Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing platform of Amazon.com, Inc., has been quietly working on generative AI for much longer than you might think. This is according to CEO Matt Garman, who recently disclosed the company’s deep involvement in this cutting-edge technology.
During a recent interview with TechCrunch, Garman emphasized that while the arrival of OpenAI’s ChatGPT certainly ignited a new wave of interest in generative AI, AWS has been investigating its potential for years. He stated, “We’d been looking at generative AI before it became a widely accepted thing, but I will say that when ChatGPT came out, there was kind of a discovery of a new area, of ways that this technology could be applied.”
Garman also addressed the perception that AWS was slow to release its own generative AI tools, suggesting that competitors like Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure had a head start. He countered this notion by highlighting AWS’s existing successful machine learning services, such as SageMaker, and explained that AWS prioritizes a thoughtful approach to integrating generative AI into its customers’ applications. This approach led to the development of Bedrock, AWS’s platform that provides access to various open and proprietary generative AI models.
Garman’s career at Amazon spans over two decades, beginning as an intern and eventually leading him to take the helm of AWS after Adam Selipsky’s departure. His commitment to the company, coupled with the success of AWS, has cemented Amazon’s position as a powerhouse in both e-commerce and cloud computing. This dominance has been recognized by analysts, with Cantor Fitzgerald initiating coverage of Amazon with an Overweight rating last month, citing its competitive edge and the potential of AI to drive its AWS cloud business.
In August, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy underscored the company’s dedication to providing a comprehensive range of AI solutions through AWS, stating, “There is not one tool to rule the world.” The impact of AWS’s AI capabilities extends beyond Amazon, as it has been reported that Chinese firms are utilizing AWS to access high-end Nvidia AI chips, circumventing US restrictions.
While AWS may not have been the first to enter the generative AI arena, its focus on developing a robust and accessible platform like Bedrock, combined with its deep understanding of the technology, positions the company to be a significant player in this rapidly evolving field.
