Okta's AI Ambitions: More Than Just a Long Game

Okta's CEO Todd McKinnon isn't just dabbling in AI. He's committing to a strategy that suggests the company's playing for keeps. With more resources directed towards agentic tools, Okta aims to carve out a significant foothold in AI's evolving landscape. But is this strategic allocation a major shift or just another tech gamble?

Agentic Tools in Focus

McKinnon's vision centers around AI tools that aren't just reactive but agentic. These tools are designed to act with a degree of autonomy, potentially revolutionizing how identity and access management functions. It's not just about keeping up with the Joneses in tech. It's about redefining the rules of engagement in an industry ripe for disruption.

But let's face it. Slapping a model on a GPU rental isn't a convergence thesis. Real AI transformation demands solid infrastructure and a clear understanding of inference costs. Okta's move could signal serious intent if they can back it up with practical, scalable solutions.

Why It Matters

Why should anyone care about Okta's latest AI push? Because if they succeed, it could reshape how personal and corporate identities are managed online. The intersection is real. Ninety percent of the projects aren't, but the few that succeed will set new standards and expectations for the entire industry.

The stakes are high. So, who writes the risk model if the AI can hold a wallet? This isn't just a technical curiosity. It's a question of trust, security, and ultimately, usability. With more than 17,000 customers relying on Okta, the implications stretch far beyond just the company itself.

The Long Game: Risks and Rewards

McKinnon acknowledges that this is a 'long game.' But how long can investors and stakeholders wait for a return on this AI bet? The tech world is littered with AI promises that never materialize. If Okta's ambitions falter, it'll be a costly lesson. Yet, if they succeed, it could propel them to the forefront of the tech scene.

Decentralized compute sounds great until you benchmark the latency. If Okta can effectively manage these challenges, it could be a major shift not just for them but for the entire industry. Show me the inference costs. Then we'll talk about what's truly transformational.