Grow Your Business with Azure AI – Know its Benefits and How it Can Help You

This is the age of Intelligence and that’s why we recommend Azure AI services to our clients to solve their business problems intellectually and aesthetically.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has got all the power to enhance our capabilities beyond our knowledge and extend our ingenuity, and help us achieve more in less time and at a reduced cost. Azure AI has the competence to transform industries by making us more productive and by aiding usin solving complex business challenges, provided it is readily accessible to everyone.

Azure AI technology instils super smart and intelligent algorithms in to your applications, websites and bots so that it becomes easier to see, hear, speak and perceive human language and actions through natural methods of communication.

This intelligent technology is slowly creeping into our lives and improving our lifestyle and living dynamically. Azure AI also promises to change the IT world in unfathomable ways. Azure AI has unparalleled cognitive services, which we shall enclose in the following headings for you.

Vision API

The Vision API provides developers the access to advanced algorithms for processing images and coming back with meaningful information. It makes possible for apps and services to identify and scrutinize image and video contents accurately. For instance, Vision API can determine if an image or video contains adult or racy content and find clearly distil information within the images.
Computer Vision works on popular image formats, such as PNG, .JPG and .JPEG. Depending on the visual features you want to apply, Computer Vision API algorithms can significantly work on the content of the image in different ways.

You Can Use Vision API in Your Application for Three Different Processes, including:

  • Analyse Images with actions, such as tag visual features, categorise images using category taxonomy, describe image using complete sentences, detect faces, detect domain specific content to identify if an image face match any celebrity or landmark, detect colours and generate appropriate thumbnail.
  • Extract Text using OCR. You can use OCR or optical character recognition to identify text within an image and transform and recognize words into machine readable language stream. The OCR can rotate the text around image axis. It is also used to recognise printed and handwritten text from images of various objects, including receipts, posters, business cards, banner, letters and white boards.
  • Moderate Image Content, such as rate the image based on its adult or racy factor. It identifies adult and racy content and generates a confidence score for both.

The Face API

The Face API helps you to recognise all faces featured in an image. It detects, analyses, tags and organizes faces. There’s something called Face Confidence Score that is applied to see the likeliness of two faces belonging to the same person.

The Face Recognition analyses and calculates Age, Emotion, Gender, Smile, Facial Hair and 27 other landmarks for each face in an image.

Then there is Face Grouping that group together dissimilar or unidentified faces in to groups based on their visual similarities.

The Emotion Recognition in Face API can now easily fathom and group together different emotions from an image, such as anger, disgust, fear, happiness, neutral, surprise and sadness. Also, you can tag similar faces and make it a collection.

Speech API

The Azure Speech API provides developers a powerful way to create speech-enabled features in their application. It basically supports conversion of spoken language into text or produces an audio speech from text. Other features include voice command control, speech transcription and detection, and natural speech conversation.

If you come across varied vocabularies or speaking style, use Azure Speech API and customise your language model of your app’s speech recognition based on your industry, expression, geography, demography, speaker style and market terms.

Main functions of Speech API include:

Speech to Text: 

Convert human speech to text to use it as input or command to control application

Text to Speech: 

Convert text to audio streams and use it to playback to your application user.

Speaker Identification and Verification: 

Identifs who is speaking and uses voice for verification.

Azure Speech API offers 75 voices and 45 languages to choose from. It also provides exclusive parameters, such as speed, volume, pronunciation, pauses and dialects. If you need a unique voice agent with an impressive personality, contact us for initial consultation.

Language API

Language API makes it easy for developers to understand ununiformed and unstructured text or voice message. It can also be used to recognise the intent behind a voice’s utterances and understand sentiments, and evaluate what the speaker wants. The three features of Language API entails:

Language Detection: 

 The API provides a numeric score between 0 and 1 for detecting language. Scores that are close to 1 indicate the language identified is 100% accurate. The Language API supports around 120 languages.

Sentiment Detection and Analysis:

The API provides a numeric score between 0 and 1. Scores closer to 0 indicate negative sentiment and scores closer to 1 indicate positive sentiment. The score is projected using a classifier model. The technology includes n-grams feature, word embedding feature, and features created from part-of-speech tags.

Entity Identification in Text: 

The API returns after detecting all entities in a text, including location, people, organization, phone numbers, emails, addresses and more. It certifies distinct entities by associating text with information on the web.

Search API

Azure Search API provides a dynamic search experience to personalised applications while developing them. It helps apps and services to harness the power of Web-scale ad-free search engine. If you want to look across billions of webpages, images and videos and news search results, make use of CG VAK’s Search API Services.

REST API is the perfect way to add search capability for it includes operations, such as create and manage indexes, execute queries, handle results and implement search features.

Bing Autosuggest API:

Provides complete search suggestions enabling users to type less and find more.

Bing Entity Search API:

Through Bing’s Knowledge Graph look for real-world entities, such as places, people, local business and things.

Bing Custom Search API:

Build a customised search that fits all your requirements with an easy-to-use, highly commercial-grade, ad free search tool.

Easy Launch:

You are enabled to easily and quickly refine and adjust your parameters of your search domain without even writing a single code. Use hosted Bing user experience to render search results layout.

Specific Content Search:

Create an unparalleled and compelling search experience that caters to specific needs. Work around images, auto-suggested words and web pages, and promote and filter results with Bing Custom Search API.

Bing Global Scale Search Index:

Make users see only relevant results from the domains, sub-sites and web pages by defining only those particular parts you want to draw results from.

If you want to transform digitally, and if you want your business to walk side-by-side with Artificial Intelligence, then it is time you got your gears ready and apply for Azure AI. Get in touch with us now for a comprehensive expert consultation.

Truly Progressive Web Apps are The Future of E-commerce

Truly Progressive Web Apps are The Future of E-commerce

If you want to win customers over across the globe, create sustaining brand image and boost your profits, you have to build omnichannel engagement strategies. Omni-channel experience is a multi-platform marketing, selling, branding and customer service approach that creates integrated and consistent customer experience, no matter which channel the customer reaches out.

Businesses with omni-experience strategies enjoy 9.5% average annual increase in revenue, years over years. With omnichannel experience, a customer can shop online from a desktop or smartphone, or by telephone, or in a showroom and receive similar kind of enhanced experience.

Thanks to the advancement of technologies, it has integratedinto our daily lives seamlessly. As we continue down the innovative pathways, we will come to see technology become a more crucial part of our lifestyle.

Soon the lines between what we do in real life and what we do on the internet will fade. So, today we will focus on PWA, one particular technology that has been catching our eyes and ears for quite sometime now.

Personalization is What Customers are Looking for…

As a brand or merchant, you need to be everywhere. With the world going digitally crazy retailers have to ensure that they offer personalized service to the customers throughout their engagement with the brand.

Our lives now totally revolve around our smartphones. And if statistics matter to you, listen to this: According to Statista report, by 2021 72% of retail e-commerce is expected to be generated from m-commerce, a major leap from 58% in 2017. This also means today people use their free times and travel times to browse through Amazon, Etsy and other online shopping websites and apps and shop.

And what’s more amazing is the truth that people shop on their mobile while they stand at the bill counter of a shop, paying bills. Now that is what technology does to us.

Mobile applications have become more user-friendly and offer a personalized customer experience that websites don’t. And this makes people choose mobile applications over websites for shopping. However, mobile applications are usually limited to particular device and operating system. This is why Progressive Web Apps are becoming the next big thing in enhancing web experience for customers.

What is Progressive Web App?

Progressive Web App (PWA) became known in 2015, when a Google Engineer, Alex Russell wrote an article where he proposed a new kind of web application that could work online and in the background as well.

Progressive Web Applications are basically websites that can give you the experience of (and also appears like) mobile applications or traditional applications.

Progressive Web Applications are supported by Google Chrome, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.

The best thing about PWA is that they don’t appear or behave like Chrome, which means no address bar, no history, no multiple tabs or anything that looks like a web browser. What is more? They are data-friendly and do not crash when Wi-Fi and data network signal fail or is down.

Itis really very hard to tell the difference between PWA and native mobile applications and that’s what makes it quite compelling.

Although there are a number of PWAs across the industries and considering the current popularity of it, only a few are well-known websites. Some of them are Twitter Lite, Trivago, Flipboard,and Forbes.

So, how can you tell if a site is PWA or not?

It is quite simple. If you are an android phone user, open your Chrome browser and type in any website (if you want to be sure, try one of the above). Open the website and wait for a few seconds. The android system will ask if you would like to “Pin Website to Home Screen”. If you get the pop-up, then that’s your PWA.

Today companies are just starting out to build their own PWA, but if the version 1.0 is so fabulous, imagine what it can do in the near future?

Why Would Customers Choose PWA over Native Mobile Applications?

It’s a good question, but here is the answer:

Though native mobile applications have many plus sides, such as personalization, better feel and look, high performance and consistency, their biggest drawback is they lack real-time updates, takes up huge storage space and has low search engine visibility, whereas PWA can reach customers three times faster than mobile applications.xperience and add an icon on the home screen.

“Twitter, one of world’s largest social media sites, decided to combine their web presence with native app to a PWA, Twitter Lite. This integration resulted in better usage and more number of user sign-ins and also 4X more time spent on the site.

Similarly, Flipkart, India’s number on e-commerce website after launching its PWA, Flipkart Lite, saw a 70% increase in conversions.”

Progressive Web Applications are mobile applications on the website. They work like a native application that includes app-style navigations and options. They run on web browsers, are self –contained, and more importantly,don’t take up your mobile storage space.

Classy Reasons Why Businesses Should Opt for Progressive Web Applications (Unique Benefits of PWA)

Progressive Web Application Experience is created by combining the best of native apps and best of web browsers.

They load quickly, unlike web browsers and do not require installations, unlike native mobile apps, and over time it becomes eveneasier as users progressively build a relationship with the apps.

They are Universally Accessible

Progressive Web Apps are very similar and straightforwardas using a web browser. No need of Wi-Fi connection for downloading heavy stuff, for that’s our first thought when we see an application with huge storage space requirement.

Gives Longevity to Apps

You won’t be using an app always, perhaps twice or thrice a week maximum? So, more or less apps stay uselessly lying on your mobile space. With Progressive Web Apps, once you have pinned the website to the home screen, it will not occupy mobile space as PWAs usually push and pull data from the web directly.

Extremely Cheap for Medium Sized Businesses

Imagine you are a local Italian restaurant or medium-scale enterprise of grocery chains – although for you native apps can be handy, maintaining them is not always cheap. You have to build and pay for separate apps for Android, Apple and Windows store. The cost of the developer, the cost of constant monitoring, bug fixes and recurrent upgrades can cost you a bomb. With PWA, you will be developing only one single app with simple requirements.

Other Major Advantages of Progressive Web Applications include:

– They are responsive, reliable and can fit into any device. They provide native app-styled user navigation and interactions.

– With the help of Service Workers, Progressive Web Applications can even work offline in the background as content are cached and local changes are synchronized to the local server.

– They provide latest and fresh updates, thanks to Service Workers.

– They are secured and encrypted, and so, no one can play with your application without proper authorization.

– Easy installation, all you need is to add a pin to home screen.

– Progressive Web Applications feature Push Notifications, which enhances user engagement, and it can be easily shared via URL.

Progressive Web Applications are here to stay forever, and they are only going to get better. They are not only the future of e-commerce but also the next big competitors for native apps. It is a collection of state-of-the-art technology, web apps, designs, and best content management that work together to provide users mobile application like experience, regardless of the platform, location, network,and user.

If you are one of those competitive brands, you really need to ace your game with PWAs. Try it and we ensure that you will never regret the investment cost.

Use React JS – Get better application with high ROI

React JS is the future of JavaScript. Not Convinced? Read these epic reasons to choose React JS for your future projects…

React is a JavaScript Library that was created by Facebook to run the web interface of Instagram, one of the most creative social media platforms. React JS is an open source library which can be also converted into a framework. For this reason alone, React JS is extensively used in web and mobile application user interface development.

One of the primary reasons for inventing React JavaScript was to build large applications that have recurrently changing data.

Furthermore, ReactJS streamlines the development, maintenance & support, and updating of UI component that tremendously help project developers working on projects with medium and great complexities.

Since React JS uses XHTML/XML type syntaxes, developers find it easier to create quick templates and highly secured coding. Developers can also create encapsulation components while creating complex UI for applications.

Difference between React JS and Similar Libraries

React uses a different approach as opposed to classic MVC that is usually used by other JS libraries. React JS lets users develop new application feature without hampering or changing the existing code.

Its server-side rendering feature allows pre-rendering the initial components in the server and ultimately make faster page loading, even without waiting for the entire component to load.

React opts for ‘Separation of Interest’, unlike other libraries that focus on ‘Separation of Duties’. This basically means React JS groups all the code based on the scope of usage than according to its functions, such as presentation, data etc.

Furthermore, React JS try to avoid two-way data binding, i.e. bidirectional data flow, and cascade update of DOM tree. Instead, it has introduced a new concept “Virtual DOM”, which greatly enhances application performance in the rendering process.

The Virtual DOM creates a data structure in memory to replicate the existing DOM, which ultimately stops re-rendering pages for any new change.

Why React JS Better – Benefits and More

  1. It is backed by a wide developer community
  2. It is a free open source library
  3. Perfect for building high load, extra complex, and large application with changing data structure
  4. Faster and enhanced updates
  5. A product of Facebook, rest assured of its authenticity, scalability and performance up-keep
  6. It offers a lightweight DOM for enhanced performance
  7. Developers can create dynamic and scalable applications using data binding feature of React JS
  8. You can create, recycle and integrate several components with React JS library
  9. Most popular platforms, such as Twitter, Walmart, Netflix and New York Times use React JS for their web application development projects

Why Choose React JS – Exclusive Features

1. It has an All-Inclusive JS Library

React JS can be used with or without JSX. JSX is a pre-processor for XML syntax and is a nice blend of HTML and JavaScript. With the help of JSX, developers can dynamic web applications in no time as it is known for reducing in writing components for applications.

2. Virtual DOM

Usually updating DOM is considered the bottleneck when it comes to web performance. And DOM manipulations are still not fast enough. React’s Virtual Document Object Model is a memory abstraction of the UI components, which effectively manages and caches the changes made in the DOM.

Any view changes made are reflected in the VDOM first and then an algorithm is created to compare and differentiate between the current and previous DOM. After which, the Virtual DOM calculates the best way to initiate the changes with the minimum amount of updates.

3. It is Awesome for SEOs

All of JavaScript Frameworks are not Search Engine Friendly, and that is their biggest weakness. Improvements have still not helped this challenge.

However, React JS is quite the friend of Search Engines – you can run React JS on the server, while the virtual DOM will be returned and rendered to the browser in the form of a regular webpage.  It is as simple as this.

4. Enhanced User Interface

React JS is quite responsive when supporting web design. Unlike Angular JS, Firebase etc, React Native is truly focused on user interface. Java interactions between React Native and Native environment of the device provide users a responsive user interface. This increases application load time and helps the interaction run smoothly without any interruptions.

5. Quite Efficient in Creating Own DOMs

React JS can develop its own DOM during the development process, ensuring scalable performance and superlative gains. The changes are calculated periodically and the DOM-tree is updated as and when required. This also helps users avoid costly DOM operations.

6. Makes Testing and Debugging Easier

React JS installs the extension, which makes testing easier. It allows users to directly look into virtual DOM and since the DOM is created by React JS, the test cases can be more proficiently, yet easily written.

7. Declarative Data Rendition and Seamless Event Handling

React JS offers a cross-browser interface with wide-ranging event objects to choose from. This minimizes data overhead. Furthermore, since React JS is used to build user experience rich mobile and web applications, the declarative form of React JS retrieves perfect data even when a lot of changes take place.

8. Provides Native Architecture

You can create native applications for Android, iOS and cross-platform desktop applications using React Native.

React JS is quite unique, it is a proven technology for building powerful application interface and it is most useful for developing long-standing, modernized web and mobile app. If you are trying to develop a web application that is SEO friendly and that can handle continuous heavy moving web traffic, such as Facebook and Twitter, then you definitely should take advantage of React JS.

And if you are looking to hire proficient, qualified and passionate React JS developers who can build feature-rich web and mobile applications, contact CG VAK today and enhance your business performance.

Significant Benefits of Laravel PHP over Plain PHP

Choosing the right framework can make or break your web application development process. So, it is important that you invest time in understanding each frameworks before you decide on the true ONE. However, if you are looking for a complete package, then Laravel should be your best choice. It is an open-source PHP framework used to build a variety of efficient web applications.

Laravel PHP framework is extremely reliable for custom software development, and more than 35, 000 developers around the world have given Laravel’s dynamic features and comprehensive functionalities highest stars.

Why is the Platform Magnificent?

Laravel can be used to develop web applications for several industry verticals, including business, entertainment, media, ecommerce, technology, news, and automobile.  The technology can be leveraged for building both browser and device applications. Laravel was created for those web applications development processes that followed the Model View Controller (MVC) architectural program.

Laravel has an expressive syntax, has the ability to simplify database migration and allows multiple user database access.

Web application development can be quite daunting and monotonous, but Laravel makes web development enjoyable, fulfilling and a knowledgeable experience. This is because the open source platform eases the common tasks like authentication, queuing mechanism, routing, caching, page-load performance and sessions.

Now that we know why this platform is so superb, let us also tell you why you should choose Laravel over plain PHP.

Benefits of Laravel PHP Framework That Set it Apart from Other Plain PHP

1. Acts as a Security Shield

SQL injection, cross-site request and cross-site scripting are some of the common vulnerabilities that affect system during web app development. However, if you use Laravel technology, rest assure of your system vulnerable exposures as it easily shields and protects application from several serious security dangers, leaving you to perform better on a safer environment.

2. Makes System Authentication Easier

It is necessary to establish an authentication system to provide role-based access to web application users. Laravel provides resource permission and applies effective authorization logic, and thus enables users to configure the roles, which ultimately makes authentication easier.

3. Easy Integration That Improves Web Application Performance

Now you can easily configure the system to store cached files on the back end by leveraging Laravel technology, as it has the capability to seamlessly integrate with multiple tools, like Memcached and Redis.

The integration with cache backend heightens the overall performance of the web application.

4. Effectively Combats Technical Vulnerabilities

Technical vulnerabilities can affect customer satisfaction severely. Laravel PHP is embedded with Mono-log logging library that works as a support for various log handlers, which effectively controls the errors that hamper user experience.

5. Features Automated Testing

Laravel’s automated testing functionality makes sure that any new change that takes place within the application does not affect the functionality of the application.

6. Follows MVC architecture

The Modular View Controller architecture of Laravel lets users to identify the difference between logic and presentations. Furthermore, the MVC architecture allows developers to improve performance and build documentation which provides several built-in functionalities.

7. Offers Dynamic Mailing Services

Most end clients seek for web applications that have the ability to send automated and instant mail notifications to users. Drivers like SMTP, Spark Post, Sendmails are few drivers that Laravel provides to allow clients to send and receive mails through local and cloud-based networking services.

Lavaral can also create customised notifications that can be sent via SMS, email and instant messaging system (IMS).

8. Meticulous Task Scheduling Process

And finally, Laravel’s command scheduler effectively handles tasks that schedule web applications commands, such as send emails to all its users or clear up the table end of the day. The scheduled tasks can be managed within application code and can be scaled using git source control system.

It takes very little time to complete a web development project using Laravel. This boosts the number of online traffic to your site immensely.  Hence, it is considered an all-rounder open source platform. We offer customised Laravel web application development services that are highly scalable and cost effective. We have enforced a robust development team for Laravel platform; so if you are a start-up or a giant business warrior, be rest assured, we keep everyone satisfied and help clients deliver amazing applications.

Six steps for a Successful Human Centered UX 

Human Centered Design is a creative means of problem-solving that starts with users and ends with optimized solutions that cater to their needs. It starts by understanding the users and design from their perspective. When you market your solution, you know that it will be a success as you’ve kept the user at the heart of the process. This is what we did when we designed an App for a fashion retailer.

We teamed up with our ideators, developers, designers, and engineers with one goal and that is to deliver an app that the end users want to use.

Here are the six steps that we utilized in building our HCD

1. Observation

The first step is to observe the end-user. It is about learning, and understanding the people you are designing for. It is about identifying their problems and turning those problems into opportunities to build a viable solution. It is to see, feel, and experience what they go through.

2. Ideation

The second step is brainstorming with your team with what information you have gathered from the users. It is about gathering multiple ideas, while ensuring each one of them focuses on the needs of the end-user. If you do this, individual ideas will eventually give rise to the right solution.

3. Prototyping

The third step is to quickly build a simple model of your idea. This allows you to test it with the end-user. The goal is not to build a perfect solution here, but to ensure that it is on the right track. So keep it simple and test it with the user to get user feedback as soon as possible.

4. Feedback

The fourth step is to allow the user to examine the prototype and to get the feedback. This step is crucial because this is going to accelerate the entire process from here. The feedback from the user will help you make sure that the solution is on the right track.

5. Iteration

The fifth step is the concept of iterative development done using the feedback from your user. Continue updating your design by iterating, testing, and including the user feedback to develop a fine-tuned, optimized solution.

6. Implementation

This is the sixth and the final step is where you get your solution out into the market. You have a validated, fully optimized solution fuelled by the user feedback, which is ready for the end-users to use.

When designing apps, or websites, repeat the process from step 1. With every new update that you include, keep observing your users and focus your design on them, and use their feedback to plan for your future projects.

Top 6 Challenges in Implementing A.I in Healthcare

We keep witnessing the incredible potential of Artificial Intelligence in redesigning Healthcare. The capacity of A.I in scheduling treatments, assisting repetitive tasks like prioritizing emails in the doctors’ inbox, finding relevant medicine related documents in seconds and assisting in complex surgeries are some of the familiar areas where A.I applications thrive.

However, the way we understand the capacity of artificial intelligence applicable to everyday life is still questionable. After getting a clear insight of the capabilities of A.I in Healthcare, it is crucial for us to get a thorough understanding of the top challenges in implementing A.I in Healthcare.

Top 6 challenges in Implementing A.I in Healthcare:

  1. Technological Challenges
  2. Medical Challenges
  3. Ethical Challenges
  4. Regulatory Challenges
  5. Misconceptions & Overhyping
  6. Human Rejections

Technological Challenges

The Artificial Intelligence that we are witnessing today is the Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), the first stage of A.I. These are narrowly intelligent programs built to perform tasks better than humans. But each one is unique. For instance, IBM’s supercomputer Deep Blue winning at chess is a great example. The downside of such algorithms is that they are not capable of performing other tasks like driving cars or creating art. Each task requires a different narrow program, physically built to perform that particular task.

Narrow programs can currently recognize topics from texts or derive the meaning of documents. We still have a long way before we move closer to Artificial General Intelligence (ANI) where a machine is capable of documenting concepts from limited experience and exchanging knowledge across domains.

Medical Challenges

Processes such as image recognition, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms in Radiology carry the risk of feeding the computer with thousands of images along with the underlying bias. For instance, images originate from a particular area and the framework that is used to conceptualize that particular algorithm requires several subjective assumptions. The predicting abilities of a smart algorithm are connected to the previous cases and it won’t be helpful in treating new cases of drug side effects or treatment resistance.

Administrative tasks such as streamlining medical records are another big challenge. Computers are clueless in analyzing the notes scribbled by doctors which they themselves cannot recognize it weeks later.

Ethical Challenges

Like the medical and technological challenges of A.I, there are still some ethical challenges that must be overcome. The regulations deciding on the safety must be measured out in case A.I fails to make an accurate prediction.

Complex ethical and legal issues should be sorted out before implementing A.I in order to allow time and space for mapping the potential risks and downsides. Independent biomedical research groups must monitor the process closely.

Regulatory challenges

Acknowledging and approving A.I Technologies tend to be slow. The momentum at which A.I technologies evolve is very high and it is in the hands of decision-makers to guide the process of implementing A.I in Healthcare. They must make it possible to put affordable solutions on the table and help in setting up standards on usage.

Misconceptions and Overhyping

Overhyping A.I capabilities through exaggerated media promotions seem to do nothing but destroy the image of A.I in Healthcare. Such misconceptions hinder the implementation of A.I in healthcare systems. Precise definitions of machine learning, deep learning, smart algorithms, AGI and any similar concept related to A.I must be communicated properly.

Human Rejection

The fears around A.I are definitely hindering its implementation. The misinterpreted message that A.I could take over our jobs is simply not true. Without a clear view of the complete potential of A.I and the capacity of humans to take control and program A.I exactly the way it is supposed to function, A.I applications seem to be rejected across various domains including healthcare.

‘Humans and Machines’ is always a winning combination, even in Healthcare. All that needs to be done is to project A.I accurately and address individual challenges professionally in order to implement A.I for the best version of modern healthcare.

AI Transforms Healthcare – How?

The number of companies using artificial intelligence in healthcare has increased from less than 25 in 2012 to nearly 65 in 2016 and this growth keeps accelerating.

Growth is expected to accelerate with the AI healthcare market set to reach $6.6 billion by 2021, a 40 percent growth from now.

With that great insight, let’s take a look at the three most cost-saving uses of AI in healthcare.

Robot-Assisted Surgery

Robotic Technology is transforming the way surgeries are performed. Hi-Tech robotic platforms enable surgeons to perform more complex surgical procedures with only minimal incisions.

Utilising robotic technology to perform complex surgeries has its own advantages such as shorter hospitalization, reduced pain, and faster recovery time. Patients can now have a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy.

Robotic surgery is definitely a breakthrough in various fields of healthcare including orthopedic surgeries. This innovative technology allows surgeons to position a joint replacement on a patient more accurately. It also assists in having a precise pre-operative planning to ensure extreme precision with bone cuts. Robot-assisted surgery offers more accuracy and precision that cannot be achieved with traditional manual techniques.

Another area where robot-assisted surgery is used is to treat oral, head, and neck disorders. Oral robotic surgery allows accurate removal of tumors of the mouth and throat with no major invasion.

This innovative procedure results in a dramatic improvement in treating head and neck cancer patients. Tumors are removed without affecting their normal activities like speech, swallowing, and other quality of life issues. Precision robotic arms and high-resolution cameras enable surgeons to work in narrow areas with no compromise on accuracy.

The Cardiothoracic field is another area which is immensely benefited by robot-assisted surgery. Here, minimally invasive robotic and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery operations are done to treat lung cancer and adult cardiac issues.

Unlike the former surgery for lung cancer which acquired a big incision to remove part of the lung, robot-assisted surgery helps to operate with only five small incisions between the ribs without the need to open the inside of the chest.

No wonder in the future, robotic technology will continue to be an indispensable tool in the healthcare industry.

Virtual Nursing Assistants

These are AI enhanced healthcare applications used in providing nursing assistance to patients who are discharged after treatment. This feature offers advantages in terms of simplifying the provision of outpatient services, increasing the accuracy of monitoring patient status and compliance after they are discharged from the hospital, and offers huge cost savings to both the patient and the healthcare provider as well.

They are available as AI-enabled simple wearable devices and on smartphones. These virtual healthcare providers perform services like reminding patients to comply with their drug prescriptions, diet, and exercise plans as suggested by their physician, answering simple queries related to their treatment plan, and alerting healthcare providers about any abnormalities in the patient’s health like a sudden increase in blood pressure or a seizure.

Administrative Workflow Assistance

Today AI is used in the administrative process of the healthcare industry. AI is utilized in scheduling patient appointments. Patients who visit for the first time and those that visit for a review are scheduled in advance based on the physician’s time slots. Emergencies are included as add-ons to the physician schedule.

Considering the challenges in healthcare management, an AI-enhanced system optimizes the proper use of all resources. AI in patient care is both cost-effective and patient-friendly. This system is helpful to hospitals that witness a large number of patients on a daily basis.
This AI-empowered scheduling helps the hospital administration by optimizing the time of their doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants.

AI-enhanced Robots are also used in other healthcare administration activities, thereby facilitating a more personalized patient care. Right from greeting patients at the front desk to offering interactive body assistance, AI-based robots are used for patients who need critical care. These robots can lift and move patients in and out of their beds, help patients to stand, and to turn them in order to keep bed sores at bay.

To learn more about the AI-enhanced healthcare applications, Talk to Us Today!

Cloud Computing Trends 2018

If you are a new entrant to cloud computing, then this is probably the right time to get updated with what’s new in the cloud computing business in 2018. Your anticipation to use the cloud for the best of your business could get interesting with this latest Global Cloud Index Forecast by Cisco. We have compiled a set of the coolest trends to motivate you on your cloud migration.

SaaS takes Center-stage

According to the Cisco survey on cloud services, SaaS will bag the trophy in 2018 as the most highly deployed cloud services. With a whopping 60% of all cloud-based workloads, SaaS will have a 12% increase over the 2017 forecast. PaaS and IaaS are next in the line to follow.

The 2016 predictions turned out positive in 2017 and it wouldn’t be surprising if there’s going to be greater growth beyond the numbers in 2018. If you want to simplify your business operations while enhancing your customer experience, then this is just the right time to integrate SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS cloud services into your business workflow

Soaring Global Cloud Storage

With the ever soaring amount of data that demands an enormous storage; more online data centers with larger-capacity storage equipment will hit the market to meet these demands. According to the Cisco survey the predicted 600 EB global storage capacity for 2017 is expected to grow to a 1.1 ZB in 2018. These numbers drive data center owners to perk up their storage capacity to meet their customer’s storage needs. Large businesses can take advantage of this space to store large sets of data and enhance their user-experience, while small businesses can use this space to have custom storage options at a competitive price than it has been so far.

Fine-tuned SaaS, PaaS & IaaS for 5G Network Capability

On one hand, the amount of data generated and stored is expected to have an exponential growth in 2018. On the other hand users expect faster and better network connections for which several groups have started working on the improvements already. With all these efforts, consumers can have access to full 5G network capabilities in no time.

Enhanced network connection motivates users to expect fast-loading, responsive apps. This demands upgraded SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS platforms. The IoT and IoE sectors can have the most advantage of faster network speeds to exchange real-time data efficiently.

Cloud-Enhanced Cyber Security

2017 has had more cyber attacks and 2018 is also prone to more such attacks. Businesses are expected to invest more in Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and malware detection systems to defend their business. Cloud computing again has a major role in helping businesses that could not otherwise implement full security measures.

Know how you can get the most out of these cloud computing advancements in 2018. Talk to Us Today!

Digital Transformation Trends in 2018

5 Top Digital Transformation Trends in 2018

What’s hot in digital seems to be changing rapidly. Digital Trends has covered headlines for years now, witnessing a tremendous growth firsthand. An unending array of latest gadgets and concepts speak of the huge impact it has in hold for businesses. Last year, Amazon’s Alexa was the big thin, and that trend has not abated. Many companies are exploring new ways to incorporate digital trends into their products and services. The pace at which this takes place indicates that eventually every product, every service offered is going to be digitally clever and future-ready.

One of the top digital trends in 2018 is going to be smart home technology, which will continue to flourish this year. Intended to change the way we live, smart home concept includes the usual home appliances like refrigerators, toasters, and washers, and a whole range of home security devices to detect marauders invading your porch. Digital technology has a lot more to offer this year and here are the top digital transformation trends that are all set to rule 2018.

Blockchain Leaps Out of the Box

Blockchain is destined to transform entire world of business and the way how everything is carried out. Despite a shaky start other than in cryptocurrency, it is starting to take pace with as adoption happens elsewhere. The State of Delaware has passed a law that allows corporations use blockchain technology to maintain shareholder lists and corporate records. The UK-based digital bank Revolut is launching a virtual bank. All banking happens online, and its assets are built on blockchain. It just hit a million customers and plans to touch U.S. shores by 2018. Targeted blockchain applications are expected to continue to emerge in 2018.

Smartphone Gets Even Smarter

The so called Smartphone allows you stay connected in many other ways other than the traditional voice call. That’s all going to change with the introduction of AI and machine learning.

The usual Smartphone is about to get an intelligent upgrade in 2018. Mobile processors that are designed to handle AI technology are expected to hit the industry soon this year. Digital assistants will be there offering a more personalized service by anticipating your needs even before you could ask.

Siri, Alexa, Cortana, Bixby, these names look familiar. We talk to them as they were real people, saying “please” and “thanks” and rely on them for all kinds of things, giving us directions, controlling our gadgets, or reminding to take our prescription drugs. But we have just touched the surface of what personal digital assistants can do.

Think of the way your digital assistant helps you save time by letting you know the traffic condition, the shortest route and the time it would take to reach your destination. All your questions answered even before you ask. More such location-aware platforms are expected this year.

The Touchless Interface

The UI is our entry to the world where tech gadgets serve us inherently. But until now most of these gadgets need some kind of physical interaction to work. All this is going to change this year, with the entry of touchless interface.

Virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri have proven that there is no need to rely on our thumbs and fingers anymore. But this way of interaction is about to change this year.

Imagine picking up an empty pizza box and saying “Alexa, order this” and it being ordered right away without you as Alexa understands what you’re holding. Other such customized responses based on who is asking, are already here and will become more prevalent in 2018.

In the coming years, touchless interface is sure to take us to tomorrowland where the tap and swipe will become history.

Cloud Computing Gets Edgy

We are so familiar to Cloud Computing that we simply feel strange about this next tech trend “Edge Computing” is set to transform the way we see cloud computing in 2018.

As devices get more powerful, they will require large streams of data to operate, which will make cloud computing too slow. Even with 5G, there will still be chances of latency in the connection.

For instance, you’re in a self-driving M25 with your baby in the back seat and need a quick slow down, but your car lost connection to the cloud. The danger is obvious. You can’t afford to wait until the data travels from your car to a central server to make that decision to slow down. So, your car becomes a data center of its own, making such decisions locally, but sending data home to improve the operation of other self-driven vehicles.

Reality Gets Virtual

Adoption of VR and AR technologies has been slow due to the high cost, and the fact people who use such devices suffer from motion sickness. This is about to change in 2018. Major companies like Apple and Google are planning to get it to mainstream. AR is evolving more rapidly than VR.

Imagine shopping with an AR app that allows you to take photos of the items in the aisle and instantly reveals prices, ingredients, reviews, coupons, promotions, discounts, and even buy the product within the app.

Expect to see more such exciting innovations in the computing landscape in 2018, potential innovations that were long talked about, becoming a reality.

Website Maintenance Checklist for Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season has already begun. In 2016, US online holiday sales increased $115 billion, according to a forecast from Forrester Research Inc. With Black Friday and Thanksgiving playing a major role, holiday season is the ideal time for online stores to focus on extra sales and a huge profit.

Here’s a quick website maintenance checklist for you to have a successful Holiday Sale this year.

Fine-tune Your Website

The holiday season is a hectic time for your website with heavier traffic than usual. If you don’t plan well ahead, it can cost you in terms of losing conversions. You can’t afford to miss out on conversion with a sluggish website. A better way to prevent this is to equip your website to handle above-average traffic. The best way to do this is to operate your website over the Cloud. Cloud solutions offer year-round flexibility. At CG-VAK, we provide our clients with Enterprise Cloud Solutions that offer more room whenever there’s a need.

Optimize Mobile Performance

When it comes to the holiday season, you should never underestimate the power of smartphone. Optimize your website for mobile usage. Make your website more accessible to your customers.

Today’s shoppers expect more when it comes to shipping. Free shipping is always expected and most shoppers prefer picking their order in a nearby store. This is where mobile marketing is vital in allowing your customers to choose a nearby location. So optimize the performance of your website for mobile shoppers.

Rejuvenate Your Website

Holidays could be a season of struggle, but your website performance doesn’t have to be. Keep in mind that your visitors will be in a bit of a holiday rush than their usual shopping routine. This is when you should be sure of having all your critical information placed at their fingertips. Revamp your landing pages. Make them simple and streamlined, easy for the holiday shopper. Inspect each page and remove all outdated information, unwanted images and videos.

Diversify Your Landing Pages

Try to engage multiple variants of critical marketing tools. Use smarter A/B testing to ensure the functionality of your website. Plan different landing pages that focus on specific locations while maintaining your overall holiday marketing theme.

Unite Your Marketing Efforts

Mixed marketing messages repel customers rather than attracting them. Unite your marketing efforts across different channels. Landing pages should have the theme and the content from your other holiday marketing campaigns. The best way to do this is to create a simple holiday marketing look. Create a design that is simple and easy to navigate.  When your marketing messages are similar, customers will not be puzzled and it allows them to easily navigate your site.

Follow this simple checklist and make sure you implement all of them to give a stunning makeover ideal for your super hit holiday sale conversions.

Want more help making your website responsive for this holiday season and more? Get connected with us!