As more organizations deploy AI projects and products, many enterprises are looking beyond surface-level AI. They're looking to take their AI projects to the next step. One way to do that is by pursuing an AI-first data strategy, according to Forrester Research. This means creating machine learning and data models that are designed with an AI mindset instead of trying to use already created data to fit their AI. Phases of an AI-first strategy include delivering and deploying data for scale, testing and training models to create trust, and discovering and sourcing data that represents the business model of the enterprise.

That is exactly what Forrester wants to find out - is there something behind the AI and Cognitive Computing hype? What my research directors ask, "Is there a there there?" AI and Cognitive Computing have captured the imagination and interest of organization large and small but does anyone really know how to bring this new capability in and get value from it? And the bigger question - WHEN will this happen? It is time to roll-up the sleeves and look beyond conversations, vendor pitches and media coverage to really define what AI and Cognitive Computing mean for businesses, are businesses ready, where they will invest, and who they will turn to to build these innovated solutions, and what benefits will result.

Or, holding my stomach as Jen Hsun Huang, CEO of NVIDIA took us soaring over Everest. Or cringing, as I watch the early attempts at a car teaching itself to drive and being reminded of how my 16 year old daughter is learning to drive (there were a few similarities...). Each emotion illustrates what everyone will experience shortly on NVIDIA's next gen compute platform with announcement for AI, VR, self-driving, SDK and new deep learning appliance. This is not your traditional or even big data analytic platform. It will also change how you think about analytics.

Our cars brake for us, park for us, and some are even driving us. Our movie lists are filled with Ex Machina, Her, and Lucy. The news tells about the latest vendor and cool use of technology, minute by minute. Vendors are filling our voicemail and email with enticements. It's all so very cool!