• AI/ML

    Microsoft Fara-8B learning experience

    Over the weekend, I was trying do a learning project using Microsoft’s latest Microsoft Fara-7B model, which is a “Computer Use Agent”. Microsoft Fara-7B is a small, efficient, open-weight AI model (with 7 billion parameters) designed to act as a Computer Use Agent (CUA), allowing it to perform tasks on a computer by visually understanding the screen (aka screenshots) and using mouse/keyboard actions (clicks, typing, scrolling) to automate web tasks like booking travel, shopping, or filling forms, offering speed, privacy (runs locally on devices), and lower cost compared to larger models. Currently the model is still in experimental mode, and…

  • AI/ML - Articles

    Strategy for adding AI to the existing application

    How should a technical leader respond when a customer asks to add AI to an existing application? The answer requires structure and clear thinking. 1. First, clarify the Actual ProblemNever assume that AI is the right solution. I would start by understanding the business objective. Many requests framed as AI needs turn out to be workflow issues, reporting gaps, or rule based automation opportunities. Accurate problem definition prevents unnecessary complexity. 2. Evaluate Data/App ReadinessAI depends completely on data quality. Assess what data exists, how clean it is, and whether privacy or compliance concerns limit its use. If data foundations are…

  • AI/ML - Articles

    The “Stochastic Parrot” problem and why it still matters in AI system design

    The term stochastic parrot was introduced in a 2021 paper by Bender, Gebru, and colleagues (ref: Wikipedia). It highlights a fundamental limitation of large language models. These systems generate text by predicting the next token based on statistical patterns. They do not possess grounded understanding of the world. This can lead to convincing output that is incorrect, biased, or superficial. What the metaphor captures is simple: the probabilistic, statistically driven nature of these models. Parrot evokes an entity that mimics language without real understanding. The critique is not about style. It is about reliability. When a model draws from vast…