Ann: Isentia AGM Chairman and CEO Addresses, page-126

So how close do you think Isentia's dumbed down full automated service is compared to competitor's? Do you think the AI can improve to the point that the automated service can be 'close enough' to traditional services offered by Isentia?
@imback

Thanks imback
Both questions are about algorithm quality, always evolving and can be tweaked ...I suspect the new entrants have the current advantage because that is the basis of their business model, however its always cheaper to be later in the game in tech..the first mover advantage comes with a higher cost so they really need to be skinning the encumbent...and although they are winning business through a lower cost model, the AI that might be a silver bullet today,( being able to operate from a much smaller employee base), could/will be tomorrows widely available code. I think the AI is close enough for some already to switch ...but one of Isentias strengths is coverage and there will be holes regionally ..I think we a saw story in the AFR about that a few months ago. So if you want to match Isentia you can't rely on algorithms ...you need infrastructure. Its much easier for Isentia to match the competitors ...it just means a falling top line.

Also, curious if media monitoring services penetration has a some way to go in ANZ? If it becomes cheaper through automated processes, would a whole lot of new businesses use it?

Short answer no. Established business model with excellent awareness within the industry and niche. Traditionally its a low spend relative to the overall comms budget so unlikely that a lower cost alternative would generate more clients. But further to that it is worth remembering that these low cost alternatives are focusing on the high value clients and offering them massive discounts to their current provider ...they actually can't do that with the majority of the Isentia clients because the basic client servicing will force their operating costs up and that will negate their principle advantage in the market.

Hope this helps