by Joche Ojeda | Feb 7, 2025 | Uncategorized
I recently had the privilege of conducting a training session in Cairo, Egypt, focusing on modern application development approaches. The session covered two key areas that are transforming how we build business applications: application frameworks and AI integration.
Streamlining Development with Application Frameworks
One of the highlights was demonstrating DevExpress’s eXpressApp Framework (XAF). The students were particularly impressed by how quickly we could build fully-functional Line of Business (LOB) applications. XAF’s approach eliminates much of the repetitive coding typically associated with business application development:
- Automatic CRUD operations
- Built-in security system
- Consistent UI across different platforms
- Rapid prototyping capabilities
Seamless Integration: XAF Meets Microsoft Semantic Kernel
What made this training unique was demonstrating how XAF’s capabilities extend into AI territory. We built the entire AI interface using XAF itself, showcasing how a traditional LOB framework can seamlessly incorporate advanced AI features. The audience, coming primarily from JavaScript backgrounds with Angular and React experience, was particularly impressed by how this approach simplified the integration of AI into business applications.
During the demonstrations, we explored practical implementations using Microsoft Semantic Kernel. The students were fascinated by practical demonstrations of:
- Natural language processing for document analysis
- Automated content generation for business documentation
- Intelligent decision support systems
- Context-aware data processing
Student Engagement and Outcomes
The response from the students, most of whom came from JavaScript development backgrounds, was overwhelmingly positive. As experienced frontend developers using Angular and React, they were initially skeptical about a different approach to application development. However, their enthusiasm peaked when they saw how these technologies could solve real business challenges they face daily. The combination of XAF’s rapid development capabilities and Semantic Kernel’s AI features, all integrated into a cohesive development experience, opened their eyes to new possibilities in application development.
Looking Forward
This training session in Cairo demonstrated the growing appetite for modern development approaches in the region. The intersection of efficient application frameworks and AI capabilities is proving to be a powerful combination for next-generation business applications.
And last, but not least, some pictures )))
by Joche Ojeda | Sep 4, 2024 | A.I, Semantic Kernel
In the world of AI and large language models (LLMs), understanding how to manage memory is crucial for creating applications that feel responsive and intelligent. Many developers are turning to Semantic Kernel, a lightweight and open-source development kit, to integrate these capabilities into their applications. For those already familiar with Semantic Kernel, let’s dive into how memory functions within this framework, especially when interacting with LLMs via chat completions.
Chat Completions: The Most Common Interaction with LLMs
When it comes to interacting with LLMs, one of the most intuitive and widely used methods is through chat completions. This allows developers to simulate a conversation between a user and an AI agent, facilitating various use cases like building chatbots, automating business processes, or even generating code.
In Semantic Kernel, chat completions are implemented through models from popular providers like OpenAI, Google, and others. These models enable developers to manage the flow of conversation seamlessly. While using chat completions, one key aspect to keep in mind is how the conversation history is stored and managed.
Temporary Memory: ChatHistory and Kernel String Arguments
Within the Semantic Kernel framework, the memory that a chat completion model uses is managed by the ChatHistory object. This object stores the conversation history temporarily, meaning it captures the back-and-forth between the user and the model during an active session. Alternatively, you can use a string argument passed to the kernel, which contains context information for the conversation. However, like the ChatHistory, this method is also not persistent.
Once the host class is disposed of, all stored context and memory from both the ChatHistory object and the string argument are lost. This transient nature of memory means that these methods are useful only for short-term interactions and are destroyed after the session ends.
What’s Next? Exploring Long-Term Memory Options
In this article, we’ve discussed how Semantic Kernel manages short-term memory with ChatHistory and kernel string arguments. However, for more complex applications that require retaining memory over longer periods—think customer support agents or business process automation—temporary memory might not be sufficient. In the next article, we’ll explore the options available for implementing long-term memory within Semantic Kernel, providing insights on how to make your AI applications even more powerful and context-aware.
Stay tuned for the deep dive into long-term memory solutions!
by Joche Ojeda | Jul 6, 2024 | Uncategorized
AI Integration and Future Plans
El Salvador has embarked on a remarkable journey of technological transformation under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele. Building on the momentum from its pioneering adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, the nation is now setting its sights on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various sectors to foster innovation and growth. This article explores President Bukele’s vision for AI, the potential benefits and challenges, and the critical need for establishing robust AI legislation.
Government Vision for AI
President Bukele envisions a future where AI plays a central role in El Salvador’s development. In recent developments, he appointed Brian Roemmele, a renowned expert in voice technology and AI, as an AI advisor. Roemmele’s appointment highlights the government’s commitment to integrating AI to drive economic growth and educational opportunities, positioning El Salvador as a leader in the digital age[7][8][9].
Economic Growth: By fostering an environment conducive to AI innovation, El Salvador aims to attract tech companies and startups, thereby boosting economic growth and creating high-tech job opportunities.
Smart Governance: The integration of AI in government operations promises to enhance efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness, making public administration more effective and citizen-centric[28][30].
Global Competitiveness: Bukele’s vision includes positioning El Salvador as a leader in AI within Latin America, much like its pioneering role with Bitcoin. This involves not only adopting AI technologies but also setting standards that other countries can follow.
Potential Benefits and Challenges
The potential benefits of AI integration are immense:
Economic Benefits: AI can drive significant economic growth by improving productivity, fostering innovation, and creating new job sectors[28][30].
Social Benefits: AI can enhance the quality of life by improving healthcare, education, and public services, leading to a more inclusive and equitable society[27][29].
However, the challenges cannot be overlooked:
Ethical Concerns: Ensuring that AI systems are fair, transparent, and free from bias is crucial to prevent societal harm.
Data Privacy: Protecting the personal data of citizens is essential to maintain trust and prevent misuse.
Workforce Displacement: The transition to an AI-driven economy must be managed carefully to support workers displaced by automation through reskilling and education initiatives.
The Need for AI Legislation
To harness the full potential of AI while addressing its challenges, it is imperative to establish a comprehensive AI legal framework. This framework should cover several key areas:
1. Ethical Standards
- Transparency: AI developers must disclose methodologies and data sources to ensure clarity and trust.
- Accountability: Clear accountability mechanisms for AI decisions, especially in critical sectors like healthcare and finance.
- Fairness: Measures to prevent bias and ensure equitable treatment for all users of AI systems.
2. Data Protection
- Privacy Laws: Strengthened data privacy laws to safeguard citizens’ information.
- Consent: Ensuring individuals have control over their data, including the ability to opt-out of AI data processing.
3. Innovation Incentives
- Research Grants: Funding for AI research and development projects.
- Tax Breaks: Tax incentives for companies investing in AI technologies and infrastructure.
4. Workforce Transition
- Reskilling Programs: Programs to help workers displaced by AI acquire new skills and transition to new job opportunities in the AI sector.
- Education Initiatives: Integrating AI and digital literacy into the national education curriculum.
5. International Cooperation
- Standards Collaboration: Working with international bodies to adopt global AI standards and best practices.
- Regional Partnerships: Fostering regional cooperation in AI research and development.
Conclusion
El Salvador’s journey towards technological transformation continues with the integration of AI. By setting the rules for AI through robust legislation, El Salvador can ensure that it remains at the forefront of innovation in Latin America. The proposed AI legal framework not only addresses the ethical and practical challenges of AI but also positions the country as a leader in the digital future. As El Salvador charts this new course, the commitment to innovation and responsible governance will be key to its success.
This article outlines the government’s vision for AI in El Salvador, the potential benefits and challenges, and the critical need for AI legislation. It aims to inform and engage readers, encouraging them to support and contribute to the country’s digital future.
Related Articles
El Salvador: Digital Transformation Initiatives
El Salvador: The Implementation of Bitcoin as Legal Tender
El Salvador’s Technological Revolution
by Joche Ojeda | May 19, 2024 | A.I
OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot are two powerful AI tools that have revolutionized the way we interact with technology. While both are designed to assist users in various tasks, they each have unique features that set them apart.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a large language model chatbot capable of communicating with users in a human-like way¹⁷. It can answer questions, create recipes, write code, and offer advice¹⁷. It uses a powerful generative AI model and has access to several tools which it can use to complete tasks²⁶.
Key Features of ChatGPT
- Chat with Images: You can show ChatGPT images and start a chat.
- Image Generation: Create images simply by describing them in ChatGPT.
- Voice Chat: You can now use voice to engage in a back-and-forth conversation with ChatGPT.
- Web Browsing: Gives ChatGPT the ability to search the internet for additional information.
- Advanced Data Analysis: Interact with data documents (Excel, CSV, JSON).
Microsoft’s Copilot
Microsoft’s Copilot is an AI companion that works everywhere you do and intelligently adapts to your needs. It can chat with text, voice, and image capabilities, summarize documents and web pages, create images, and use plugins and Copilot GPTs
Key Features of Copilot
- Chat with Text, Voice, and Image Capabilities: Copilot includes chat with text, voice, and image capabilities/
- Summarization of Documents and Web Pages: It can summarize documents and web pages.
- Image Creation: Copilot can create images.
- Web Grounding: It can ground information from the web.
- Use of Plugins and Copilot GPTs: Copilot can use plugins and Copilot GPTs.
Comparison of Mobile App Features
| Feature |
OpenAI’s ChatGPT |
Microsoft’s Copilot |
| Chat with Text |
Yes |
Yes |
| Voice Input |
Yes |
Yes |
| Image Capabilities |
Yes |
Yes |
| Summarization |
No |
Yes |
| Image Creation |
Yes |
Yes |
| Web Grounding |
No |
Yes |
What makes the difference, the action button for the iPhone
The action button on iPhones, available on the iPhone 15 Pro and later models, is a customizable button for quick tasks. By default, it opens the camera or activates the flashlight. However, users can customize it to perform various actions, including launching a specific app. When set to launch an app, pressing the action button will instantly open the chosen app, such as the ChatGPT voice interface. This integration is further enhanced by the new ChatGPT-4.0 capabilities, which offer more accurate responses, better understanding of context, and faster processing times. This makes voice interactions with ChatGPT smoother and more efficient, allowing users to quickly and effectively communicate with the AI.
 |
 |
The ChatGPT voice interface is one of my favorite features, but there’s one thing missing for it to be perfect. Currently, you can’t send pictures or videos during a voice conversation. The workaround is to leave the voice interface, open the chat interface, find the voice conversation in the chat list, and upload the picture there. However, this brings another problem: you can’t return to the voice interface and continue the previous voice conversation.
Microsoft Copilot, if you are reading this, when will you add a voice interface? And when you finally do it, don’t forget to add the picture and video feature I want. That is all for my wishlist.
by Joche Ojeda | Apr 29, 2024 | Semantic Kernel
Welcome to the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI)! You’ve probably heard about AI’s incredible potential to transform our lives, from smart assistants in our homes to self-driving cars. But have you ever wondered how all these intelligent systems communicate and work together? That’s where something called “Semantic Kernel Connectors” comes in.
Imagine you’re organizing a big family reunion. To make it a success, you need to coordinate with various family members, each handling different tasks. Similarly, in the world of AI, different parts need to communicate and work in harmony. Semantic Kernel Connectors are like the family members who help pass messages and coordinate tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly.
These connectors are a part of a larger system known as the Semantic Kernel framework. They act as messengers, allowing different AI models and external systems, like databases, to talk to each other. This communication is crucial because it lets AI systems perform complex tasks, such as sending emails or updating records, just like a helpful assistant.
For developers, these connectors are a dream come true. They make it easier to create AI applications that can understand and respond to us just like a human would. With these tools, developers can build more sophisticated AI agents that can automate tasks and even learn from their interactions, here is a list of what you get out of the box.
Core Plugins Overview
- ConversationSummaryPlugin: Summarizes conversations to provide quick insights.
- FileIOPlugin: Reads and writes to the filesystem, essential for managing data.
- HttpPlugin: Calls APIs, which allows the AI to interact with web services.
- MathPlugin: Performs mathematical operations, handy for calculations.
- TextMemoryPlugin: Stores and retrieves text in memory, useful for recalling information.
- TextPlugin: Manipulates text strings deterministically, great for text processing.
- TimePlugin: Acquires time of day and other temporal information, perfect for time-related tasks.
- WaitPlugin: Pauses execution for a specified amount of time, useful for scheduling.
So, next time you ask your smart device to play your favorite song or remind you of an appointment, remember that there’s a whole network of AI components working together behind the scenes, thanks to Semantic Kernel Connectors. They’re the unsung heroes making our daily interactions with AI seamless and intuitive.
Isn’t it amazing how far technology has come? And the best part is, we’re just getting started. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more incredible advancements that will make our lives easier and more connected. So, let’s embrace this journey into the future, hand in hand with AI.
