Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Exciting developments in the world of artificial intelligence and natural language processing are cropping up at a steady stream. And one of the most impressive examples of this — which we’re sure you’ve heard about — is ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model that can understand and generate eerily human-like responses. 

And just this March, it got even more powerful. It can now access the web. But before we get to what that might mean for you and your business, here’s a little background first. 

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a chatbot that can understand natural language and generate the same. In other words, it’s a computer program that can speak like you — or almost. But what makes ChatGPT so special is the way it connects to the internet and harnesses the power of AI.

At its core, ChatGPT is powered by advanced machine-learning algorithms that allow it to learn from vast amounts of data. This data is stored in the cloud, which allows ChatGPT to access it quickly and easily. 

But what exactly is the cloud? 

Unlike traditional servers where physical storage and location are needed, the cloud operates virtually and you can access it from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. It’s basically a network of servers on the internet that are meant for storing and retrieving data.

When you use a cloud-based service like ChatGPT, you’re essentially tapping into this vast network of computers and data centers that are all linked together. 

The Potential of ChatGPT

Where do ChatGPT and internet connectivity fit into a business? 

Well, as an AI-powered language model, ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology. With its ability to understand natural language and generate responses that mimic the human way of speaking, it could be used to improve the customer service experience for businesses or keep records of inventory.

But the implications of ChatGPT go beyond just convenience. It could also be used to improve access to information for people who may have a difficult time doing so, such as people with disabilities. Or it could provide clinical decision support by evidence-based recommendations. The possibilities are extensive.

The Power of Internet Connectivity

Now let’s go back to ChatGPT and its new web-browsing capabilities. 

Before March of this year, ChatGPT was unable to browse the web. Previously, all of its knowledge was based on everything that happened prior to September 2021, which explains why some of its data were outdated.

This March, OpenAI (the research company behind ChatGPT) launched plugins for its AI-powered chatbot. The plug-ins allow ChatGPT to access third-party databases and sources to gather information. (This version is still limited to a few subscribers on the company’s waitlist.)

These plug-ins will retrieve information from the web using the Bing search API (Application Programming Interface). The live web is less filtered, of course, than static data, but Bing has safety mechanisms in place to reduce the chances of ChatGPT quoting from unreliable content. 

This new internet connectivity by ChatGPT means that more data is collected and analyzed. And with the power of AI and natural language processing, making sense of this data is a hundred times easier. 

What This Means For You As A Business Owner

But what are the implications of ChatGPT and this new internet connectivity for you as a business owner? 

For starters, customer service is significantly enhanced as ChatGPT can provide instantaneous, round-the-clock support. By addressing customer queries efficiently, businesses can cultivate positive relationships and nurture brand loyalty.

Moreover, ChatGPT’s adeptness in processing and analyzing data can help business owners in making informed decisions. By identifying the latest trends and patterns in the industry, ChatGPT can give actionable insights to help the business grow. 

Another advantage of ChatGPT’s internet connectivity is its data analysis capabilities, which can be applied to the various aspects of running a business. By leveraging real-time information from the internet, it can offer customized suggestions, such as marketing strategies, product development, and financial planning.

Lastly, utilizing the vast array of online educational resources, ChatGPT can help businesses create customized training programs and materials for their employees to improve their skills and knowledge.

Leveraging Technology Can Keep You One Step Ahead

Business owners who embrace technology can expect to gain a competitive advantage in the ever-evolving digital marketplace.

You can always count on Epic to be on top of the latest in technology because we want our clients to always stay ahead of the competition. Let’s talk about how our products and services can help your eCommerce business grow. Call us at (888) 498-5361.