Technology agnosticism, standardisation and open data? What and where is the balance?

Technology agnosticism

Technology agnosticism is a concept that refers to the design and implementation of digital solutions in a way that is adaptable and not tied to specific technologies. It emphasises flexibility and interoperability, allowing digital solutions to evolve and adapt to changing technological landscapes, without being locked into proprietary technologies or becoming obsolete as technologies evolve.

One of the key principles of technology agnosticism is the focus on open standards and protocols. Open standards are technical standards that are openly available, non-proprietary and can be implemented by multiple vendors. They promote interoperability and allow different technologies and systems to communicate and work together seamlessly. By designing digital solutions based on open standards, organisations can ensure that their solutions are not tied to specific technologies or vendors and can be easily integrated with other technologies or systems, both now and in the future.

ChatGPT for example, as a language model trained on the GPT-3.5 architecture, has had a significant impact on the development and implementation of digital solutions in various industries. One of the key principles of technology agnosticism, which ChatGPT embodies, is the use of open standards and protocols in designing digital solutions.

The remarkable pace at which ChatGPT has permeated global spheres and garnered millions of users is unparalleled, underscoring a resounding testament to the world’s unwavering embrace of technological advancements and digital transformation.

Source: Digital Information World. (2023, January).

Chat GPT Achieved One Million Users in 20233

In the infrastructure sector, ChatGPT has also become part of the construction industry, with its artificial intelligence now allowing contractors to talk to their plans and their plans talking to them back! The announcement was made by Togal.AI a construction technology business that produces estimating software. Togal.AI has launched OpenAI ChatGPT, a system intended to enhanced document management. With hundreds of pages in construction plans, ChatGPT helps users save time, improve accuracy and serve as a powerful tool to eliminate mundane tasks, so estimators can focus on higher-value jobs. The system allows construction professionals to use semantic search functionality to quickly access information across thousands of pages of, for example, plans, specification books, schedules and budgets.