At the start of the mass popularity phase of generative AI, large language models were the star of the show. Vendors released bigger and newer models. However, the conversation has recently shifted from considering big or small models to a deep focus on data. In this episode of the Targeting AI podcast from AI Business, Yasmeen Ahmad, of Google Cloud, discusses the transformative effect of generative AI on the data landscape. She emphasizes the importance of treating data as a product, the shift toward multimodal data, and the role of AI agents in enhancing data management and decision-making processes.

Featuring: Yasmeen Ahmad, managing director of product management for data and AI Cloud, Google Cloud

In this episode, we cover how:

• The era of multimodal data is upon us, integrating various data types.
• Agentic AI enhances the understanding of unstructured data.
• Databases must evolve into cognitive reasoning engines for AI.
• Gemini Enterprise provides a unified platform for AI and data.
• Data security and responsibility are critical in AI deployment.

To learn more about the role data plays in generative AI, check out AI Business from Informa TechTarget, and please subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date on the most important AI news.

To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @EyeonTech.

References:

• Generative AI is the Future of Data Management
• Without Data There Is No AI
• Google Invests $40B in AI Data Centers in Texas

Generative AI and agentic AI tools are only as good as the problem that they are used to solve. In some cases, using generic AI tools can help with non-specific issues. However, Raj Shukla, of enterprise AI platform vendor Symphony AI, says the future of AI technology will focus on vertical applications and open models. In this Targeting AI episode from AI Business, he emphasizes that open source models provide flexibility and the ability to fine-tune for specific use cases.

Featuring: Raj Shukla, CTO, Symphony AI

In this episode, we cover:

• Symphony's AI mission of bringing AI technology to legacy industries that may struggle with adoption.
• A vertical approach combines predictive, generative and agentic AI to address specific challenges.
• The move in vertical areas from a traditional rule-based approach to a more dynamic, non-deterministic tool.
• AI applications in these verticals can significantly improve operational efficiencies and strategic decision-making.

To learn more about vertical AI applications, check out AI Business from Informa TechTarget, and please subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date on the most important AI news.

To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @EyeonTech.

References:

Small Language Models Gaining Ground at Enterprises

Vertical AI agents explained: The future of enterprise tech

AI21 releases open source tiny language model

President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week that looks to override AI state laws in favor of a national policy. Titled "Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence," it directs the Department of Justice to establish an AI Litigation Task Force and challenge "cumbersome" state laws. It also asks the Secretary of Commerce to consider withholding federal funds from states found to have restrictive AI laws. In this podcast, Michael Bennett discusses what the EO means for states like New York and California, which already have established laws in place, and how they might respond.

Featuring: Michael Bennett, Associate Vice Chancellor for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Strategy, University of Illinois Chicago

In this episode, we cover how:

• The EO aims to prevent conflicting state laws on AI.

• States with existing AI regulations are likely prepared to resist the EO.

• The U.S. has a more laissez-faire approach to AI regulation compared with the EU and China.

• The order could lead to significant political battles leading up to the midterm elections.

• The effectiveness of minimal regulation in winning the AI race is uncertain.

To learn more about AI regulations, check out AI Business, and please subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date on the most important AI news.

To watch video clips from our podcast, subscribe to our YouTube channel, @EyeonTech.

References:

• Navigating Big Tech’s Influence on the AI Regulatory Landscape in 2025

• Big Tech Firms Ask for AI Regulation but Quietly Hedge Their Bets

• US State Attorneys General Demand Greater AI Safety From Tech Giants