Telefónica Launches Plug-and-Play GenAI Platform via Telefónica Tech

Telefónica has launched a new GenAI platform under its Telefónica Tech unit, together with its Altostratus cloud consultancy arm, aimed at helping enterprises access and deploy large language models (LLMs) in a simple, plug-and-play manner. The offering provides tools to integrate AI capabilities into clients' communications, data infrastructure, and business apps.

Businesses using the platform will be able to build customised virtual assistants capable of handling complex queries, automating repetitive tasks, and streamlining internal workflows. In addition, the platform allows companies to compare different LLM configurations based on cost, latency, and performance, so they can choose what best meets their needs.

A major design principle of this platform is security and compliance. Sensitive corporate data remains stored on the customer's own infrastructure, and the platform is built to comply with EU-wide AI regulations as well as local laws in individual markets.

Dubbed the Telefónica Tech GenAI Platform, it's meant to lower the technical barrier for all organisations — whether small or large, more or less technically versed — to adopt generative AI tools. Elena Gil Lizasoain, Director of AI & Data at Telefónica Tech for Spain & the Americas, said the goal is to "boost the use of Generative AI in all types of organisations… to transform businesses and make them more efficient and resilient."

Notably, Telefónica already collaborates with IBM on an enterprise AI initiative called Shark.X, which includes tools such as watsonx. While that initiative is more consultative and tailored, the new GenAI Platform is positioned as more immediate, easier to use, and focused on virtual assistants. It remains to be seen how these two offerings will coexist or complement each other in Telefónica's portfolio.