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Kelsey Hightower on dodging AI and the need for a glossary of IT terms

Feb 18, 2025 - theregister.com
Kelsey Hightower, a respected engineer and former Google executive, is critical of the tech industry's tendency to rebrand existing concepts with new terminology, particularly in the realm of AI. He advocates for a glossary to demystify these terms and believes that generative AI and large language models (LLMs) are black boxes that need to be understood. Hightower is skeptical of the AI hype, suggesting that the industry's reliance on AI excitement is more about stock market valuations than genuine innovation. Despite his reservations about AI, Hightower is actively involved in advising Civo on its FlexCore appliance, which aims to provide private cloud solutions in regions underserved by major cloud providers.

Hightower's vision for the future includes the potential for FlexCore appliances to be deployed in various locations to meet specific needs and possibly offer spare capacity to others. This approach could fill a gap in the market not addressed by larger cloud companies. While Civo promotes AI tools for simplifying engineering tasks, Hightower remains focused on understanding the underlying technology rather than succumbing to the AI trend. His stance highlights a tension between the industry's AI-driven direction and a more cautious, informed approach to technology development.

Key takeaways:

  • Kelsey Hightower advocates for a glossary to demystify tech jargon and clarify the true nature of software innovations.
  • Hightower expresses skepticism about the current AI wave, viewing generative AIs and LLMs as black boxes that need to be understood.
  • Despite his AI skepticism, Hightower is involved with Civo's FlexCore appliance, which aims to provide private cloud solutions for underserved regions.
  • Hightower envisions a future where FlexCore appliances could offer spare capacity to meet specific corporate or regulatory needs.
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