Accenture Secures $100 Million in Gen AI Contracts in 4 Months

• Blockchain Council
• June 30, 2023

In a groundbreaking move, Accenture PLC, the leading global technology services firm, has recently announced securing a series of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) projects worth a staggering $100 million over the past four months. This remarkable feat not only solidifies Accenture’s position as a pioneer in the field but also exemplifies its commitment to transparency by sharing key metrics with investors and analysts.

With the advent of AI and its integration into various industries, there has been a growing concern about potential job displacements. However, as some fear the destructive nature of artificial intelligence, others recognize the vast array of new and lucrative employment opportunities that have emerged for individuals well-versed in AI technologies.

To address any apprehensions among investors, Accenture aims to leverage AI, just as it successfully capitalized on the skyrocketing demand for cloud computing services. Julie Sweet, the Chair and CEO of Accenture highlighted the immense potential of Gen AI during a recent post-earnings interaction, stating, “Things like Gen AI are a big opportunity, but it is early days. In the last four months, we did 100 projects, representing about $100 million in sales.”

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Gen AI encompasses a broad spectrum of technologies, including advanced algorithms such as ChatGPT, which possesses the capability to create diverse forms of content, ranging from text to audio and video. Sweet drew an analogy between the rapid growth of Gen AI and the transformative impact of software as a service (SaaS), emphasizing that Gen AI has the potential to outpace the growth trajectory of cloud computing. She further added, “When SaaS came, what were the opportunities being talked about? There was a lot of worry about how SaaS would interrupt IT services. Obviously, it’s been just a huge opportunity. So I think Gen AI is obviously a big opportunity for us to help our clients.”

Accenture’s groundbreaking disclosure of its AI initiatives shines a spotlight on other major technology giants, including Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, Infosys Ltd, and HCL Technologies Ltd, who have yet to share their comprehensive AI roadmap. While AI-related projects still constitute a small portion of Accenture’s overall business, with Gen AI projects accounting for approximately 0.6% of its $17.2 billion deal wins in the months of March to May, the significance lies in the rapid adoption of Gen AI by Fortune 500 companies, as evidenced by the impressive contracts secured by Accenture.

The firm’s strategic bet on AI stems from its confidence in replicating the past successes achieved in its cloud computing journey. Earlier this month, Accenture announced a substantial investment of $3 billion over the next three years to bolster its data and AI practice. Notably, Accenture’s investment in cloud computing had yielded exceptional results, with cloud-related projects contributing a staggering $12 billion or 27% of its total revenue in the fiscal year ending August 2020. Within a span of two years, Accenture’s cloud services business more than doubled, generating $26 billion and accounting for 46% of its revenue in the fiscal year ending August 2022.

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While Accenture’s foray into AI has garnered immense attention and praise, some analysts remain skeptical about whether Gen AI will achieve the same level of success as cloud computing. Keith Bachman, an analyst with BMO Capital Markets, expressed his reservations, stating, “Long term, we have questions on risk to pricing/billable hours as coding and maintenance become more commoditized due to Gen AI, given that AI is different than cloud or other tech advancements in the way it will impact the supply side of the model.”

Nonetheless, Accenture’s commitment to transparency and innovation makes it an exemplary guidepost for technology services firms in embracing emerging technologies. Analyst interactions following the company’s third-quarter post-earnings reveal a keen interest in AI, with eight out of fifteen questions centered around this transformative technology.

In conclusion, Accenture’s monumental achievement of securing $100 million in Gen AI contracts within just four months underscores the rapid adoption of AI technologies by Fortune 500 companies. By investing in AI and leveraging its expertise, Accenture aims to seize the vast opportunities presented by Gen AI while also addressing any concerns about potential disruptions. As the world progresses further into the AI era, Accenture continues to be at the forefront, paving the way for other tech giants to embrace and showcase their AI capabilities.

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