In a groundbreaking move, BT Group’s Digital unit has announced the deployment of Amazon CodeWhisperer, a state-of-the-art generative AI coding assistant developed by Amazon Web Services (AWS). This pivotal initiative underscores BT’s commitment to modernization, streamlining efficiency, and enhancing the toolset available to its workforce, thereby setting a new benchmark in the industry for innovative software development practices.
Amazon CodeWhisperer is designed to revolutionize the way developers work by providing real-time, AI-powered code suggestions. From snippets to comprehensive functions, CodeWhisperer supports coding in 15 different languages within multiple integrated development environments (IDEs). It adeptly interprets natural language comments and existing code, making it a versatile tool for developers navigating through today’s complex coding landscapes.
What sets CodeWhisperer apart is its focus on promoting responsible and secure coding practices. It meticulously filters out biased or unfair suggestions and flags any code that closely resembles specific open-source training data, thereby addressing potential vulnerabilities and suggesting remediation strategies.
Deepika Adusumilli, Chief Data and AI Officer, Digital at BT Group, hailed this integration as a significant milestone not only for BT but also for the broader industry. “It empowers our colleagues and helps us deliver solutions to customers faster. This is just the first step in our wider AI-powered product lifecycle management strategy,” she stated, highlighting the transformative impact of CodeWhisperer on BT’s operational dynamics.
The introduction of CodeWhisperer has led to remarkable improvements in developer productivity within BT. On average, users receive 15-20 code suggestions daily, with an impressive acceptance rate of 37 percent. Over its first four months of implementation, CodeWhisperer has generated over 100,000 lines of code, automating approximately 12 percent of repetitive tasks for a pilot group of volunteers. Buoyed by these successes, BT has expanded access to CodeWhisperer to 1,200 engineers across the organization.
BT’s approach to integrating CodeWhisperer is underpinned by a commitment to responsible AI implementation. The company has established comprehensive safeguards to ensure transparency, accountability, intellectual property compliance, and data privacy. These measures include clear guidelines for the software engineering community, customized training materials, and stringent controls on training data to mitigate intellectual property risks.
Fabio Cerone, Director of the Telco Industry, EMEA at AWS, lauded the collaboration, stating, “Our work with BT Group showcases the value and efficiency of generative AI in software development.” He emphasized how CodeWhisperer liberates developers from repetitive tasks, enabling them to concentrate on core problem-solving and innovating superior solutions.
BT Group’s adoption of Amazon CodeWhisperer is a testament to the transformative potential of generative AI in software development. By enhancing developer productivity and fostering responsible coding practices, BT is not only advancing its digital modernization agenda but also paving the way for the future of AI-driven development in the telecommunications industry.
