AI is helping small businesses increase productivity. Here's a look inside the computing hardware helping power it.

Business Insider

11 hours ago

Businesses across industries are increasing their AI usage.
AI workloads require hardware equipped with powerful processors that can handle these tasks.
Responsible and sustainable AI adoption is key to business success.
Most tech-savvy observers understand that AI is transforming large enterprises across functions such as customer service, HR, and the supply chain. Chatbots and virtual assistants are now powered by large language models (LLMs) that respond to nearly any natural-language query.
These models are trained on business-specific data to provide targeted, accurate answers.
According to a poll from the US Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, 98% of small businesses now use AI-enabled software, and 40 % of them employ generative tools like chatbots and image creators to cut costs and speed workflows.
But AI isn't just making a splash at big corporations: a new generation of everyday business hardware and operating systems is putting AI in the hands of business owners of all sizes, with applications across a wide range of business functions.
Business computing systems for the AI era
Andrew Wan, product manager at MSI, has a front-row seat to the transformative impact of AI across industries. He explains that what was once a buzzword is now a practical, everyday tool. In fact, 91% of SMBs that have adopted AI say it's driven measurable revenue growth, according to a survey of 3,350 business leaders from Salesforce.
For example, in marketing, AI is powering smarter, more personalized campaigns. Content teams are creating, tweaking, and repurposing material at incredible speeds. Meanwhile, in law, AI is cutting down the time needed for research and contract reviews.
The classroom and the clinic are also seeing significant benefits. In education, AI is making learning more flexible, while In healthcare, AI is improving diagnoses and patient care. Across fields, AI boosts productivity and enables people to focus on the work that really matters.
AI-ready computing hardware
Many business owners have questions about the suitability of their legacy systems in this new AI era. According to Wan, MSI's latest technology is designed to help everyday business users take full advantage of AI. The Cubi NUC AI+ 2M, for example, include the next-generation Intel® Lunar Lake processors, featuring on-chip NPU and GPU cores which provide efficient, on-device AI computing. These compact systems also include Microsoft Copilot+, an AI-powered assistant designed to help teams work smarter.
And it's not just enthusiasts leveraging AI: 27% of SMBs have "significantly accelerated" tech spending because of AI needs, with another 35% "slightly accelerating" their investments — underscoring why on-device NPUs and GPUs are so critical.
MSI's new desktop models also come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, offering businesses a smoother upgrade path from Windows 10 as Microsoft's October migration deadline looms.
A real business impact
AI is already improving productivity and business outcomes at many organizations. Early adopters in small and mid-sized businesses are seeing real gains by automating repetitive workflows that free up valuable time and resources.
"We're hearing about tangible improvements in productivity, customer satisfaction, and even employee engagement as teams are empowered by technology that supports their goals," Wan said.
Although AI has already had a profound impact on businesses, Wan believes we've only scratched the surface of its potential. Over the next year, he expects AI to become even more embedded in everyday workflows, especially through smart devices that offer real-time insights while keeping data private and secure.
"Fast forward five years, and AI won't just be a helpful tool — it'll be at the heart of how businesses run," he said. "It'll shape strategies, spark new revenue ideas, and open doors to ways of working we haven't even imagined yet. The companies that start laying the groundwork now with AI-friendly systems will be the ones setting the pace in this smarter, more connected future."
AI for good
Of course, for all of the opportunities AI affords businesses, there are also a number of risks to watch out for. Wan says MSI is committed to responsible adoption of AI, and its suite of AI-powered computing products have been designed with sustainability in mind.
"We've built in a three-year Advance Replacement Warranty, which means virtually zero downtime," Wan said. "And by focusing on energy-efficient design, we're helping businesses reduce their environmental footprint while embracing the future of work."
77% of small businesses plan to adopt new digital technologies — including AI and even metaverse tools — within the next year, making energy-efficient hardware and robust warranties like MSI's Advance Replacement critical for minimizing both downtime and environmental impact.
"As we build toward a more intelligent future, we believe it's just as important to build a more sustainable one," Wan said.