Mark Hurd: Get ready for the new dawn of AI

AI is set to play a huge role in the IT industry across the board, providing a number of advances for all kinds of businesses, Oracle CEO Mark Hurd has claimed. Hurd took to the stage, albeit via video-link, at the company's Oracle Open World event in London today to share some of his predictions for the coming years ahead. Top of the agenda was the role of artificial intelligence technology in the IT industry, particularly regarding cloud, with Hurd stating his view that all cloud apps would include AI by 2025. Doing so will allow cloud AI apps to differentiate themselves from legacy applications, he said, with tools such as chatbots and voice-intuitive interfaces allowing businesses to build much closer and personalised relationships with their customers. "All industries are going to find way to connect to their customers in innovative new ways," he stated, noting how automation could power new use cases such as retailers creating personalized experiences for individual shoppers, or hotels running 24/7 without needing people manning the front desk.