What is the first step a company should take when choosing a generative AI use case according to Google Cloud practices?

Determining the specific business problems to solve and desired outcomes is a critical first step for a company when choosing a generative AI use case. This approach ensures that the efforts put into implementing generative AI are aligned with the broader business objectives and priorities. By understanding what specific challenges they are facing, along with what they hope to achieve, companies can make informed decisions about how generative AI can add value to their operations.

This step involves careful consideration of the organization's needs, which allows for the identification of relevant use cases that can drive meaningful impact. It sets a clear focus that guides subsequent steps, such as selecting technologies, estimating budgets, or analyzing competitor strategies. By prioritizing an understanding of business problems and desired outcomes, organizations can avoid misalignment and ensure that the generative AI implementations contribute to their strategic goals.