Meta Platforms, Inc. is forming a dedicated unit to deploy engineers and product managers to major partner companies, aiming to accelerate the adoption of its artificial intelligence tools and services within the business sector.
In an internal memo, executive Naomi Gleit outlined that the new team, named the Enterprise Solutions division, comprises three types of personnel: product managers for client engagement, data engineers to organize client data for Meta's AI systems, and software engineers to integrate Meta's tools directly into clients' existing operational systems. This move follows similar initiatives by companies like Alphabet, which have deployed technical advisors, often called forward-deployed engineers, to tailor AI solutions for business customers.
The memo, reviewed by technology media, stated: "Many in the industry have successfully accelerated the adoption of products like AI and advanced data tools by embedding such specialized professionals, achieving significant results."
Circulated internally last week, the memo did not specify which specific products and services the enterprise team would promote. Meta Platforms, Inc.'s primary business remains advertising, leveraging its massive user base across multiple applications. However, recently, CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives have frequently indicated plans to expand the business portfolio, aiming to demonstrate to investors the value of the company's substantial investments in AI infrastructure.
To further monetize its significant investments in AI, Meta announced on Wednesday that it is testing a new paid subscription service for its AI chatbot within Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
For over a decade, Meta has attempted to build enterprise products with limited success. In 2016, it launched Facebook at Work, a workplace platform competing with Microsoft's Teams, which was discontinued two years ago. Additionally, Meta offers services for businesses to reach customers via Messenger and WhatsApp, but this segment has remained relatively small. Last year, 98% of Meta's revenue came from advertising.
A Meta spokesperson stated that the core function of the Enterprise Solutions division is to assist corporate clients in smoothly integrating and utilizing its AI tools, while gradually developing reusable implementation plans and supporting tools to scale these services.
The team's operational model aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry: major technology companies are forming teams of embedded engineers to work closely with clients, helping them integrate AI technology into daily workflows. Thomas Kurian, head of Alphabet's cloud business, stated earlier this month that Alphabet would also establish new teams of embedded engineers. In recent months, companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, and NVIDIA have launched similar initiatives.
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