PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is set to make a significant move in the AI landscape by becoming the largest customer and the first reseller of OpenAI’s enterprise product, ChatGPT Enterprise. The consulting giant plans to deploy this advanced AI tool across its extensive workforce, including 75,000 employees in the U.S. and 26,000 in the U.K., totaling over 100,000 licenses for the AI product.
A Major Investment in AI
This announcement follows PwC’s $1 billion investment in generative AI (GenAI) for its U.S. operations, which was unveiled last year. Joe Atkinson, PwC US’s chief products and technology officer, described the latest deal as an “evolution” of this initial investment. The agreement with OpenAI is integrated into the $1 billion investment initiative aimed at enhancing PwC’s capabilities in AI.
Enhancing Workforce and Client Services
Since last year, PwC has been heavily focused on training its staff in AI, developing proprietary AI tools for clients, and updating its consulting technology and operations with AI. Atkinson emphasized the firm’s commitment to AI, stating, “As this continues to evolve, I expect that billion dollars to grow across our network.” This deployment of ChatGPT Enterprise is a testament to PwC’s dedication to leveraging AI to improve both internal processes and client services.
Consulting Firms Leading the AI Charge
Consulting firms, including PwC, Accenture, KPMG, and Ernst & Young, have been at the forefront of adopting GenAI. These firms are capitalizing on the growing demand from companies seeking guidance on how to effectively utilize GenAI. While many enterprises are still cautiously exploring the potential of GenAI, often starting with simple tasks like automating customer service or summarizing emails, consulting firms are rapidly advancing their AI capabilities.
Growing Demand for IT Services
According to Gartner, global spending on IT services is expected to reach approximately $1.52 trillion this year, marking a 9.7 percent increase from the previous year. This surge in spending highlights the growing importance of IT consulting, especially as companies find it challenging to attract AI talent compared to IT service firms. For the first time, enterprises are spending more on IT consulting than on internal staff, underscoring the critical role of external expertise in navigating the AI landscape.
Conclusion
PwC’s strategic partnership with OpenAI and its substantial investment in ChatGPT Enterprise signify a pivotal step in the firm’s AI journey. By equipping its vast workforce with cutting-edge AI tools, PwC is not only enhancing its internal operations but also setting a new standard for client services in the consulting industry. As the demand for AI expertise continues to rise, PwC’s proactive approach positions it as a leader in the rapidly evolving AI market.
