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Avoiding Death on the Yellow Brick Road

Avoiding Death on the Yellow Brick Road

Tech Joe Schmidt IV (X.com)
A common misconception is that large AI labs will automate all software; however, the real value lies in building specialized, trustworthy AI solutions for vertical industries.
What: The article argues against the belief that large AI labs will automate all software development. Instead, it suggests significant opportunities exist in developing "scaffolding" around AI models to make their output trustworthy, compliant, and operational within specific industries, rather than focusing solely on core AI research.
Why it matters: This highlights a growing understanding that horizontal AI tools need vertical integration and specialization to deliver real-world value, indicating a shift from generic AI applications to industry-specific solutions that address complex problems.
Takeaway: Consider specializing in vertical AI applications rather than generic AI tools, focusing on compliance, trust, and operational integration for specific industries.
Original article

It is possible that the big AI labs will eventually automate software away in every industry. However, the reality is that the world is full of complex, often vertical problems that can't simply be solved with a horizontal tool with access to standard tools and computer use. The value will come from the scaffolding around models that makes their output trustworthy, compliant, and operational inside a specific industry. There are plenty of opportunities in AI outside of the core research lab niche.

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