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AI Agents and Consumer Trust

AI Agents Next AI Evolution

AI agents are being hailed as the next big leap in artificial intelligence, but there’s no universally accepted definition of what they are—or what they should do. Even within the tech community, there’s debate about what constitutes an AI agent. At its core, an AI agent can be described as software powered by artificial intelligence that performs tasks once handled by human roles, such as customer service agents, HR representatives, or IT help desk staff. However, their potential spans much further. These agents don’t just answer questions—they take action, often working across multiple systems. For example, Perplexity recently launched an AI agent to assist with holiday shopping, while Google introduced Project Mariner, an agent that helps users book flights, find recipes, and shop for household items. While the idea seems straightforward, it’s muddied by inconsistent definitions. For Google, AI agents are task-based assistants tailored to specific roles, like coding help for developers or troubleshooting issues for IT professionals. In contrast, Asana views agents as digital co-workers that take on assigned tasks, and Sierra—a startup led by former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor—envisions agents as sophisticated customer experience tools that surpass traditional chatbots by tackling complex problems. This lack of consensus adds to the uncertainty around what AI agents can truly achieve. Rudina Seseri, founder and managing partner at Glasswing Ventures, explains this ambiguity stems from the technology’s infancy. She describes AI agents as intelligent systems capable of perceiving their environment, reasoning, making decisions, and taking actions to achieve specific goals autonomously. These agents rely on a mix of AI technologies, including natural language processing, machine learning, and computer vision, to operate in dynamic environments. Optimists, like Box CEO Aaron Levie, believe AI agents will improve rapidly as advancements in GPU performance, model efficiency, and AI frameworks create a self-reinforcing cycle of innovation. However, skeptics like MIT robotics pioneer Rodney Brooks caution against overestimating progress, noting that solving real-world problems—especially those involving legacy systems with limited API access—can be far more challenging than anticipated. David Cushman of HFS Research likens current AI agents to assistants rather than fully autonomous entities, with their capabilities limited to helping users complete specific tasks within pre-defined boundaries. True autonomy, where AI agents handle contingencies and perform at scale without human oversight, remains a distant goal. Jon Turow, a partner at Madrona Ventures, emphasizes the need for dedicated infrastructure to support the development of AI agents. He envisions a tech stack that allows developers to focus on product differentiation while leaving scalability and reliability to the platform. This infrastructure would likely involve multiple specialized models working together under a routing layer, rather than relying on a single large language model (LLM). Fred Havemeyer of Macquarie US Equity Research agrees, noting that the most effective AI agents will combine various models to handle complex tasks. He imagines a future where agents act like autonomous supervisors, delegating tasks and reasoning through multi-step processes to achieve abstract goals. While this vision is compelling, the current state of AI agents suggests we’re still in a transitional phase. The progress so far is promising, but several breakthroughs are needed before agents can operate as envisioned—truly autonomous, multi-functional, and capable of seamless collaboration across diverse systems. This story, originally published on July 13, 2024, has been updated to reflect new developments from Perplexity and Google. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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AI-Driven Care Coordination Software

AI-Driven Care Coordination Software

Can AI-Driven Care Coordination Software Improve Workflows? University Hospitals is leveraging AI to enhance care coordination across its network of 13 hospitals and numerous outpatient settings. This effort highlights the transformative potential of AI-driven platforms in streamlining workflows, improving patient outcomes, and addressing clinician burnout. The Role of AI in Care Coordination Care coordination ensures seamless collaboration between healthcare providers, aiming for safe, appropriate, and effective treatment. Effective information-sharing can: According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), poor care coordination can lead to: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) advocates for a mix of technology adoption and care-specific strategies, such as proactive care plans tailored to patient needs. While electronic health records (EHRs) aid in these efforts, AI’s ability to analyze vast data sets positions it as the next evolution in care coordination. University Hospitals’ AI Initiative University Hospitals has partnered with Aidoc to deploy its AI-powered platform, aiOS, to improve radiology and care coordination workflows. Chair of Radiology Donna Plecha shared insights on how AI is already assisting in their operations: Best Practices for Implementing AI 1. Identify High-Value Use Cases: 2. Conduct Architectural Reviews: 3. Monitor ROI and Metrics: 4. Gain Clinician Buy-In: Looking Ahead AI is proving to be a valuable tool in care coordination, but its adoption requires realistic expectations and a thoughtful approach. Plecha underscores that AI won’t replace radiologists but will empower those who embrace it. As healthcare faces increasing patient volumes and clinician shortages, leveraging AI to reduce workloads and enhance care quality is becoming a necessity. With ongoing evaluations and phased implementations, University Hospitals is setting a precedent for how AI can drive innovation in care coordination while maintaining clinician oversight and patient trust. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Autonomous Agents on the Agentforce Platform

Leveraging Agentforce

At Dreamforce 2024, Salesforce customers showcased the power of Agentforce by creating over 10,000 autonomous agents, each designed to address specific business challenges. The message was clear: “If you can describe it, Agentforce can do it.” By leveraging Agentforce, customers are able to create a flexible, on-demand digital workforce that operates without limitations, making it easy to build and deploy agents using familiar Salesforce tools and language. Why This Matters: Recent Salesforce research reveals that U.S. consumers often spend up to nine hours interacting with customer service to resolve a single issue. Moreover, 67% of consumers are frustrated when their issues aren’t resolved immediately and may abandon one-third of customer service interactions. This presents a massive opportunity to enhance the customer experience with AI-powered agents. “Piloting Agentforce made a noticeable difference during our busiest period — back-to-school season. We saw a 40% increase in case resolution, surpassing the performance of our old bot. Agentforce helps manage routine tasks, allowing our service teams to focus on more complex cases.” – Kevin Quigley, Director of Process Improvement, Wiley What’s New: Several new solutions are now available to all customers: Going Deeper: Agentforce is fully integrated into the Salesforce Platform, combining powerful data, AI, and the Salesforce Customer 360 ecosystem. This integration unlocks infinite agent capacity and proactive actions across all roles and channels, with full context on every customer interaction. Industry-Specific Examples: Agentforce’s flexibility allows it to serve various industries with tailored solutions: Customer & Analyst Quotes: “Agentforce is enhancing Saks’ ability to provide personalized customer support, automating routine tasks like order tracking, which allows our teams to focus on delivering a high-touch experience.” – Mike Hite, Chief Technology Officer, Saks Global “With Agentforce, OpenTable is automating routine tasks, saving time for our reps to focus on strengthening customer relationships and providing exceptional service to diners and restaurants worldwide.” – George Pokorny, Senior VP of Global Customer Success, OpenTable “By integrating Agentforce with Data Cloud and MuleSoft, we’re unlocking the full potential of our data, driving faster decisions and reimagining how we serve clients.” – Caroline Basyn, Chief Digital & IT Officer, The Adecco Group “Agentforce will revolutionize ezCater’s food management services, blending AI and human interaction to ensure seamless, personalized experiences for every customer.” – Erin DeCesare, CTO, ezCater Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Nature Tech Alliance

The Nature Tech Revolution

The Nature Tech Revolution: From “Do No Harm” to “Nature-Positive” In January, ERM, Salesforce, Planet, and NatureMetrics launched the NatureTech Alliance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The Alliance’s mission is clear: empower companies to leverage advanced data and technology to address pressing nature-related challenges. This integrated effort focuses on: After engaging with clients in early 2024, the Alliance identified recurring challenges across value chains. Through interviews with industry leaders, it uncovered actionable insights into corporate efforts to overcome these hurdles. Seven key takeaways highlight the obstacles and opportunities for effective nature-positive strategies. Seven Key Insights for Corporate Nature Action 1. Nature Risk is Both Global and Highly Local Nature-related risks, such as water scarcity or biodiversity loss, vary significantly by region. However, many companies rely on coarse, global data that overlooks critical local nuances like community-level resource usage or ecosystem dynamics. This mismatch creates blind spots that can hinder decision-making, disrupt operations, or lead to regulatory non-compliance. 2. Nature Risk Lacks Integration with Enterprise Strategy Nature-related risks often remain siloed from broader enterprise risk frameworks, despite deep ties to issues like climate change. For instance, deforestation exacerbates biodiversity loss and water stress while releasing carbon into the atmosphere. Integrating nature data into strategic planning is essential for resilience and sustainable performance. 3. Gaps in Understanding Hinder Progress Corporate decision-makers and investors frequently struggle to interpret complex nature-related data, slowing the adoption of nature-positive strategies. Bridging this gap with accessible tools and clear communication is critical to driving meaningful action. 4. A Shift from “Do No Harm” to “Net Positive” Businesses are evolving from mitigating harm (e.g., reducing deforestation) to pursuing net-positive outcomes, such as reforestation or ecosystem restoration. While promising, many of these efforts remain in pilot phases due to challenges in site-level data and measuring impacts. 5. Financial Institutions Lag but Hold Scaling Potential The financial sector trails industries like agriculture in incorporating nature-related data into decision-making. However, as institutions recognize risks like biodiversity loss and soil degradation, they are poised to influence capital flows and set new standards for nature-positive investments. 6. The Future Lies in Outcome-Based Metrics Companies are shifting from input-based metrics (e.g., reduced fertilizer use) to measuring real-world outcomes for biodiversity and ecosystem health. Outcome-based metrics offer better clarity on environmental impacts and link corporate actions to business value. However, challenges like standardized methodologies and reliable data collection persist. 7. Data Fragmentation, Not Technology, is the Biggest Barrier Although technologies like AI and remote sensing are widely available, fragmented and inconsistent data remains a significant hurdle. Many organizations collect localized data but struggle to integrate it across supply chains and operations. Advanced platforms that consolidate disparate datasets are critical for actionable insights. A Shared Vision for Nature-Positive Solutions The NatureTech Alliance envisions a transformative approach to addressing these challenges, built on five pillars: Achieving a Nature-Positive Future By aligning corporate strategies with these principles, businesses can move beyond “do no harm” to actively restoring ecosystems and driving nature-positive outcomes. This transition requires advanced tools, collaboration, and a commitment to measurable impact—paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Agentforce Testing Tool

Agentforce Testing Tool

Salesforce Unveils Agentforce Testing Center: A Breakthrough in AI Agent Lifecycle Management Salesforce, the global leader in AI-powered CRM solutions, has announced the Agentforce Testing Center, a first-of-its-kind platform for managing the lifecycle of autonomous AI agents. This innovative solution enables organizations to test AI agents at scale, leveraging synthetic data in secure environments, while ensuring accurate performance and robust monitoring. Designed to meet the unique demands of deploying intelligent AI agents, the Agentforce Testing Center introduces new tools to test, prototype, and optimize AI agents without disrupting live production systems. Core Features of the Agentforce Testing Center Why It Matters Autonomous AI agents represent a paradigm shift in enterprise software, capable of reasoning, retrieving data, and acting on behalf of users. However, ensuring their reliability and trustworthiness requires a robust testing framework that eliminates risks to live systems. The Agentforce Testing Center addresses these challenges by combining: “Agentforce is helping businesses create a limitless workforce,” said Adam Evans, EVP and GM for Salesforce AI Platform. “To deliver this value quickly, CIOs need advanced tools for testing and monitoring autonomous systems. Agentforce Testing Center provides the necessary framework for secure, repeatable deployment.” Customer and Analyst Perspectives Shree Reddy, CIO, PenFed:“With nearly 3 million members, PenFed is dedicated to providing personalized, efficient service. Using Data Cloud Sandboxes, we’re able to test and refine AI agents, ensuring they deliver fast, accurate support that aligns with our members’ financial goals.” Keith Kirkpatrick, Research Director, The Futurum Group:“To instill trust in AI, businesses must rigorously test autonomous agents. Salesforce’s Testing Center enables confidence by simulating hundreds of interaction scenarios, helping organizations deploy AI agents securely and effectively.” Availability A Competitive Edge in AI Lifecycle Management Salesforce’s Agentforce Testing Center sets a new industry standard for testing and deploying AI agents at scale. By providing a secure, scalable, and transparent solution, Salesforce enables businesses to embrace an “agent-first” approach with confidence. As enterprises continue adopting AI, tools like the Agentforce Testing Center will play a critical role in accelerating innovation while maintaining trust and reliability. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Transforming Fundraising for Nonprofits

Leverage AI to Enhance Customer Retention

Leverage AI to Enhance Customer Retention and Reduce Churn Customer churn is among the most expensive challenges businesses face—and one of the hardest to tackle. Predictive and generative AI technologies offer an immediate opportunity to boost retention rates. When applied strategically, these tools can revolutionize how customer service and support teams operate, creating measurable improvements in retention and overall customer satisfaction. A recent McKinsey & Company study highlights the impact of AI in customer service. One company reported a 14% increase in issue resolution and a 9% reduction in issue handling time with generative AI. Requests to escalate to a manager dropped by 25%, and employee retention in service roles improved. When every percentage point matters, AI’s ability to engage and retain customers (and employees) can significantly affect your bottom line and business success. The Cost of Poor Customer Service on Retention Retaining existing customers is far more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Happy, long-term customers are also more likely to purchase additional products or services, making upselling and cross-selling efforts easier. However, poor customer service experiences—such as lengthy hold times, repeating information, or unhelpful chatbot interactions—can damage customer relationships and lead to churn. As Salesforce points out, these four signs indicate broken customer service: To address these challenges, a seamless, data-driven approach to customer service is essential. Prevent Churn with CRM + AI Customer data spans multiple touchpoints, from website visits to call center interactions. Without a unified view, even the most skilled service teams struggle to deliver exceptional experiences. A solution like Salesforce Service Cloud, enhanced by AI tools such as Agentforce Service Agents, empowers teams to: By combining predictive analytics with a unified customer experience platform, businesses can deliver personalized, proactive service that fosters loyalty. Retention Agent: The AI Solution for Customer Retention Retention Agent, part of Tectonic’s Agentforce suite, leverages AI to identify at-risk customers and equip sales, service, and support teams with actionable insights. It provides recommendations for re-engagement strategies, personalized offers, and targeted communications to prevent costly churn. Here’s how Retention Agent works: By integrating AI into customer service operations, businesses can stay ahead of churn, improve satisfaction, and build stronger, longer-lasting customer relationships. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Salesforce Heroku

Salesforce Modernizes Heroku

Salesforce Modernizes Heroku PaaS with Kubernetes, .NET, and More Salesforce is rolling out a significant upgrade to Heroku, its popular Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), to better align with modern developer needs. Key enhancements include support for Amazon Elastic Container Registry (ECR), AWS Global Accelerator, Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), AWS Graviton processors, and AWS Bedrock. The revamped platform, dubbed the Heroku Next Generation Platform, was unveiled at the AWS Re:Invent 2024 conference. While some features are in public beta, Salesforce plans to fully release additional capabilities by 2025. Catering to the Modern DeveloperHeroku’s overhaul reflects the growing dominance of Kubernetes and the increasing demand for AI-enabled applications, including autonomous ones built in Salesforce’s Agentforce. Rebecca Wettemann, founder of Valoir, notes that these trends required Salesforce to evolve Heroku to remain competitive in the PaaS market. Kubernetes, for instance, is widely used for app containerization across clouds, while AI applications are becoming a focal point for many developers. “The update broadens Heroku’s appeal to developers who rely on Kubernetes or are building AI applications,” Wettemann said. Another notable addition is support for open telemetry, a standardized approach to monitoring app performance. Developers can now stream real-time metrics such as app health and container logs into their preferred visualization tools. “This integration offers unparalleled flexibility for our customers to work with a wide ecosystem of telemetry collectors,” said Gail Frederick, Heroku’s CTO at Salesforce. Introducing .NET SupportOne of the standout updates is the inclusion of .NET, a widely used open-source framework. Developers can now use .NET languages such as C#, F#, and Visual Basic alongside Heroku’s existing support for languages like Python, Ruby, Java, Node.js, and Scala. This strategic move aligns Heroku with a broader audience, especially developers familiar with Microsoft’s ecosystem. “Heroku is all about developer choice,” said Frederick. “Adding .NET ensures we continue to serve diverse needs.” Streamlining Development and DeploymentHeroku aims to simplify app development by automating infrastructure management and lifecycle tasks. “Heroku is the platform developers turn to when they need things to work without thinking about infrastructure,” said Adam Zimman, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Heroku. The platform abstracts complex deployment steps, such as configuration, provisioning, and autoscaling, enabling developers to focus on coding and innovation. Apps are deployed as pre-packaged “slugs” that run on Heroku’s dynos, isolated Unix-based containers. Developers can scale their apps dynamically by adding or removing dynos via the platform’s management interface. Efficiency Gains for BusinessesZimman highlighted the efficiency benefits of Heroku’s approach, projecting up to a 40% boost in developer productivity and a 30% reduction in developer expenses. “By taking care of the heavy lifting, we enable businesses to deliver applications faster and more cost-effectively,” he explained. Heroku also offers over 500 pre-built add-ons and build packs, covering functions like messaging, database management, and email services. These integrations provide additional flexibility and speed up the development lifecycle. Scaling Beyond StartupsWhile Heroku is often associated with startups, Salesforce has scaled the platform to accommodate enterprise-grade applications. “Heroku now evolves with your business,” said Chris Peterson, Senior Director of Product Management at Heroku. The platform has powered over 13 million applications and 38 million managed data stores since its launch in 2007. Many Salesforce applications also run on Heroku, leveraging deep integrations to extend the Salesforce ecosystem seamlessly. Heroku’s pricing starts at $7 per month for a basic plan and scales up to $40,000 per month for enterprise-grade solutions, ensuring it meets the needs of organizations of all sizes. With these updates, Heroku continues to position itself as a go-to platform for developers, enabling faster time-to-market, reduced operational complexity, and a better overall development experience. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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More Cool AI Tools

Salesforce Expands Partnership with AWS

Salesforce Expands Partnership with AWS: AI and Marketplace Integration Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) is making significant strides in its partnership with Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), unveiling an expanded collaboration at AWS. Customers can now purchase Salesforce products directly through the AWS Marketplace, paying with AWS credits. This integration aims to simplify access to Salesforce offerings, enhance data integration capabilities, and leverage generative AI tools. Key Announcements: Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, highlighted the importance of this milestone: “We’re bringing together the No. 1 AI CRM provider and the leading cloud provider to deliver a trusted, open, integrated data and AI platform. With these enhancements to our partnership, we’re enabling all of our customers to be more innovative, productive, and successful in this new AI era.” AWS CEO Adam Selipsky echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how the partnership will enable joint customers to “innovate, collaborate, and build more customer-focused applications.” Strategic Benefits: Revenue-Sharing Structure: Like app stores, Amazon will take a percentage of Salesforce’s revenue generated through AWS Marketplace. Despite this, the potential growth in sales and efficiency gains may outweigh the costs. Market Reaction: Following the announcement, both Salesforce and Amazon shares experienced a boost in premarket trading, signaling investor optimism about the partnership’s potential. This expansion reinforces Salesforce’s strategy of aligning with major cloud providers to meet growing demand for AI-driven, integrated data platforms. As this collaboration evolves, it is poised to drive significant value for businesses navigating the AI and data revolution. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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AI Agents, Tech's Next Big Bet

Business Intelligence and AI

AI in Business Intelligence: Uses, Benefits, and Challenges AI tools are increasingly becoming integral to Business Intelligence (BI) systems, enhancing analytics capabilities and streamlining tasks. In this article, we explore how AI can bring new value to BI processes and what to consider as this integration continues to evolve. AI’s Role in Business Intelligence Business Intelligence tools, such as dashboards and interactive reports, have traditionally focused on analyzing historical and current data to describe business performance—known as descriptive analytics. While valuable, many business users seek more than just a snapshot of past performance. They also want predictive insights (forecasting future trends) and prescriptive guidance (recommendations for action). Historically, implementing these advanced capabilities was challenging due to their complexity, but AI simplifies this process. By leveraging AI’s analytical power and natural language processing (NLP), businesses can move from descriptive to predictive and prescriptive analytics, enabling proactive decision-making. AI-powered BI systems also offer the advantage of real-time data analysis, providing up-to-date insights that help businesses respond quickly to changing conditions. Additionally, AI can automate routine tasks, boosting efficiency across business operations. Benefits of Using AI in BI Initiatives The integration of AI into BI systems brings several key benefits, including: Examples of AI Applications in BI AI’s role in BI is not limited to internal process improvements. It can significantly enhance customer experience (CX) and support business growth. Here are a few examples: Challenges of Implementing AI in BI While the potential for AI in BI is vast, there are several challenges companies must address: Best Practices for Deploying AI in BI To maximize the benefits of AI in BI, companies should follow these best practices: Future Trends to Watch AI is not poised to replace traditional BI tools but to augment them with new capabilities. In the future, we can expect: In conclusion, AI is transforming business intelligence by turning data analysis from a retrospective activity into a forward-looking, real-time process. While challenges remain, such as data governance, ethical concerns, and skill shortages, AI’s potential to enhance BI systems and drive business success is undeniable. By following best practices and staying abreast of industry developments, businesses can harness AI to unlock new opportunities and deliver better insights. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Alphabet Soup of Cloud Terminology As with any technology, the cloud brings its own alphabet soup of terms. This insight will hopefully help you navigate Read more

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AI Agents Are the Next Wave of Generative Technology

How AI Agents Are the Next Wave of Generative Technology The rise of agentic technology marks a pivotal evolution in artificial intelligence, signaling a shift from mere assistive tools to autonomous agents capable of complex, multi-step tasks. While excitement abounds, this new wave of AI also raises questions about its practical application and long-term impact. AI agents—autonomous tools designed to perform tasks independently—are rapidly gaining traction across industries. Vendors and developers are positioning them as the future of generative AI, enabling organizations to streamline workflows and unlock new efficiencies. However, concerns remain regarding the scope of tasks assigned to these agents and their return on investment (ROI). A Growing Presence at Industry Events The growing curiosity and cautious optimism surrounding AI agents were palpable at the recent AI Summit conference. “AI agents are here, and they’re scaling,” said Tim Cotten, CEO and founder of Scripted Inc., a generative AI platform for game development powered by autonomous agents. Speaking during a session on AI in game development, Cotten predicted that a third of companies present at the summit would likely adopt agent-based solutions in the near future. Cotten emphasized the transformative potential of AI agents: “Agents allow you to spread your influence while you’re asleep. They can do the job for you, generate new ideas, and even create additional agents to tackle emerging needs.” However, he also highlighted a critical challenge: ensuring agents remain focused on well-defined tasks. Overloading agents with responsibilities beyond their scope can lead to inefficiencies and diminished outcomes. Specialized Agents vs. General-Purpose Agents The debate between using specialized agents versus general-purpose agents continues to shape the discussion around agentic AI. According to Atif Khan, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at Semantex: “If you have a large application with different components, it’s better to deploy specialized agents for each task. For example, one agent could handle search, another documentation, and others for accounting or customer service.” Khan advocated for modular, independent agents that can be trained and refined individually, rather than a single, all-encompassing agent. This approach not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of “hallucinations,” or inaccuracies, that can arise when agents attempt to manage overly complex workloads. Mitigating Risks and Maintaining Oversight Despite their autonomy, AI agents still require oversight to ensure accuracy and compliance. Drayton Wade, COO at Kognitos, stressed the importance of human validation: “Organizations must determine where human review is necessary, especially in high-stakes environments like finance, where agents operate at scale and speed.” Logging agent activities and involving humans in critical decision-making processes can mitigate risks and create accountability, Wade added. Agentforce for Sales: Unlocking New Possibilities One of the most promising applications of agentic technology is in sales, where AI agents can significantly boost productivity and enhance customer experiences. Agentforce for Sales is a cutting-edge suite of tools designed to create and deploy both autonomous and assistive sales agents within Salesforce environments. These agents handle tasks such as lead qualification, pipeline building, case deflection, and sales coaching, allowing sales reps to focus on high-value activities. Types of Agentforce Sales Agents The Future of Agentic Technology AI agents are ushering in a new era of generative technology, enabling businesses to scale operations and optimize workflows. However, their success depends on thoughtful deployment, clear task delineation, and ongoing human oversight. By embracing solutions like Agentforce for Sales, organizations can maximize the potential of agentic AI, transforming how teams work and paving the way for continued innovation. The question is no longer whether to adopt AI agents but how to deploy them effectively to achieve lasting impact. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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agentforce digital workforce

Agentforce – The Digital Labor Market

Salesforce’s latest financial results delivered strong numbers, but the real story of the moment is Agentforce—a revolutionary step into the emerging Digital Labor market. CEO Marc Benioff has made it clear that this platform will be the centerpiece of Salesforce’s strategy moving into 2025. Financial Performance In Q3, Salesforce posted an impressive $9.44 billion in revenue, an 8% year-over-year increase, with net income rising 25% to $1.5 billion. Here’s the breakdown of revenue by cloud segment: The company also raised its revenue guidance for the fiscal year, now projecting .8– billion, up 8%–9% year-over-year. Following the announcement, Salesforce shares jumped 10%. Enter Agentforce: The Future of Work The post-earnings call focused heavily on Agentforce, which Benioff describes as more transformative than the data management market itself. Launched in late October, Agentforce has already secured 200 deals and boasts a significant pipeline of potential transactions. According to Benioff: “Agentforce is the next evolution of Salesforce—a platform where AI agents work alongside humans in a digital workforce, amplifying and augmenting human capabilities while delivering unparalleled speed.” Benioff envisions a world where these AI agents not only assist humans but also transform entire industries. He stated: “Agentforce will drive a new era of economic growth by unlocking a scalable digital workforce, providing businesses the ability to achieve both scale and efficiency simultaneously.” Early Adoption and Use Cases Agentforce’s potential is already being realized by customers across industries, including FedEx, Adecco, Accenture, ACE Hardware, IBM, and RBC Wealth Management. For instance: Internally, Salesforce has integrated Agentforce into its operations, using it to handle over 60 million help portal sessions and 2 million support cases annually. This internal transformation hints at broader industry impacts as businesses adopt Agentforce to automate and optimize workflows. Implications for the Workforce Benioff addressed how Agentforce will reshape traditional workforces, emphasizing that this shift doesn’t necessarily mean job losses. Instead, companies will need to rebalance their headcounts, focusing on areas critical for growth while automating routine tasks. Salesforce itself is hiring 1,400 sales account executives globally to capitalize on Agentforce’s growing demand. Benioff argued: “History has shown us that disruption brings new opportunities. Entire industries will emerge, fueled by creativity and innovation, as Agentforce enables organizations to solve challenges and reach new heights.” Competitive Landscape Salesforce faces competition in the AI agent space, particularly from Microsoft’s Copilot. However, Benioff was quick to point out that Salesforce’s AI solutions are deeply integrated with its platform and customer data, offering a unique advantage: “While others tout AI, Salesforce operates its company on its platform with low hallucination rates, thanks to training on 300 petabytes of real company data.” Looking Ahead As Salesforce heads into 2025, Agentforce is set to dominate its strategy. This shift mirrors past pivotal moments in tech, such as Microsoft’s 1995 pivot to the internet. Salesforce executives, led by Benioff, are laser-focused on driving Agentforce adoption, positioning it as the linchpin of the company’s growth and innovation. Chief Operating Officer Brian Millham reinforced this vision, highlighting the potential for Agentforce across all Salesforce clouds—from Service Cloud to Marketing Cloud and Data Cloud: “The initial 200 deals are just the tip of the iceberg. The opportunity ahead for Agentforce is massive.” Conclusion Salesforce’s Q3 results showcased strong financial performance, but the real excitement lies in Agentforce. By spearheading the Digital Labor revolution, Salesforce is not only reshaping its own operations but also helping businesses worldwide unlock new levels of productivity, innovation, and economic growth. As 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Salesforce to see how it delivers on this bold vision. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Ushering in the Era of AI-Driven Workforces

Agentforce: Ushering in the Era of AI-Driven Workforces “Agentforce is redefining what’s possible in business and beyond, ushering in a new era of AI abundance and limitless workforces that augment every employee, build deeper customer relationships, and drive unprecedented growth and profitability.”— Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO Key Features and Takeaways Out-of-the-Box AI Agents Agentforce introduces pre-built, customizable agents that are deployable with low-code or no-code tools, working tirelessly across any channel. Its first generally available solution, the Agentforce Service Agent, surpasses traditional chatbots by handling a diverse range of tasks—from simple inquiries to complex scenarios. Key capabilities include: Seamless Integration with Salesforce Platform Agentforce eliminates the complexity of building AI solutions from scratch. Unlike other platforms that demand intricate data integration and custom automation, Agentforce is fully embedded within the Salesforce ecosystem. With Agentforce, businesses can: Always-On Automation Agentforce operates independently of human intervention. Agents can be triggered by changes in data, predefined business rules, or pre-built automations, ensuring uninterrupted workflows. This blend of autonomous operation and human collaboration creates a symbiotic relationship between people and AI, enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction. A Competitive Edge in the AI Space Salesforce emphasizes that Agentforce goes beyond chatbots and copilots, setting a new benchmark for enterprise AI. In a strategic swipe at competitors, Marc Benioff likened rival offerings—like Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 AI agents—to “Clippy 2.0,” critiquing their inaccuracies and risks of corporate data leaks. By contrast, Agentforce builds on Salesforce’s proven Einstein AI platform, ensuring reliability, scalability, and secure integration. Redefining Customer Success Agentforce isn’t just about automation—it’s about driving outcomes. By enabling businesses to automate complex processes, deepen customer relationships, and scale operations, it paves the way for limitless growth in the age of AI. Ready to transform your workforce? With Agentforce, the future of AI-driven business is already here. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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