IBM has announced that it will make available the Watson Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology available to software developers with an application programming interface (API) developer toolkit.
Watson, famous for outwitting people on the popular game show "Jeopardy!" will be offered as a cloud-based tool to developers. This will enable developers to tap into a resource, which can give them answer to any question a customer may ask and build an app which ties into a cloud-based version of Watson.
"IBM today announced that, for the first time, it will make its IBM Watson technology available as a development platform in the cloud, to enable a worldwide community of software application providers to build a new generation of apps infused with Watson's cognitive computing intelligence," reads the press release.
Watson, is undoubtedly one of the most powerful cognitive systems ever made.
"By sharing IBM Watson's cognitive abilities with the world, we aim to fuel a new ecosystem that accelerates innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit," says Michael Rhodin, SVP, IBM Software Solutions Group. "With this move, IBM is taking a bold step to advance the new era of cognitive computing. Together with our partners we'll spark a new class of applications that will learn from experience, improve with each interaction and outcome, and assist in solving the most complex questions facing the industry and society."
To share IBM's vision for a new "class of cognitive applications," programmers will be able to access the "IBM Watson Developers Cloud" which is "a cloud-hosted marketplace where application providers of all sizes and industries will be able to tap into resources for developing Watson-powered apps."
"There is so much more that can be accomplished by drawing on the creativity of individuals, organizations, entrepreneurs, startups and established businesses that truly innovate every day on their own," says Stephen Gold, VP of Watson Solutions. "Watson can be this ultimate assistant to help individuals get their questions answered and their problems solved."
Per Gold, there will be no upfront charges for right to use the service. Partners who use the service in their apps will be charged "on a metered usage model."
