Customers are also asking for help with their large language models (LLMs), said Upchurch, noting that SAS can be “a trusted partner in that space.”
“We want to make large language models better, or we want them for use embedded in our solutions,” he said. “It’s not exactly where we’ve invested so far, [but] I think that’s going to continue to evolve as people move further away from just an LLM and more into: What’s the real-world applicability for AI and agentic AI, and how do you make it real for your employees?”
Upchurch also sees customer appeal in the company’s AI governance initiative, which began in 2021 as a passion project led by Reggie Townsend, now VP of data ethics at SAS. Dr. Goodnight has been “so supportive, and I’ll say gracious, with investment,” Upchurch said, adding that the products SAS has created, such as its newly announced AI Governance Map, are based on customer demand.
