The Big Idea: A New Paradigm for GIS Knowledge-Sharing
I propose that Esri develop a public-facing, monetized API for the Esri Assistant. This API would allow trusted enterprise customers and partners to integrate Esri's powerful knowledge base directly into their own internal help desk chatbots and support systems.
This isn't just about providing data; it's about creating a federated knowledge network that positions the ArcGIS platform as the central nervous system for all GIS-related inquiries across the entire industry, while simultaneously creating a new, credit-based revenue stream for Esri.
The Problem: A Fractured and Inefficient GIS Support Experience
Many large organizations that rely on Esri technology, such as ours, have invested heavily in internal support infrastructure, including sophisticated help desk chatbots. Our goal is to provide a seamless, "one-stop-shop" experience for our hundreds of GIS users, from analysts to decision-makers.
Currently, when a user asks our chatbot a question about an Esri product (e.g., "How do I perform a spatial join in ArcGIS Pro?" or "What are the best practices for publishing a feature service?"), our chatbot has no choice but to say, "I can't answer that. Please go ask Esri."
This creates several problems:
User Friction: The user has to leave their workflow, navigate to a new site, and re-ask the question.
Reduced Productivity: It doubles the time to get an answer, pulling both our users and our support staff away from high-value work.
Walled Garden of Knowledge: Esri's fantastic knowledge base, accessible via the Assistant, remains locked away from the very enterprise workflows it's meant to support.
The Solution: The Esri Assistant API
Imagine a world where our internal GIS Help Desk bot, upon receiving an Esri-specific question, could securely and seamlessly query the Esri Assistant API. The Assistant's authoritative answer would be passed back and presented to our user, within our own environment, clearly attributed to Esri.
This would be a win-win-win:
Our User Wins: Gets an instant, authoritative answer without context switching.
Our Organization Wins: Increases the value and adoption of our internal support tools and boosts user productivity.
Esri Wins: Expands its reach, reinforces its authority, and generates revenue from a service that is already built.
The Value Proposition for Esri: Why This is a Game-Changer
New, High-Margin Revenue Stream: This API would be a premium, value-added service. Access could be monetized directly through the existing ArcGIS credit system, a model every Esri customer already understands. Every API call from a partner bot is a credit consumed—a direct and scalable revenue source.
Deepen the Platform "Moat": By allowing other systems to become reliant on the ArcGIS knowledge base, Esri further solidifies its position as the indispensable core of the GIS ecosystem. It moves from being just a software provider to the central hub of all GIS knowledge.
Unparalleled Market Intelligence: The API would provide Esri with structured data on the most pressing questions and challenges users face across the entire industry, outside the bubble of Esri's own support site. This data is a goldmine for informing product development, documentation priorities, and marketing.
Strengthen the Partner Network: Empowering Esri Partners to build smarter, more integrated solutions makes the entire Esri value proposition more compelling. Partners could create specialized bots for specific industries (Utilities, Urban Planning, etc.) that are all powered by the Esri Assistant at their core.
Proposed Implementation Framework
Authentication: Secure access via ArcGIS Identity and API keys, ensuring only authorized and trusted organizations can use the service.
Monetization: A clear credit-per-query or credit-per-token model.
Branding & Attribution: A mandatory requirement in the API's Terms of Use that all answers returned must be clearly and programmatically attributed with "Answer provided by Esri Assistant." This maintains Esri's brand integrity and manages liability.
Phased Rollout: Begin with a pilot program for key Enterprise Agreement customers and Platinum Partners to refine the service before a general release.
Conclusion
Let's evolve the Esri Assistant from a helpful tool on a webpage into a platform service that powers the entire GIS community. By creating this API, Esri can build a more intelligent and interconnected ecosystem, drive significant new revenue, and deliver immense value to its most committed customers. Let's build this future together.
