In the midst of the generative AI frenzy, Yext, a platform for online brand management, has announced an AI-powered chatbot called Yext Chat. Inspired by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Yext Chat is designed specifically for enterprise use cases and boasts a partly proprietary back end.
A New Era in Enterprise-Grade Conversational AI
According to Marc Ferrentino, president and chief operating officer at Yext, "ChatGPT has shown the world that large language models can hold incredibly coherent, helpful conversations — far better than any technology up to this point. But right now there is no easy way for enterprises to harness this technology." Yext Chat aims to bridge this gap by providing a tailored solution for enterprise deployments.
Key Features and Benefits
Yext Chat relies on OpenAI’s public API, specifically GPT-3.5, to generate text and dialogue. However, unlike other chatbots that rely on a single model, Yext Chat uses a mix of text-generating models for different tasks within its workflow, such as marketing, commerce, and customer support.
This versatility makes Yext Chat superior to rival enterprise-focused chatbots like Jasper Chat, which rely solely on a single model. Ferrentino notes, "Going forward, we will likely use some combination of OpenAI’s models as well as homegrown models trained by our own data science team for specific tasks." The platform is also model-agnostic, allowing it to utilize models that Yext has trained and managed itself or those provided by third parties like OpenAI.
The Power of the Yext Knowledge Graph
Yext Chat’s other significant advantage lies in its ability to tap into the Yext Knowledge Graph, an in-house database of public facts about brands. This curated set of content is used exclusively for generating responses within Yext Chat, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
A Carefully Considered Approach
Unlike other AI-powered chatbots that often rely on generic models, Yext’s approach places constraints on Yext Chat and makes it incumbent on businesses to update their information. This more carefully considered approach seems to mitigate some of the common pitfalls associated with generative AI, such as accuracy and reliability issues.
The Verdict: Time Will Tell
While only time will tell how well Yext Chat performs in practice, the platform’s closed beta is set to launch later this year. With its unique blend of generative AI capabilities and enterprise-grade features, Yext Chat has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses interact with their customers.
Conclusion
The introduction of Yext Chat marks a significant milestone in the development of conversational AI for enterprises. By combining the power of OpenAI’s models with the expertise of Yext’s data science team and the reliability of its Knowledge Graph, Yext Chat offers a tailored solution that addresses the unique needs of businesses.
As the demand for more sophisticated AI-powered chatbots continues to grow, Yext Chat is poised to take center stage in the world of enterprise-grade conversational AI.
