This episode of Techsplainers explores model deployment, the crucial phase that brings machine learning models from development into production environments where they can deliver real business value. We examine why deployment is so critical—according to Gartner, only about 48% of AI projects make it to production—and discuss four primary deployment methods: real-time (for immediate predictions), batch (for offline processing of large datasets), streaming (for continuous data processing), and edge deployment (for running models on devices like smartphones). The podcast walks through the six essential steps of the deployment process: planning (preparing the technical environment), setup (configuring dependencies and security), packaging and deployment (containerizing the model), testing (validating functionality), monitoring (tracking performance metrics), and implementing CI/CD pipelines (for automated updates). We also address key challenges organizations face when deploying models, including high infrastructure costs, technical complexity, integration difficulties with existing systems, and ensuring proper scalability to handle varying workloads.

Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/techsplainers

Narrated by Ian Smalley