AI solution types

What types of AI solutions are available for organisations and which is generally recommended?

There are three main categories of AI solutions for organisations:

1. Specialist Accelerators: Tools designed for specific, niche tasks (e.g., Adobe Firefly for creative generation, tl;dv for meeting summarisation).
• Pros: Rapid implementation, best-in-class performance for specific tasks.
• Cons: Fragmented security, multiple interfaces to learn, separate subscriptions, lack of overall governance.

2. Secure, General-Purpose Workspaces: Single environments for everyday AI tasks (e.g., ChatGPT Team, Microsoft Copilot for 365, Google Gemini for Workspace).
• Pros: Unified security, single interface, reduced "shadow AI" incidents, consistent controls.
• Cons: Lack specialised capabilities for specific membership workflows, limited customisation.

3. Hybrid Suites: Combine the security of a unified workspace with the specialisation of dedicated assistants (e.g., gecco).
• Pros: Combines central governance with specialised, membership-specific capabilities, single-vendor maintenance, and built-in institutional knowledge (Core Documents).
• Cons: Higher initial investment and potentially longer implementation compared to point solutions, self-built hybrid solutions require significant IT resources.

McKinsey's 2024 research suggests that "AI high performers" layer 3-6 domain-specific apps on top of a governed core platform. Therefore, a Hybrid approach like gecco is generally recommended for organisations.