO Hype. Better To Be Honest With Investors.

Generative AI Across Activision Post-Deal Close

Generative AI Across Activision Post-Deal Close

Now that Microsoft (ticker: MSFT) has received approval to acquire Activision (ticker: ATVI, better luck next time Lina Khan), I am curious as to what kind of operating leverage Activision may enjoy as Generative AI is deployed more deeply throughout the organization post-deal close. Video game publishers have been using AI for years to render … Continue reading Generative AI Across Activision Post-Deal Close

Generative AI Hype vs. Reality

Generative AI Hype vs. Reality

Advanced automation / AI offers a real customer value prop. AI has been deployed for decades. However, the hype around Generative AI is a different beast. It will take decades for Generative AI to generate the Economic Value required to justify the valuation run enjoyed by companies such as Nvidia (NVDA shares up 280% since … Continue reading Generative AI Hype vs. Reality

Generative AI Flips the Script on AWS, Azure and GCP

Generative AI Flips the Script on AWS, Azure and GCP

In years past AWS (Amazon) was the leading cloud platform from a Revenue standpoint followed by Azure (Microsoft) with GCP (Google) in the third position. All three companies offer broadly-defined "AI" capability, in particular Machine Learning, which customers such as Netflix (an AWS customer), use to track and predict user behavior. When it comes to … Continue reading Generative AI Flips the Script on AWS, Azure and GCP

IBM’s M&A Strategy

IBM’s M&A Strategy

With respect to IBM's (IBM) acquisition of Apptio (private, Vista Equity), it will provide a modest boost to growth. However, I would much rather see IBM pursue acquisitions of Info Services companies such as CoStar (CSGP), Factset (FDS), ICE (ICE), Solera (private), Verisk (VRSK) or any number of other data-centric companies that could provide grist … Continue reading IBM’s M&A Strategy

Generative AI and Adobe

Generative AI and Adobe

Will Adobe's incorporation of Generative AI into its product portfolio significantly increase user engagement? That's the $60K question. If so, what are Adobe's plans going forward for further building out its Generative AI stack? How much of said stack will be a proprietary build? To date, it appears that Adobe leaned heavily on Microsoft Azure/ … Continue reading Generative AI and Adobe