“Our ambition is to democratise access to new technologies so that software developers can build, innovate and transform the world with them,” said Microsoft data group Vice President Joseph Sirosh at a conference on machine learning and data sciences here. (Reuters)

Global software major Microsoft on Monday invited Indian developers to use its machine learning and data platforms for building digital products and solutions to transform businesses and drive inclusive growth.

“Our ambition is to democratise access to new technologies so that software developers can build, innovate and transform the world with them,” said Microsoft data group Vice President Joseph Sirosh at a conference on machine learning and data sciences here.

Noting that cloud-based services for machine learning and big data, coupled with the Internet of Things (IoT) have the potential to revolutionise every aspect of life, including sports, healthcare, education and even government, he said the company’s unique platforms such as the Cortana Intelligence suite were helping customers to harness the power of artificial intelligence.

The two-day conference is aimed at exploring the possibilities with big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence and open source technologies in enabling platforms, intelligent apps, services and experiences to accelerate economic growth, empower people and drive real impact.

Demonstrating the power of data analytics, Microsoft unveiled an Azure machine learning-based approach for calculating target scores in weather-interrupted T-20 cricket matches.

The platform uses machine learning, applies advanced analytics to past data and existing mathematical formulation to derive the outcome. The approach is available as a Jupyter notebook in Microsoft’s Cortana Intelligence Gallery for software developers to build on and improve using present data across multiple areas such as playing conditions, weather and cricket grounds.

“We see immense possibilities to partner in India’s digital transformation with our transformative technologies, our offerings and local cloud services,” said Microsoft India (Research & Development) Managing Director Anil Bhansali.

Microsoft’s capabilities and pioneering work in machine learning is also helping bring efficiencies in Indian agriculture, healthcare and education.

“We are extending the benefits of machine learning to the sports fraternity by offering a platform for Indian software developers to create solutions that could change the approach to sports administration and sports management,” Bhansali said.

About 600 participants, including data scientists, students, developers, government elites, start-ups, cricketers and Microsoft experts are sharing new insights at the conference and showcasing solutions to drive digital transformation of organisations and communities in India and worldwide.