Entries by Niall McCarthy

Why Will Open-Source AI Win?

Introduction Open-source AI is positioned to dominate the artificial intelligence landscape through a combination of economic advantages, accelerated innovation, and fundamental shifts in how technology is developed and deployed. The evidence suggests that open-source AI will win not through a single decisive factor, but through the convergence of multiple powerful trends that make it increasingly […]

Is AI Automation Always No-Code Automation?

Introduction AI automation is not always no-code automation. While there is significant overlap between these technologies, they represent distinct approaches to automation with different requirements, capabilities, and implementation methods. Understanding this distinction is crucial for businesses choosing the right automation strategy. Defining AI Automation AI automation refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to […]

How To Build AI Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) Guardrails

Introduction Building effective AI Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) guardrails is essential for ensuring safe, reliable, and trustworthy AI systems. HITL guardrails combine automated AI capabilities with human oversight to prevent harmful outputs, maintain compliance, and enhance decision-making quality. This comprehensive guide outlines the key strategies and implementation approaches for building robust HITL guardrails. Understanding HITL Guardrails Human-in-the-Loop […]

What Is AI Context Engineering?

Introduction AI Context Engineering is the systematic discipline of designing and building dynamic systems that provide large language models (LLMs) with the right information, tools, and format at the right time to enable them to accomplish tasks effectively. Unlike traditional prompt engineering, which focuses on crafting perfect instructions, context engineering encompasses the entire ecosystem of […]

The Role of HITL in Multi-Turn LLM Conversations

Introduction Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) systems have emerged as a critical component in enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of multi-turn conversations with Large Language Models (LLMs). This approach combines the computational power of AI systems with the nuanced understanding, judgment, and oversight that only humans can provide, creating more robust, ethical, and contextually appropriate conversational experiences. Understanding […]

Is AI For Citizen Developers A Security Risk?

Introduction Yes, AI for citizen developers does present significant security risks, but these risks can be effectively managed through proper governance, security frameworks, and training programs. The integration of AI into citizen development platforms has fundamentally transformed how organizations approach application development, but it has also introduced a complex array of security challenges that require […]

The Ideal Blend of Workflow Automation and AI Agentic Automation

Introduction The most effective approach to enterprise automation combines the reliability and efficiency of traditional workflow automation with the intelligence and adaptability of AI agentic automation. Rather than viewing these as competing technologies, organizations should implement a strategic hybrid approach that leverages each technology’s strengths while addressing their respective limitations. Understanding the Core Technologies Traditional […]

Open-Source AI For The Citizen Developer

Introduction Open-source AI is revolutionizing software development by making advanced artificial intelligence capabilities accessible to citizen developers – non-technical employees who create applications using low-code and no-code platforms. This democratization of AI technology is transforming how organizations approach application development, automation, and innovation. The Current Landscape of Open-Source AI for Citizen Developers The intersection of […]

Best App Builder Without Coding For Business Technologists?

Introduction Business technologists – domain experts who sit outside core IT – now build more than half of all new business apps. The right platform therefore must balance consumer-grade ease of use with enterprise-grade governance, security and scale. Quick recommendations Already on Microsoft 365 → Microsoft Power Apps: tight Microsoft integration, AI Copilot, strong governance. […]