SYNNEX UPDATE
SYNNEX IS HIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ENGINEERS
BY DAVYD FIELD, PROJECT MANAGER, MICROSOFT SURFACE
SYNNEX’ Microsoft and IoT Teams are always
seeking talented young Computer Science
specialists interested in the practical applications
of Artificial Intelligence. Recently, a group of
Clemson University students were challenged to
use Microsoft’s toolbox of Azure Cognitive Services
to address real-world problems in retail and
manufacturing environments. Their ‘Capstone
Project’ focused on the implementation of video/
image facial recognition, as well as the use of IoT
edge devices and supporting software to collect
and process large data sets.
The project’s goal was to integrate Microsoft
Azure into a business’ video or CCTV network.
Video cameras produce substantial amounts
of data suitable for real-time analysis by
existing Azure AI software, but traditional coding
can be complex for many resellers. Students
applied Artificial Intelligence tools in practical
scenarios, including the use of Microsoft’s Facial
Recognition API to identify attributes such as the
age, gender, or emotional state of customers in a
retail environment.
Clemson students were encouraged to think
creatively and work closely with SYNNEX mentors.
The team of students began by ‘training’ the
Azure Cognitive API tool for specific tasks. This is
done by uploading a database of images and
setting search parameters within Microsoft Azure.
Coding tasks were separated into two objectives.
First, determine if a face was present in the video,
and only then make a call to Microsoft’s Vision API
requesting an analysis of that person’s attributes.
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During the semester, SYNNEX arranged for
students to tour the Microsoft Technology Center
(MTC) in Atlanta. During this trip, students were
exposed to the latest in Surface hardware and
PC accessories. Our team presented to Microsoft
engineers and data scientists. The Clemson
students were able to impress Microsoft executives
with their coding skills and deep understanding
of the power of Artificial Intelligence. SYNNEX
encourages reseller partners to utilize these
Technology Training Centers to showcase the
value of Microsoft products and services to their
clients (available by appointment in +20 North
America cities).
Ultimately, the students project focused on
Digital Signage and Smart Display technology.
Cameras were able to identify a person’s
attributes and tailor a specific advertising output
to that customer. In the most common example,
a commercial specific to that person’s age/
gender or emotional state could be displayed.
This type of Artificial Intelligence technology
presents a unique opportunity for our reseller
partners to benefit from the work of these
talented young computer science students at
Clemson University.
For more information, email
[email protected].