Microsoft will roll out Australian software company LiveTiles’ artificial intelligence technology through its major channels in the United States.
The announcement on Thursday drove a 41 percent surge in LiveTiles shares on the Australian Securities Exchange from 22c to 32c.
LiveTiles will promote quick-to-deploy AI solution Bots, which were launched at its Interface conference in September.
“Working with Microsoft to roll out this program throughout the United States signifies the alignment and commitment of our mutual AI growth strategies,” LiveTiles chief executive Karl Redenbach said. “Our goal is to be a leader in this rapidly emerging space.”
The Bots solution is a 'no-code' bot builder powered by Microsoft Azure’s bot framework and language understanding intelligence service, which users the ability to create an AI tool based on their needs and within the platforms they’ve invested in.
The bots can automate HR-related questions and answers, linking to knowledge bases and scheduling meetings.
The product will be promoted by Microsoft’s AI and analytics group as a solution that “demystifies” AI technology, and can be deployed within Azure to both mid- and large-sized organisations in the United States.
The partnership also follows Microsoft’s change in its strategic focus from a mobile-first strategy to an AI-first one.
LiveTiles expects the demand for Bots to contribute to its subscription revenue growth in the 2018 financial year.
LiveTiles commenced trading on the ASX in September 2015 at 21c per share through a reverse listing.