IBM Watson blends
existing and innovative technology into a new approach called cognitive
computing. At the simplest operational level it is technology for asking natural
language-based questions, getting answers and support appropriate action to be
taken or provide information to make
more informed decisions.
The technology
relies on massive processing power to yield probabilistic responses to user
questions using sophisticated analytical algorithms. A cognitive system like
Watson accesses structured and unstructured information within an associated
knowledge base to return responses that are not simply data but contextualized
information that can inform users’ actions and guide their decisions. This is a
gigantic leap beyond human decision-making using experience based on random
sources from the industry and internal sets of reports and data.
This innovative new approach to computing is designed to aid humans by
working with natural language – English in the case of today’s Watson. This
approach earned Watson the 2012 Technology Innovation Award in the category of Overall
Operational Innovation.
For those of you who are not used to the word cognitive, the foundation of
cognition is the sum of all the thinking processes that contribute to gaining
knowledge for problem-solving. In computational systems these processes are
modeled using hardware and software; machine-based cognition thus is a step
toward imbuing an artificial system with attributes we typically consider
human: the abilities to think and learn. Watson builds on a foundation of
evidence from preexisting decisions and knowledge sources that it can load for
reference in future inquiries. The evidence-based reasoning that Watson employs
to answer question is part of the big deal in its approach.
Watson supports three types of engagement – ask, discover and decide – that
take natural language questions, find facts to support a decision process, then
gets probabilistic guidance on decisions. This goes beyond search and retrieval
technology; machine learning and processing of questions using very large
volumes of data, commonly referred to as big data, is the foundation on which
Watson as a cognitive system operates. Most important is the continuous learning
method and what I would call adaptive intelligence. While machine learning and
pattern-based analytics are part of the cognitive system, the ability to process
big data efficiently to provide a probabilistic set of recommendations is just
the kind of innovation many industries need.
IBM has focused much of its work on Watson on healthcare, with potential
life-saving implications in an environment where doctors must make crucial
decisions in the midst of pressure from the complexity, costs, overload of
information and policies. Watson can ingest large volumes of information from
reports and documents that can accelerate its learning processes to support a
range of healthcare needs. Watson can be used in three areas in healthcare:
teaching, practice and payment. IBM works with Wellpoint to support doctors in
making decisions, and also eliminating waste or misapplied treatments that
insurance providers have to cover. Watson is being used today to determine where
improvements can be made in cancer treatment. IBM has targeted specific Watson
solutions to help in the research, diagnosis and treatment, care and utilization
aspects of battling cancer.
IBM has a huge opportunity to bring innovation to business through the use of Watson,
and has been experimenting with a number of deployments to test its potential.
Innovative technology is a priority today for business improvement initiatives
(60%) and to improve the quality of business processes (57%) – the top two
factors driving technology selection according to our business technology
innovation benchmark research. IBM has been working with organizations in
healthcare and financial services, but believes Watson could be useful in just
about every industry that must have what I call better situation intelligence
that must accommodate current conditions and preexisting information to
determine the best answer. While IBM will not be the only supplier of cognitive
systems, it is pretty much the sole supplier of one that can be purchased and
adapted to a business today. IBM is still working to improve the methods by
which its cognitive system operates, as well as the interface with which it
delivers answers. As IBM moves forward, it will be challenged to create
attractive packages and prices for Watson and its computing technology (i.e.
hardware, memory, storage and processing potential), as this new approach is not
something that organizations have experienced before. Despite this challenge,
IBM Watson represents a step forward that the IT and technology industry does
not see very often. After my assessment of IBM Watson at the IBM Analyst
Insights (Twitter: @AnalystInsights) where I got to have an in depth discussion
with the leaders of IBM Watson provided more insight to what is possible with
the technology and path for its investments into its cognitive system. I would
recommend that organizations take a look at the future of business technology
computing that will be able to make a significant impact on the operations of
any organization.
Regards,
Mark Smith
CEO & Chief Research Officer
By: Mark Smith
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