How can developers access IBM Watson capabilities?

Developers can access IBM Watson capabilities primarily through cloud-based APIs and Watson Studio. This approach provides a flexible and scalable method for utilizing Watson’s advanced services, such as natural language processing, machine learning, and data analysis. Cloud-based APIs enable developers to integrate various Watson functionalities seamlessly into their applications by making API calls over the internet, which allows for easy updates and maintenance without the need for complex infrastructure setups.

Watson Studio further enhances this by offering a collaborative environment where data scientists and developers can build, train, and deploy machine learning models efficiently. This cloud-oriented architecture is advantageous as it allows developers to focus on application development rather than managing physical hardware or software installations.

In contrast, on-premise installations and dedicated servers are less common as they typically require significant management and resources, which might not be suitable for all users or projects. Downloading a desktop application limits the accessibility and potential collaboration capabilities that cloud solutions provide. Hence, the cloud-based approach stands out as the most effective and modern method for developers to leverage IBM Watson's capabilities.