Managed AI services: Reaping the benefits without losing control

AI adoption has become pivotal for enterprises seeking to achieve their strategic goals.

However, managing AI solutions internally presents serious challenges, including the shortage of AI talent, change management, and the need for continuous learning.

This is where managed AI services come into play, offering a transformative solution for enterprises. By outsourcing the complexities of AI deployment to reliable providers, organizations can focus on their core competencies while leveraging AI to drive innovation and success.

Understanding managed AI services

Managed AI services comprise a comprehensive approach to implementing and maintaining artificial intelligence solutions for organizations. These services are designed to address the challenges associated with AI adoption. By partnering with Managed AI services providers, businesses can benefit from end-to-end support while retaining control over their operations.

Characteristics of managed AI services

1. Customized solutions

Similar to managed IT services, managed AI services can be tailored to the specific needs of the client or organization. The service provider collaborates closely with the client to develop AI solutions that align with the industry, business goals, and target audience.

2. Full-cycle support

The service provider is actively involved in all stages of AI development, from initial planning to deployment and maintenance. This all-inclusive strategy guarantees a seamless and efficient integration of AI into existing systems.

3. High-touch engagement

Managed AI services entail a high level of collaboration between the client and the service provider's AI experts. This lets the service provider gain a deeper understanding of the client’s unique challenges and goals, leading to more effective AI solutions.

4. Longer-term commitments

For continuous support, the client typically enters into service-level agreements (SLAs) with the Managed AI services provider. This longer-term commitment ensures ongoing assistance, maintenance, and updates to match the organization’s evolving needs.

AI as a Service versus managed AI services

AI as a Service (AIaaS) and managed AI services share the common goal of providing artificial intelligence solutions to businesses without the need for extensive in-house AI expertise. Both approaches offer AI capabilities through cloud-based platforms, allowing organizations to leverage AI technologies without building models from scratch. 

The key differences lie in the degree of customization and support. AIaaS typically offers pre-built AI models and APIs with limited customization options, while managed AI services target specific needs and challenges. AIaaS provides standalone AI tools for integration into existing systems, while managed AI services offer full-cycle support. 

Benefits of managed AI services

Aside from customized solutions and ongoing support, incorporating managed AI services into an organization's AI strategy brings several other benefits, such as:

1. Cost-efficiency

Managed AI services reduce upfront investments by providing pay-as-you-go models, making AI adoption financially viable for organizations of all sizes.

2. Flexibility and scalability

Managed AI services offer businesses the agility to scale AI initiatives as needed, with flexible resource allocation and without the burden of managing infrastructure and employees internally.

3. Risk management

Competent service providers ensure AI implementations comply with industry standards and regulations.

4. Access to specialized skills

Managed AI services provide businesses access to a pool of skilled professionals with in-depth expertise in AI technologies. 

Andela, a trusted and reliable provider of AI talent and solutions, builds dedicated teams of highly skilled developers and engineers. These tech experts can design, develop, and implement AI systems — streamlining and automating businesses with artificial intelligence. Andela’s approach to AI and machine learning solutions yields quick wins with a high return on investment.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, Andela assists enterprises in powering big data models, providing enhanced customer experiences, and outsourcing administrative tasks — further enhancing operational efficiency and business growth through artificial intelligence.

Best practices for scaling AI with a managed services team

Control and trust play a crucial role in AI deployment. In a global survey by IBM, 78% of technology decision-makers stated they must be able to trust that the AI’s output is fair, safe, and reliable. Scaling AI with a managed services team requires a careful balance between leveraging AI technologies and maintaining strategic oversight.

The following strategies help organizations fully realize the potential of AI while ensuring successful collaboration and alignment of objectives:

1. Foster a strong partnership

Your organization should consider the managed services team as an extension of your internal team rather than an entirely separate entity. Regular meetings, joint planning sessions, and ongoing communication will foster effective collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing between both parties. By working together closely, you can maintain better control over AI deployment and ensure it aligns with your business goals and values.

2.  Establish clear goals and communication channels

Your organization should explicitly communicate well-defined goals, expectations, and desired outcomes to the managed services team. This clarity will help the external team better understand your vision and tailor their efforts accordingly. Additionally, setting up effective communication channels for updates and concerns will allow for ongoing oversight and keep the project on track.

3. Regularly monitor AI performance

Maintaining control over AI deployment requires continuous monitoring of performance, progress, and outcomes. Your organization should establish KPIs and success metrics to track the effectiveness and fairness of the AI system and the managed services team should provide regular reports that explain how AI decisions are made and the logic behind them. This transparency is essential to ensure the AI solutions align with your values and goals throughout implementation.

Drive success with Andela's managed AI services 

By embracing strategic external partnerships, your organization can harness the full potential of AI for innovation and growth. Andela presents the perfect opportunity to adopt managed AI services and enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge AI technologies while retaining complete control over your core operations.

With Andela as your trusted partner, you can confidently navigate the AI landscape and stay at the forefront of your industry. Our bespoke AI solutions empower you to make data-driven decisions and achieve unparalleled success without sacrificing your autonomy.

Don't miss out on this transformative journey. Schedule your GenAI Impact Assessment today and discover how AI can revolutionize your business.