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Slack Expands AI Features
08Sep

Slack Expands AI Features

Slack is introducing several new AI-driven features, including the integration of AI-powered agents from Salesforce and other leading partners across the platform. The Big Picture: As part of its evolution, the Salesforce-owned company aims to position Slack as a hub where humans collaborate seamlessly with an increasing number of bots and AI agents. Key Updates: Ahead of Salesforce’s Dreamforce conference, Slack announced its support for agents from partners such as Adobe, Anthropic, Cohere, Perplexity, Writer, and more, alongside Salesforce’s own Agentforce. Additionally, Slack is enhancing its AI capabilities, expanding its AI-driven transcription features to include informal video chat sessions, known as “huddles.” Why It Matters: This move aligns with Salesforce’s broader strategy of leveraging generative AI to power autonomous agents that can take independent action, moving beyond the traditional role of AI as a co-pilot merely assisting humans. What They’re Saying: “Slack’s vision of becoming an AI-powered work operating system fits perfectly with the growing role of agents in the workplace,” said Slack CEO Denise Dresser in a statement to Axios. While Dresser didn’t disclose how many paying customers have adopted Slack’s AI features, it’s worth noting that these features require a separate monthly fee. Initially, Slack planned to require companies to pay for AI features for all users or none, but the company later shifted this approach following customer feedback. And Slack Expands AI Features with New Agent Integrations Slack is introducing several new AI-driven features, including the integration of AI-powered agents from Salesforce and other leading partners across the platform. The Big Picture: As part of its evolution, the Salesforce-owned company aims to position Slack as a hub where humans collaborate seamlessly with an increasing number of bots and AI agents. Key Updates: Ahead of Salesforce’s Dreamforce conference, Slack announced its support for agents from partners such as Adobe, Anthropic, Cohere, Perplexity, Writer, and more, alongside Salesforce’s own Agentforce. Additionally, Slack is enhancing its AI capabilities, expanding its AI-driven transcription features to include informal video chat sessions, known as “huddles.” Why It Matters: This move aligns with Salesforce’s broader strategy of leveraging generative AI to power autonomous agents that can take independent action, moving beyond the traditional role of AI as a co-pilot merely assisting humans. What They’re Saying: “Slack’s vision of becoming an AI-powered work operating system fits perfectly with the growing role of agents in the workplace,” said Slack CEO Denise Dresser in a statement to Axios. While Dresser didn’t disclose how many paying customers have adopted Slack’s AI features, it’s worth noting that these features require a separate monthly fee. Initially, Slack planned to require companies to pay for AI features for all users or none, but the company later shifted this approach following customer feedback. 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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September 8, 2024in Generative AI
AI in Performance Management
08Sep

AI in Performance Management

AI in Performance Management: Benefits and Use Cases AI is making its way into all aspects of the workplace, and performance management is no exception. While the technology can streamline performance reviews and enhance feedback quality, HR leaders should be mindful of potential drawbacks, such as impersonal or overly generic feedback. Here’s a look at how AI can be used in performance management, along with its advantages and some challenges to consider. 4 Benefits of Using AI in Performance Management AI can offer several advantages for companies in terms of improving employee feedback and overall performance. Here are four key benefits: 1. Faster Employee Feedback Creation AI can help managers draft initial feedback for employees, saving time and effort. By setting parameters like years in the role or specific job metrics, AI-generated feedback can be more accurate. However, managers should review and personalize the feedback to ensure it feels relevant and human. 2. Enhanced Feedback Quality AI tools can analyze performance review drafts, identifying issues like repetitive wording, biased language, or inappropriate tone. By refining the text, AI helps managers deliver more thoughtful and effective feedback. 3. Better Reporting and Dashboards AI can analyze performance data and generate reports or dashboards, providing senior leaders and HR teams with a clear overview of employee performance. This capability is especially useful for large companies with substantial data, helping decision-makers track progress and identify trends. 4. Boosted Employee Performance By simplifying the review process, AI can encourage managers to provide feedback more frequently. Regular, timely feedback keeps employees focused, motivated, and aligned with company goals, enhancing their development and overall experience. 4 Use Cases for AI in Performance Management AI’s role in performance management goes beyond feedback creation. Here are four specific ways AI can streamline the process: 1. Employee Data Analysis AI can aggregate and analyze various employee data sources—such as past performance reviews or internal communications—summarizing key insights for managers. This saves time spent on manual data gathering, though managers should still verify the data and focus on the most relevant information. 2. Generating Discussion Topics AI can generate discussion prompts for managers to use in one-on-one meetings with employees, such as future career goals or project challenges. While this saves time, managers should tailor the AI suggestions to the individual employee to ensure relevance. 3. Career Path Generation AI can suggest potential career paths for employees, pointing out skills or training required for advancement. While helpful, managers should rely on company-specific career progression frameworks when available, as these tend to be more tailored to the organization’s needs. 4. Feedback Reminders AI can automatically remind managers to provide feedback to their direct reports, helping maintain a regular cadence of performance reviews. Additionally, AI can flag anomalies in feedback frequency, ensuring that employees receive consistent input throughout the year. Key Takeaways for HR Leaders While AI can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of performance management, it’s essential to remember that human oversight is critical. AI can automate processes and improve feedback, but managers should always review AI-generated content for accuracy and appropriateness to maintain a personal connection with their employees. By leveraging AI thoughtfully, companies can improve performance management processes, offer more frequent feedback, and drive better employee outcomes. 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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September 8, 2024in Salesforce
Product Cultural Relevance
08Sep

Product Cultural Relevance

Technology discussions often center around quantifiable metrics such as daily or monthly active users, impressions, and click-through rates. However, one area that tends to be underrepresented is the cultural relevance of a product. The most impactful products are not necessarily those with the largest reach or the most polished features. Instead, they often represent a snapshot of a specific moment in time—messy, unpolished, and even unworkable by today’s standards—but they capture the essence of what a platform was, is, or could be. For instance, 4Chan attracts individuals with poor social skills, while MySpace nostalgically signals that its users are over 25. TikTok Shop has become synonymous with scams, and transactions conducted exclusively in Bitcoin often carry a dubious connotation. These products, while varied, share a common thread: culture imbues them with modern-day context, enabling them to spread rapidly throughout society. The hallmark of a culturally successful platform is its ability to transcend its original design. Content from the platform often becomes representative of the app itself, with even a screenshot of the user interface communicating context to someone who has never used the app. Take Pinterest, for example. Users frequently save screenshots from other platforms, and Pinterest itself pushes users to create videos that can be shared on TikTok. There’s a cultural interchange between platforms—TikTok-branded posts on Pinterest, tweets used in memes, and BeReal’s demand for authenticity all reinforce this idea. BeReal memes, in particular, have gained traction because they capture not just the bizarre moments within the app but also the cultural expectation of authenticity. Cultural relevance extends to past platforms as well. MySpace’s “Top 10 Friends” feature still resonates today, demonstrating that some features become lasting cultural markers, even after the platform itself fades. This phenomenon even applies to non-social media platforms like Cash App and Venmo, both of which have earned reputations that transcend their functional purpose. Cash App became known for enabling questionable activities, such as buying drugs, while Venmo was linked to political scandals, simply because of how its features were used. The platforms themselves could be replaced, but the cultural legacies they’ve created are irreplaceable. Consider apps like Ask.fm or After School, which became infamous for promoting bullying. These apps, though damaging, also became cultural markers of growing up in an interconnected world. They reflect how young people learned about others’ brutal opinions, often anonymously. There’s an interesting emotion tied to the revival of old products. Many times, new apps are merely nostalgic reconceptualizations of software long past its prime, like MySpace knock-offs or iPhone Tamagotchis. While they may elicit some emotional response, they often fail to carry the same cultural weight as the originals. This brings us to the ongoing battle between Threads and X (formerly Twitter). Both platforms aim to recreate the scale of Twitter but through their own cultural lenses. However, neither can replace the original Twitter. The identity of Twitter was never about its features, but the chaotic, real-time unfolding of events—something that cannot be easily replicated by Threads or X. People don’t join platforms for features; they join for cultural relevance. Twitter succeeded because it was the place to witness things happening in real time, from fights to breaking news. That kind of relevance isn’t easily replicated, and while Truth Social managed to carve out its own cultural niche (albeit for a specific political party), both Threads and X are still struggling to find a similar resonance. Cultural relevance in app development goes beyond features. It encompasses the product’s philosophy, the people involved, the features maintained, and the moderation policies in place. Building cultural relevance means creating a product that becomes an integral part of its community’s identity. Take Superfan, a young app built on the premise of a weekly Spotify Wrapped experience. It has pivoted toward monetizing fan-artist interactions, recognizing that people who closely identify with artists are likely to embrace deeper connections with them. Superfan’s model leverages cultural relevance by enabling users to share their listening habits and tag artists, creating a cycle of engagement that benefits both fans and artists. For Superfan to fully succeed, it must make its artist-fan content as culturally significant as the music statistics it started with. If it can create a visually compelling, shareable form of content that resonates with users, it will have cemented its cultural relevance. Success in the tech world is often defined by metrics like DAUs and revenue. However, there is immense value in products that eschew traditional metrics and prioritize cultural impact, which is emotional rather than numerical. Ultimately, cultural impact may be the only way to humanize software in a world where software increasingly defines the human experience. The apps and websites we encounter leave emotional imprints, and their cultural significance shapes how we remember them, long after the code itself fades from view. 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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September 8, 2024in Salesforce
Salesforce to Enhance AI-Powered Tools With Tenyx
07Sep

Salesforce to Enhance AI-Powered Tools With Tenyx

Salesforce to Acquire Tenyx, Enhancing AI-Powered Solutions Salesforce has announced its decision to acquire Tenyx, a California-based startup specializing in AI-driven voice agents. This acquisition aims to bolster Salesforce’s AI capabilities and further its commitment to enhancing customer service through innovative technology. The deal, set to close in the third quarter of 2024, will integrate Tenyx’s advanced voice AI solutions with Salesforce’s existing services. About Tenyx Founded in 2022, Tenyx has quickly established itself in various industries including e-commerce, healthcare, hospitality, and travel. The startup, led by CEO Itamar Arel and CTO Adam Earle, is renowned for developing AI voice agents that create natural and engaging conversational experiences. Salesforce’s Strategic Move This acquisition is part of Salesforce’s broader strategy to reinvigorate its growth and strengthen its AI capabilities. Following a year of focus on share buybacks and a reduction in acquisitions under pressure from activist investors, Salesforce is now pivoting to integrate cutting-edge technology. This move reflects a renewed emphasis on acquiring top-tier AI talent to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge. Industry Context The acquisition aligns Salesforce with a growing trend in the tech industry, where major players like Microsoft and Amazon are also investing heavily in AI. Microsoft recently acquired talent from AI startup Inflection for $650 million, while Amazon brought in co-founders and employees from Adept. These strategic acquisitions highlight the escalating competition for AI expertise and tools. What This Means for Salesforce With Tenyx’s technology, Salesforce will enhance its AI-powered solutions, particularly within its Agentforce Service Agent platform. This integration aims to deliver more intuitive and seamless customer interactions, setting new standards in customer experience. Conclusion Salesforce’s acquisition of Tenyx is a strategic move to advance its AI-driven solutions and maintain its leadership in customer service technology. By integrating Tenyx’s innovative voice AI, Salesforce is positioned to redefine customer engagement and service standards. The deal is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of Salesforce’s fiscal year 2025, concluding on October 31, 2024, pending customary closing conditions. 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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September 7, 2024in Salesforce
Adopting Salesforce Security Policies
07Sep

Adopting Salesforce Security Policies

Data breaches reached an all-time high in 2023, affecting more than 234 million individuals, and there’s no sign of the trend slowing down. At the center of this challenge is how organizations allocate resources to safeguard customer data. One of the most critical systems for managing this data is CRM platforms like Salesforce, used by over 150,000 U.S. businesses. However, security blind spots within Salesforce continue to pose significant risks. To address these concerns, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers a strategic framework for Salesforce security teams. In February 2024, NIST released Version 2.0 of its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), marking the first major update in a decade. Key improvements include the introduction of a new “Govern” function, streamlining of categories to simplify usability, and updates to the “Respond” function to enhance incident management. This framework now applies across all industries, not just critical infrastructure. For Salesforce security leaders, these changes will significantly affect how they manage security, from aligning Salesforce practices with enterprise risk strategies to strengthening oversight of third-party apps. Here’s how these updates will influence Salesforce security going forward. What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0? The NIST Cybersecurity Framework, first launched in 2014, was developed after an executive order by President Obama, aiming to provide a standardized set of guidelines to improve cybersecurity across critical infrastructure. The framework’s objectives include: The newly updated NIST CSF 2.0, released in 2024, expands on the original framework, providing organizations with structured, yet flexible, guidance for managing cybersecurity risks. It revolves around three core components: the CSF Core, CSF Profiles, and CSF Tiers. Key Components of NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 These components help organizations understand, assess, and improve their cybersecurity posture, forming the basis for risk-informed strategies that align with organizational needs and the evolving threat landscape. Key Updates in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and Their Impact on Salesforce Security The 2024 updates to NIST CSF offer insights that Salesforce security leaders can use to align their strategies with evolving cybersecurity risks. Implementation Strategies for Salesforce Security Leaders To incorporate CSF 2.0 into Salesforce security operations, leaders should: Conclusion: Embracing NIST CSF 2.0 to Strengthen Salesforce Security The 2024 NIST Cybersecurity Framework updates offer crucial insights for Salesforce security leaders. By adopting these practices, organizations can enhance data protection, strengthen incident response capabilities, and ensure business continuity—critical for those relying on Salesforce for managing sensitive customer data. 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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September 7, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Shield, Technology
EU AI Act
07Sep

EU AI Act

The EU AI Act is a complex piece of legislation, packed with various sections, definitions, and guidelines, making it challenging for organizations to navigate. However, understanding the EU AI Act is crucial for companies aiming to innovate with AI while staying compliant with both legal and ethical standards. Arnoud Engelfriet, chief knowledge officer at ICTRecht, an Amsterdam-based legal services firm, specializes in IT, privacy, security, and data law. As the head of ICTRecht Academy, he is responsible for educating others on AI legislation, including the AI Act. In his book AI and Algorithms: Mastering Legal and Ethical Compliance, published by Technics, Engelfriet explores the intersection of AI legislation and ethical AI development, using the AI Act as a key example. He emphasizes that while new AI guidelines can raise concerns about creativity and compliance, it’s quite necessary for organizations to grasp the current and future legal landscape to build trustworthy AI systems. Balancing Compliance and Innovation As of August 2024, the much-anticipated AI Act is in effect, with implementation timelines extending from six months to over a year. Many businesses worry that the regulations might slow down AI innovation, especially given the rapid pace of technological advancements. Engelfriet acknowledges this tension, noting that “compliance and innovation have always been somewhat at odds.” However, he believes the act’s flexible, tiered approach offers space for businesses to adapt. For instance, the inclusion of regulatory sandboxes allows companies to test AI systems safely, without releasing them into the market. Engelfriet suggests that while innovation might slow down, the safety and trustworthiness of AI systems will improve. Ensuring Trustworthy AI The AI Act aims to promote “trustworthy AI,” a term that became central to discussions after its inclusion in the first draft of the act in 2019. Although the concept remains somewhat undefined, the act outlines three key characteristics of trustworthy AI: legality, technical robustness, and ethical soundness. Engelfriet underscores that trust in AI systems is ultimately about trusting the humans behind them. “You cannot really trust a machine,” he explained, “but you can trust its designers and operators.” The AI Act requires transparency around how AI systems function, ensuring they reliably perform their intended tasks, such as making automated decisions or serving as chatbots. Ethics has gained even more prominence with the rise of generative AI. Engelfriet highlights the fragmented nature of AI ethics guidelines, which address everything from data protection to bias prevention. The EU’s Assessment List for Trustworthy AI provides a framework to guide organizations in applying ethical standards, though Engelfriet notes that it may need to be tailored to specific industry needs. The Role of AI Compliance Officers Given the complexity of AI regulations, organizations may find it overwhelming to manage compliance efforts. To meet this growing need, Engelfriet recommends appointing AI compliance officers to help companies integrate AI responsibly into their operations. ICTRecht has also developed a course, based on AI and Algorithms, to teach employees how to navigate AI compliance. Participants from various roles—particularly those in data, privacy, and risk functions—attend the course to expand their knowledge in this increasingly important area. Salesforce is developing Trailblazer content to address these challenges as well. As with GDPR, Engelfriet believes the AI Act will set the tone for future AI regulations. He advises businesses to proactively engage with the AI Act to ensure they are prepared for the evolving regulatory landscape. To get assistance exploring your EU risks, contact Tectonic today. 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 Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

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September 7, 2024in Generative AI
Salesforce Validation Rules
07Sep

Salesforce Validation Rules Explained

When to Use (and Avoid) Salesforce Validation Rules Ensuring quality data in Salesforce is crucial, but finding the right balance between enforcing data integrity and maintaining a smooth user experience can be challenging. Both Flows and validation rules play important roles in this process. The Role of Validation Rules and Flows in Data Management Salesforce administrators must carefully consider the impact of data validation methods. Some approaches prevent records from being saved if certain conditions aren’t met, while others allow the process to continue and address issues later. Sales teams, in particular, may find it frustrating to be slowed down by data entry requirements, but there are situations where enforcing specific data formats or ranges is essential. This is where Salesforce validation rules come into play. For more complex processes, especially those managed by automation, Flows offer a solution that allows records to be corrected without interrupting the workflow. The Purpose of Validation Rules Validation rules in Salesforce are used to enforce specific data requirements by preventing the record from being saved if certain conditions are not met. For instance, a simple validation rule might require a field value to be between 10 and 100: scssCopy codeOR( Your_Field__c < 10, Your_Field__c > 100 ) Validation rules are typically applied to a single field or a combination of fields, and they are especially useful when a user must enter specific information, such as a description for a unique discount type. How Flows Offer Flexibility Salesforce Flows have evolved into a robust alternative to validation rules, providing more flexibility in how data is managed. Flows can be configured to check conditions before or after a record is saved, allowing for automatic corrections without blocking the save. For example, a Flow could assign a default value if the user fails to enter one or perform a lookup to populate a field. Flows also allow records to be saved even if they would otherwise trigger a validation rule. This capability is particularly valuable for automated processes, as it prevents errors from halting updates made by tools like Fivetran, Hightouch, or Zapier. Balancing User Experience with Data Validation Validation rules are designed with the user in mind, serving as reminders to ensure that necessary information is entered. However, if these rules are too restrictive or unclear, they can hinder productivity. One common challenge arises when trying to enforce constraints on date fields, such as ensuring a follow-up task is scheduled within a certain time frame. While a validation rule can prevent a date field from being left blank, Salesforce does not allow a rule to simultaneously enforce non-blankness and a specific date calculation. To address this, a combination of validation rules and Flows can be used: Key Takeaway Balancing the use of validation rules and Flows is essential for effective data management in Salesforce. Validation rules are useful for enforcing critical data entry requirements, while Flows offer the flexibility to correct issues automatically. By focusing on the user experience, administrators can determine the optimal combination of these features to maintain data integrity without disrupting workflow. 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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September 7, 2024in Salesforce
Iran-based cyber threat actors have been targeting U.S
06Sep

Iran-based cyber threat actors have been targeting U.S

Iran-based cyber threat actors have been targeting U.S. and international organizations across various sectors, including healthcare, according to a joint cybersecurity advisory from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, and the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center. The advisory highlights known threat groups such as Pioneer Kitten, UNC757, Parisite, Rubidium, and Lemon Sandstorm. These actors have been observed targeting a range of sectors including education, healthcare, defense, finance, and local government, as well as organizations in countries like Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. A significant portion of these actors’ operations against U.S. organizations involves gaining network access and subsequently collaborating with ransomware affiliates to deploy ransomware. The advisory notes that these actors offer full domain control and admin credentials to networks globally. Recently, they have been working directly with ransomware groups to facilitate encryption and share a percentage of ransom payments. The FBI has identified collaborations between these threat actors and ransomware affiliates such as NoEscape, Ransomhouse, and ALPHV. Despite their association with the Iranian government, these groups typically obscure their Iranian origins and provide vague details about their nationality when working with ransomware affiliates. Tracking of these Iranian cyber threat actors dates back to 2017, with recent activities documented up to August 2024. The advisory draws parallels with a September 2020 alert about Iran-backed hackers exploiting VPN vulnerabilities, based on previous FBI investigations. The advisory provides technical insights into the threat actors’ methods, including their use of public-facing network devices like Citrix Netscaler for initial access. To mitigate risks, the FBI and CISA recommend that organizations prioritize patching vulnerabilities associated with CVE-2024-3400, CVE-2022-1388, CVE-2019-19781, and CVE-2023-3519. Organizations are also advised to review security controls, examine logs, and search for unique identifiers and indicators of compromise. If organizations suspect they have been targeted by these Iranian cyber threat actors, they should contact their local FBI field office for assistance. 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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September 6, 2024in Salesforce
Salesforce and Ortoo Integration
06Sep

Salesforce and Ortoo Integration

Ortoo Launches Smart Actions: A Revolutionary Salesforce-Native App for AI Automation Ortoo, a leading provider of Salesforce productivity solutions, has unveiled its latest innovation, Smart Actions, now available on the Salesforce AppExchange. This groundbreaking Salesforce-native app allows businesses to seamlessly integrate AI automation into their Salesforce workflows, dramatically boosting efficiency and simplifying complex processes with a single click. Salesforce and Ortoo integration for Smart Actions. How do I sync Ortto activities to Salesforce? In your Ortto account, navigate to Data sources > Salesforce > Sync Ortto activities to Salesforce. Choose up to 5 activities. At Sync settings, select whether you wish to sync these Ortto activities as activities and/or as tasks. If you are syncing the Salesforce Task object to Ortto (selected at Salesforce fields): Smart Actions empowers companies to deploy AI and GPT-powered automations across sales, service, and support functions within Salesforce, eliminating the traditionally high costs associated with advanced AI tools. By integrating smoothly into the Salesforce ecosystem, Smart Actions enables businesses to automate manual tasks, personalize communications, and optimize workflows with unparalleled ease. Track and manage email conversations within Salesforce. AI-powered actions to streamline sales workflows. SEAMLESS SALESFORCE INTEGRATION “With Smart Actions, we’re making AI automation accessible to businesses of all sizes,” said Amy Grenham, Head of Marketing at Ortoo. “If you’ve ever built a custom GPT using OpenAI, creating a Smart Action will feel very familiar. Ortoo’s prompt builder allows you to set the context, specify the Salesforce fields to analyze, and determine where the output should go. This simplicity makes it incredibly easy to deploy AI-driven processes and transform operations within Salesforce.” Key Features and Practical Applications Real-World Applications of Smart Actions Get Started with Smart Actions Today Smart Actions is now available on the Salesforce AppExchange. Businesses can start using the app for free, with additional features available through a premium version. SmartActions is a 5 star product on the Salesforce AppExchange. 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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September 6, 2024in Salesforce Implementation Services
Citizen Development
06Sep

Citizen Development

As we progress through the era of digital transformation, citizen development has emerged as a key trend in the business landscape. This approach empowers end-users to create their applications, streamlining workflows and reshaping corporate operations. However, like any innovation, citizen development presents both advantages and challenges. In this article, we will explore the benefits, pros and cons of citizen development, and strategies to effectively leverage it within your organization. 1. The Rise of Citizen Development The popularity of citizen development is on the rise, as reflected by Statista, which reports a remarkable 24.6% growth in this sector since 2020. The increasing demand for software solutions in the corporate environment has made the traditional model of IT departments solely managing application development unsustainable. By enabling non-technical personnel to develop their applications, businesses can relieve pressure on IT teams, speed up solution delivery, and cultivate a more agile business model. Furthermore, investing in citizen development platforms fosters an inclusive and innovative workplace, allowing diverse perspectives to generate unique applications that meet specific workflow needs. 2. Benefits of Citizen Development for Companies 2.1 Accelerated Pace and Flexibility Citizen development tools facilitate rapid prototyping and quicker application rollouts. Non-technical personnel can design, modify, and launch applications according to immediate needs, enhancing agility and responsiveness. 2.2 Boosted Creativity Empowering your staff to create applications unlocks a wealth of untapped potential. Citizen development nurtures a culture of innovation, leading to tailored solutions that address specific business challenges. 2.3 Tailored App Design Citizen developers, as end-users, possess an in-depth understanding of their workflow requirements. This perspective enables them to develop applications that align closely with user needs, improving adoption and utility. 2.4 Heightened Productivity By reducing the back-and-forth between IT departments and end-users, citizen development streamlines operations, leading to enhanced efficiency. 2.5 Cost-Effectiveness Citizen development significantly cuts costs associated with traditional application development, such as hiring professional developers or outsourcing tasks. Rapid application rollouts also help seize business opportunities quickly, optimizing ROI. 2.6 Reduced Workload for IT Staff Enabling non-technical personnel to handle minor application development tasks lightens the load on IT teams, allowing them to focus on high-priority projects. 2.7 Enhanced Visibility and Accountability Many citizen development platforms include built-in analytics and reporting features, offering insights into application usage and performance. This transparency helps businesses track initiatives, make data-driven decisions, and continuously improve processes. 3. Implementing Citizen Development with Salesforce Solutions Given its extensive benefits, citizen development is a strategy many businesses are eager to adopt. Salesforce provides a powerful platform to effectively harness citizen development. Salesforce’s platform caters to both professional and citizen developers, offering a comprehensive suite of user-friendly tools for building applications and managing workflows. With built-in safeguards for data security and regulatory compliance, Salesforce for Public Sector and Tribal Governments ensures a smooth and secure citizen development process. Their clear deployment roadmap and thorough training programs equip businesses for success in their citizen development journey. 4. Partnering with Tectonic for Public Sector and Tribal Government Solutions Consider Tectonic as your trusted partner for PSS solutions. Tectonic is a distinguished provider of technology solutions with extensive expertise in Salesforce and process management. With a proven track record of successful projects, Tectonic has earned the trust of clients globally. Tectonic maintains a close partnership with Salesforce, ensuring a deep understanding of its advanced features, including process automation. As a Salesforce partner, Tectonic keeps clients updated on the latest advancements, delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs. By selecting Tectonic as your implementation partner for public sector Salesforce, you benefit from their vast experience and specialized knowledge. Tectonic provides a dedicated public sector team that excels in implementing secure and efficient solutions, working closely with our clients to address their unique challenges. Tectonic offers a comprehensive range of services, from initial implementation to ongoing support and maintenance. Their offerings include process modeling, application design, automation implementation, and roles management. With Tectonic’s expertise, you can ensure seamless integration of automation into your pss projects. To learn more about Tectonic’s public sector services, visit our services page, where you can explore their offerings, including Salesforce Managed Services. Tectonic’s Managed Services provide full support to ensure your public sector environment runs smoothly, covering automation management, data governance, and performance optimization. 5. Final Thoughts While citizen development presents both advantages and challenges, the benefits largely outweigh the potential drawbacks. Although there are concerns about data security and the need for proper governance, the positive impact of citizen development makes it a vital component of the digital transformation narrative. Successful implementation hinges on selecting the right platform and tools that align with your business model and workflow needs. Salesforce Public Sector Solution excels in this regard, offering a user-friendly suite of tools with a clear roadmap for deployment and top-notch support. Brining your public sector tech into the 21st century is an imperative. To fully realize the benefits of citizen development, businesses must strike a balance between empowerment and control. Establishing an environment that fosters innovation and efficiency, while also implementing a governance structure to mitigate risks, is essential. With careful planning, the right tools, and a culture of collaboration, the rewards of citizen development can be substantial. Whether you’re looking to enhance speed and agility, optimize costs, or cultivate a culture of innovation, citizen development offers a promising pathway forward. Embrace citizen development in Salesforce PSS, and set your business on the road to success. If you have any questions about implementing Salesforce Public Sector Solutions and its benefits, feel free to contact us to discuss your project. 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

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September 6, 2024in Data, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Public Sector Solutions, Technology
Strong AI Scalability
06Sep

Strong AI Scalability

The rapid pace of digital transformation has made scalability essential for any business looking to remain competitive. The stakes are high—without the ability to scale, businesses risk falling behind as customer demands and market conditions shift. So, what does it take to build a scalable business that can grow without compromising performance or customer satisfaction? In this Tectonic insight, we’ll cover key steps to future-proof your operations, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your business doesn’t just keep pace with the market, but leads it. Master Scalability with Scale Center Scalability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Salesforce’s Scale Center, available on Trailhead, provides a comprehensive learning path to help you optimize your scalability strategy. Why Scalability Is a Must-Have Scalability is critical to long-term success. As your business grows, so will the demands on your applications, infrastructure, and resources. If your systems aren’t prepared, you risk performance issues, outages, lost revenue, and dissatisfied customers. Unexpected spikes in demand—from increased customer activity or internal changes like onboarding large numbers of employees—can push systems to their limits, leading to overloads or downtime. A strong scalability plan helps prevent these issues. Here are three best practices to help scale your operations smoothly and sustainably. 1. Prioritize Proactive Scale Testing Scale testing should be a key part of your application lifecycle. Many businesses wait until performance issues arise before addressing them, which can result in maintenance headaches, poor user experiences, and challenges in supporting growth. Proactive steps to take: 2. Use the Right Tools for Seamless Scalability Choosing the right technology is crucial when scaling your business. Equip your team with tools that support growth management, and follow these tips for success: By integrating the right tools and technologies, you’ll not only stay ahead of the curve but also build a culture ready to scale. 3. Focus on Sustainable Growth Strategies Scaling requires a long-term approach. From development to deployment, a strategy that emphasizes scalability from the outset can help you avoid costly fixes down the road. Key practices include: DevOps Done Right Building secure, scalable AI applications and agents requires bridging the gap between tools and skills. Focus on crafting a thoughtful DevOps strategy that supports scalability. Scalability: A Marathon, Not a Sprint Scaling effectively is an ongoing process. Customer needs and market conditions will continue to change, so your strategies should evolve as well. Scalability is about more than just handling increased demand—it’s about ensuring stability and performance across the board. Consider these steps to enhance your approach: Committing to Scalability Scalability isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a continuous commitment to growing smarter and stronger across all areas of your business. By embedding best practices into your day-to-day operations, you’ll ensure that your systems meet demand and prepare your business for future breakthroughs. As you develop your scalability strategy, remember that customer experience and trust should always guide your decisions. Tackling scalability proactively ensures your business can thrive no matter how market conditions change. It’s more than just a bonus feature—it’s a critical element of a smoother user experience, reduced costs, and the flexibility to pivot when necessary. By embracing these strategies, you’ll not only avoid potential challenges but also build lasting trust with your customers. In a world where loyalty is earned through exceptional experiences, a strong scalability plan is your key to long-term success. 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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September 6, 2024in Data, Hyperforce, Salesforce, Technology
Salesforce to Acquire Own
06Sep

Salesforce to Acquire Own

Salesforce is set to acquire data protection and management vendor Own Co. for approximately $1.9 billion in cash. This move aligns with Salesforce’s ongoing investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and its efforts to bolster cybersecurity amidst rising data security concerns.  The San Francisco-based CRM giant expects to finalize the acquisition of Own by the fourth quarter of its fiscal year 2025, according to a company statement. Own, formerly known as OwnBackup, touts itself as the leading cloud data protection platform for Salesforce, serving around 7,000 customers with services such as data archiving, security, and analytics. He highlighted that Own’s expertise would enhance Salesforce’s data protection and management capabilities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to secure, end-to-end solutions. Sam Gutmann, CEO of Own, echoed the sentiment, stating that the acquisition would allow Own and Salesforce to drive innovation and secure data, particularly in highly regulated industries. Gutmann, who previously founded Intronis, has led Own’s growth since its establishment in 2015, with backing from investors like BlackRock and Salesforce Ventures. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Salesforce’s existing offerings, such as Backup, Shield, and Data Mask. Own, known for its data resilience platform, has raised over 0 million in funding and partnered with major tech players like ServiceNow and Microsoft Dynamics 365. The deal comes shortly after Salesforce announced plans to acquire Tenyx, an AI-powered voice agent startup, as part of its broader AI-driven strategy. Salesforce has shifted focus from larger acquisitions in recent years, prioritizing shareholder returns. However, this purchase reflects the company’s strategic shift towards enhancing its AI and data security solutions to maintain growth momentum. Salesforce anticipates that the Own deal will be accretive to free cash flow starting in the second year after the transaction closes, without affecting its current capital return program. This acquisition underscores Salesforce’s evolving focus on data protection, especially as AI adoption grows and data security becomes increasingly important. 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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September 6, 2024in Einstein 1 Platform
AI Senate Bill 1047
06Sep

AI Senate Bill 1047

California’s new AI bill has sparked intense debate, with proponents viewing it as necessary regulation and critics warning it could stifle innovation, particularly for small businesses. Senate Bill 1047, known as the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act, mandates that developers of advanced AI systems costing at least $100 million to train must test their models for potential harm and put safeguards in place. It also offers whistleblower protections for employees at large AI firms and establishes CalCompute, a public cloud computing resource aimed at startups and researchers. The bill is awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature by Sept. 30 to become law. Prominent AI experts, including Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, support the bill. However, it has met resistance from various quarters, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi and OpenAI, who argue it could hinder innovation and the startup ecosystem. Pelosi and others have expressed concerns that the bill’s requirements might burden smaller businesses and harm California’s leadership in tech innovation. Gartner analyst Avivah Litan acknowledged the dilemma, stating that while regulation is critical for AI, the bill’s requirements might negatively impact small businesses. “Some regulation is better than none,” she said, but added that thresholds could be challenging for smaller firms. Steve Carlin, CEO of AiFi, criticized the bill for its vague language and complex demands on AI developers, including unclear guidance on enforcing the rules. He suggested that instead of focusing on AI models, legislation should address the risks and applications of AI, as seen with the EU AI Act. Despite concerns, some experts like Forrester Research’s Alla Valente support the bill’s safety testing and whistleblower protections. Valente argued that safeguarding AI models is essential across industries, though she acknowledged that the costs of compliance could be higher for small businesses. Still, she emphasized that the long-term costs of not implementing safeguards could be greater, with risks including customer lawsuits and regulatory penalties. California’s approach to AI regulation adds to the growing patchwork of state-level AI laws in the U.S. Colorado and Connecticut have also introduced AI legislation, and cities like New York have tackled issues like algorithmic bias. Carlin warned that a fragmented state-by-state regulatory framework could create a costly and complex environment for developers, calling for a unified federal standard instead. While federal legislation has been proposed, none has passed, and Valente pointed out that relying on Congress for action is a slow process. In the meantime, states like California are pushing ahead with their own AI regulations, creating both opportunities and challenges for the AI industry. 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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September 6, 2024in Salesforce
Data Quality Critical
06Sep

Data Quality Critical

Data quality has never been more critical, and it’s only set to grow in importance with each passing year. The reason? The rise of AI—particularly generative AI. Generative AI offers transformative benefits, from vastly improved efficiency to the broader application of data in decision-making. But these advllucantages hinge on the quality of data feeding the AI. For enterprises to fully capitalize on generative AI, the data driving models and applications must be accurate. If the data is flawed, so are the AI’s outputs. Generative AI models require vast amounts of data to produce accurate responses. Their outputs aren’t based on isolated data points but on aggregated data. Even if the data is high-quality, an insufficient volume could result in an incorrect output, known as an AI hallucination. With so much data needed, automating data pipelines is essential. However, with automation comes the challenge: humans can’t monitor every data point along the pipeline. That makes it imperative to ensure data quality from the outset and to implement output checks along the way, as noted by David Menninger, an analyst at ISG’s Ventana Research. Ignoring data quality when deploying generative AI can lead to not just inaccuracies but biased or even offensive outcomes. “As we’re deploying more and more generative AI, if you’re not paying attention to data quality, you run the risks of toxicity, of bias,” Menninger warns. “You’ve got to curate your data before training the models and do some post-processing to ensure the quality of the results.” Enterprises are increasingly recognizing this, with leaders like Saurabh Abhyankar, chief product officer at MicroStrategy, and Madhukar Kumar, chief marketing officer at SingleStore, noting the heightened emphasis on data quality, not just in terms of accuracy but also security and transparency. The rise of generative AI is driving this urgency. Generative AI’s potential to lower barriers to analytics and broaden access to data has made it a game-changer. Traditional analytics tools have been difficult to master, often requiring coding skills and data literacy training. Despite efforts to simplify these tools, widespread adoption has been limited. Generative AI, however, changes the game by enabling natural language interactions, making it easier for employees to engage with data and derive insights. With AI-powered tools, the efficiency gains are undeniable. Generative AI can take on repetitive tasks, generate code, create data pipelines, and even document processes, allowing human workers to focus on higher-level tasks. Abhyankar notes that this could be as transformational for knowledge workers as the industrial revolution was for manual labor. However, this potential is only achievable with high-quality data. Without it, AI-driven decision-making at scale could lead to ethical issues, misinformed actions, and significant consequences, especially when it comes to individual-level decisions like credit approvals or healthcare outcomes. Ensuring data quality is challenging, but necessary. Organizations can use AI-powered tools to monitor data quality, detect irregularities, and alert users to potential issues. However, as advanced as AI becomes, human oversight remains critical. A hybrid approach, where technology augments human expertise, is essential for ensuring that AI models and applications deliver reliable outputs. As Kumar of SingleStore emphasizes, “Hybrid means human plus AI. There are things AI is really good at, like repetition and automation, but when it comes to quality, humans are still better because they have more context.” Ultimately, while AI offers unprecedented opportunities, it’s clear that data quality is the foundation. Without it, the risks are too great, and the potential benefits could turn into unintended consequences. 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 Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

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September 6, 2024in Generative AI

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