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AI Agents and Open APIs

AI Agents and Open APIs

How AI Agents and Open APIs Are Unlocking New Rebundling Opportunities While much of the 2023-24 excitement surrounding AI has focused on the capabilities of foundational models, the true potential of AI lies in reconfiguring value creation across vertical value chains, not just generating average marketing content. The Vertical AI Opportunity Most AI hype has centered on horizontal B2C applications, but the real transformative power of AI is in vertical B2B industries. This article delves into the opportunities within vertical AI and explores how companies can excel in this emerging space. Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies in Vertical AI In the short term, many vertical AI players focus on developing proprietary, fine-tuned models and user experiences to gain a competitive advantage. These niche models, trained on domain-specific data, often outperform larger foundational models in latency, accuracy, and cost. As models become more fine-tuned, changes in user experience (UX) must integrate these benefits into daily workflows, creating a flywheel effect. Vertical AI companies tend to operate as full-stack providers, integrating interfaces, proprietary models, and proprietary data. This level of integration enhances their defensibility because owning the user interface allows them to continually collect and refine data, improving the model. While this approach is effective in the short term, vertical AI players must consider the broader ecosystem to ensure long-term success. The Shift from Vertical to Horizontal Though vertical AI solutions may dominate in specific niches, long-term success requires moving beyond isolated verticals. Users ultimately prefer unified experiences that minimize switching between multiple platforms. To stay competitive in the long run, vertical AI players will need to evolve into horizontal solutions that integrate across broader ecosystems. Vertical Strategies and AI-Driven Rebundling Looking at the success of vertical SaaS over the last decade provides insight into the future of vertical AI. Companies like Square, Toast, and ServiceTitan have grown by first gaining adoption in a focused use case, then rapidly expanding by rebundling adjacent capabilities. This “rebundling” process—consolidating multiple unbundled capabilities into a comprehensive, customer-centric offering—helps vertical players establish themselves as the hub. The same principle applies to vertical AI, where the end game involves going vertical to later expand horizontally. AI’s Role in Rebundling The key to long-term competitive advantage in vertical AI lies not just in addressing a single pain point but in using AI agents to rebundle workflows. AI agents serve as a new hub for rebundling, enabling vertical AI players to integrate and coordinate diverse workflows across their solutions. Rebundling Workflows with AI Business workflows are often fragmented, spread across siloed software systems. Managers currently bundle these workflows together to meet business goals by coordinating across silos. But with advances in technology, B2B workflows are being transformed by increasing interoperability and the rise of AI agents. The Rebundling Power of AI Agents Unlike traditional software that automates specific tasks, AI agents focus on achieving broader goals. This enables them to take over the goal-seeking functions traditionally managed by humans, effectively unbundling goals from specific roles and establishing a new locus for rebundling. Vertical AI Players: Winners and Losers The effectiveness of vertical AI players will depend on the sophistication of their AI agents and the level of interoperability with third-party resources. Industries that offer high interoperability and sophisticated AI agents present the most significant opportunities for value creation. The End Game: From Vertical to Horizontal Ultimately, the goal for vertical AI players is to leverage their vertical advantage to develop a horizontal hub position. By using AI agents to rebundle workflows and integrate adjacent capabilities, vertical AI companies can transition from niche providers to central players in the broader ecosystem. This path—going vertical first to then expand horizontally—will define the winners in the AI-driven future of business transformation. 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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Why Education Cloud

Why Education Cloud

Salesforce Education Cloud is a comprehensive solution designed for higher education institutions, offering powerful tools to manage every aspect of the student lifecycle—from recruitment and admissions to student success and alumni engagement. However, to fully maximize the benefits of Salesforce Education Cloud, institutions need a partner that understands the unique challenges and needs of higher education. Our team specializes in implementing Salesforce Education Cloud, ensuring that your institution has the right tools to drive success at every stage of the student journey. Student 360 Customization We can help tailor Salesforce’s Student 360 to fit your institution’s specific needs, providing a unified, comprehensive view of each student. By integrating all your data sources seamlessly, we empower your staff with actionable insights that enhance student success and support. Customized Solutions for Your Institution Our Tectonic team focuses on delivering custom configurations aligned with your institution’s unique processes and goals. This tailored approach ensures you have the precise tools needed to support and optimize every stage of the student lifecycle. Continuous Optimization As your institution evolves, so should your Salesforce Education Cloud solution. We’re committed to helping your system grow with you, optimizing it to meet changing demands and driving ongoing success and improvement. AI and Automation to Streamline Processes From automating admissions workflows to using predictive analytics for student retention, Salesforce’s AI and automation features keep your institution ahead of the curve. We collaborate closely with your team to streamline repetitive tasks, set up AI-driven insights, and ensure your staff can leverage these tools to improve efficiency and make data-informed decisions. Alumni Engagement and Fundraising Salesforce Education Cloud offers advanced tools to foster alumni relationships and manage donor relations. We help you customize these tools to segment alumni databases, execute targeted outreach campaigns, and strengthen fundraising efforts, ensuring lasting engagement with graduates. By partnering with Tectonic, your institution will harness the full potential of Salesforce Education Cloud, driving student success and strengthening alumni connections for the long term. Content updated August 2024. 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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Impact of AI Agents Across Key Sectors in 2024

Impact of AI Agents Across Key Sectors in 2024

Sophisticated autonomous digital entities are already transforming our lives, industries, and the way we engage with technology. What will be the Impact of AI Agents Across Key Sectors in 2024? While much attention has been given to Generative AI (Gen AI), the next major leap forward comes from AI Agents. This emerging technology is set to revolutionize how we work and interact with the world. How AI Agents Will Shape Daily Life AI Agents: An OverviewAI Agents, also called digital assistants or AI-driven entities, are advanced systems designed to perform tasks and provide services autonomously. They use machine learning, natural language processing, and other AI technologies to understand user needs, solve problems, and complete tasks without direct human intervention. The Impact of AI Agents Across Key Sectors in 2024 Personalization and AssistanceAI Agents are increasingly embedded in our personal and professional routines. By learning our preferences, habits, and needs, they offer personalized recommendations, such as curating music playlists, suggesting films, or creating custom workout plans. Their ability to deliver tailored assistance makes everyday life more seamless and enjoyable. Healthcare AdvancementsIn healthcare, AI Agents are making a significant impact. They can analyze medical records, provide diagnostic insights, and assist with treatment planning. Multi-modal agents even process medical imaging to aid in diagnoses, marking a groundbreaking advancement for both healthcare professionals and patients. Efficiency in BusinessAI Agents are transforming business operations by improving customer service through 24/7 automated chatbots and streamlining processes in supply chain management, human resources, and data analysis. These systems help optimize operations and support more informed decision-making. Education and LearningIn education, AI Agents offer personalized learning experiences tailored to each student’s needs, helping them learn at their own pace. Teachers also benefit, as AI Agents provide insights to customize instruction and track student progress. Enhanced CybersecurityAs cybersecurity threats evolve, AI Agents play a key role in identifying and mitigating risks. They detect anomalies in real-time, helping organizations protect their data and systems from breaches and attacks. Environmental ImpactAI Agents are contributing to sustainability by optimizing energy consumption in buildings, improving waste management, and monitoring environmental changes. Their role in addressing climate change is increasingly critical. Research and InnovationIn fields like drug discovery and climate modeling, AI Agents accelerate research by processing and analyzing vast amounts of data. Their involvement speeds up discoveries and innovation across multiple domains. Impact of AI Agents Across Key Sectors in 2024 In 2024, AI Agents have become much more than just digital assistants; they are driving transformative change across industries and daily life. Their ability to understand, adapt, and respond to human needs makes technology more efficient, personalized, and accessible. However, as AI Agents continue to evolve, it is crucial to consider ethical concerns and promote responsible use. With mindful integration, AI Agents hold the promise of a more connected, sustainable, and innovative future. If you are ready to explore AI Agents in your business, 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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More Sustainable and Equitable Future Through AI

More Sustainable and Equitable Future Through AI

Salesforce has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at fostering a more sustainable and equitable future through AI. The company has introduced its Sustainable AI Policy Principles, a framework designed to guide AI regulation with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and promoting climate innovation. Additionally, Salesforce has selected five new nonprofits for its Salesforce Accelerator – AI for Impact, which targets climate action. This initiative will enable these purpose-driven organizations to harness AI solutions to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change. Why It Matters Prioritizing responsible AI development is crucial for leveraging technology to make a positive impact while ensuring that equity and sustainability remain central. Salesforce Sustainable AI Policy PrinciplesRead Them Here Key Aspects of the Principles The Sustainable AI Policy Principles extend Salesforce’s commitment to advocating for science-based policies that support a just and equitable transition to a 1.5-degree future. These principles offer best practices for lawmakers and regulators on: Salesforce is also the first tech company to support the Transformational AI to Modernize the Economy (TAME) legislation, which aims to enhance AI’s role in predicting and responding to extreme weather events. The AI for Impact Accelerator The AI for Impact cohort will support climate-focused nonprofits with technology, investments, and philanthropy to develop AI solutions that benefit the environment. Alongside product donations and $2 million in funding, these organizations will work on AI-powered initiatives in three crucial areas: Participants will also receive a year of pro bono consulting from Salesforce experts in strategy, planning, responsible AI use, data strategy, and technical architecture. Accelerator Participants Include: Moving Forward Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Impact Officer at Salesforce, emphasizes the importance of developing equitable and sustainable AI technology. “With AI transforming our lives and work, it is vital to ensure the technology is developed responsibly. We are excited to support climate nonprofits committed to sustainable AI innovation and advocate for clear policies that guide responsible AI development.” Quotes from Participants: Together, these efforts aim to accelerate the positive impact of technology, ensuring it benefits everyone and supports a sustainable 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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How AI is Raising the Stakes in Phishing Attacks

How AI is Raising the Stakes in Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals are increasingly using advanced AI, including tools like ChatGPT, to execute highly convincing phishing campaigns that mimic legitimate communications with uncanny accuracy. As AI-powered phishing becomes more sophisticated, cybersecurity practitioners must adopt AI and machine learning defenses to stay ahead. What are AI-Powered Phishing Attacks? Phishing, a long-standing cybersecurity issue, has evolved from crude scams into refined attacks that can mimic trusted entities like Amazon, postal services, or colleagues. Leveraging social engineering, these scams trick people into clicking malicious links, downloading harmful files, or sharing sensitive information. However, AI is elevating this threat by making phishing attacks more convincing, timely, and challenging to detect. General Phishing Attacks Traditionally, phishing emails were often easy to spot due to grammatical errors or poor formatting. AI, however, eliminates these mistakes, creating messages that appear professionally written. Additionally, AI language models can gather real-time data from news and corporate sites, embedding relevant details that create urgency and heighten the attack’s credibility. AI chatbots can also generate business email compromise attacks or whaling campaigns at a massive scale, boosting both the volume and sophistication of these threats. Spear Phishing Spear phishing involves targeting specific individuals with highly customized messages based on data gathered from social media or data breaches. AI has supercharged this tactic, enabling attackers to craft convincing, personalized emails almost instantly. During a cybersecurity study, AI-generated phishing emails outperformed human-crafted ones in terms of convincing recipients to click on malicious links. With the help of large language models (LLMs), attackers can create hyper-personalized emails and even deepfake phone calls and videos. Vishing and Deepfakes Vishing, or voice phishing, is another tactic on the rise. Traditionally, attackers would impersonate someone like a company executive or trusted colleague over the phone. With AI, they can now create deepfake audio to mimic a specific person’s voice, making it even harder for victims to discern authenticity. For example, an employee may receive a voice message that sounds exactly like their CFO, urgently requesting a bank transfer. How to Defend Against AI-Driven Phishing Attacks As AI-driven phishing becomes more prevalent, organizations should adopt the following defense strategies: How AI Improves Phishing Defense AI can also bolster phishing defenses by analyzing threat patterns, personalizing training, and monitoring for suspicious activity. GenAI, for instance, can tailor training to individual users’ weaknesses, offer timely phishing simulations, and assess each person’s learning needs to enhance cybersecurity awareness. AI can also predict potential phishing trends based on data such as attack frequency across industries, geographical locations, and types of targets. These insights allow security teams to anticipate attacks and proactively adapt defenses. Preparing for AI-Enhanced Phishing Threats Businesses should evaluate their risk level and implement corresponding safeguards: AI, and particularly LLMs, are transforming phishing attacks, making them more dangerous and harder to detect. As digital footprints grow and personalized data becomes more accessible, phishing attacks will continue to evolve, including falsified voice and video messages that can trick even the most vigilant employees. By proactively integrating AI defenses, organizations can better protect against these advanced phishing threats. 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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Top AI Tools Shaping Business Success

Top AI Tools Shaping Business Success

Top AI Tools Shaping Business Success in 2024 In the dynamic world of business, staying ahead means embracing the latest technologies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a transformative force that helps businesses operate more efficiently, make smarter decisions, and enhance customer experiences. As we move through 2024, the AI tool ecosystem is rapidly expanding, offering innovative solutions to automate tasks, gain deep insights, and improve customer engagement. Below, we explore the top AI tools that are shaping the future of business. StoryChief is a comprehensive content marketing platform that simplifies the creation and distribution of content through AI. From ideation to optimization, it leverages machine learning to help businesses generate high-quality, engaging content at scale. Key Features: Pricing: Plans start with a free tier, with paid options ranging from $40 to $500 per month. Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a versatile language model capable of generating human-like text. It excels in content creation, customer support, and data analysis. Key Use Cases: Pricing: API access with usage-based pricing. Perplexity AI is an advanced search engine that provides accurate, summarized answers to complex queries using natural language processing (NLP). Key Features: Pricing: Free version available, with Pro version at $20/month offering enhanced features. Zapier connects over 5,000 apps, enabling automation of repetitive tasks across your tech stack with AI-powered tools that simplify complex automations. Key Features: Pricing: Free plan available for up to 100 tasks per month; paid plans start at $19.99/month. Grammarly is an AI-driven writing assistant that enhances the quality of written communication, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and error-free content. Key Features: Pricing: Free version available; Premium plans start at $12/month for individuals and $25/user/month for businesses. Typeframes simplifies video creation with AI, turning scripts or images into professional-quality videos with animations, transitions, and voiceovers. Key Features: Pricing: Plans start at $29/month, with higher-tier options available. Chatbase enables businesses to build intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants that handle a wide range of customer service inquiries. Key Features: Pricing: Free plan available with limited message credits; paid plans start at $19/month. Secta is an AI-powered headshot generator that creates professional-quality headshots from user-submitted photos, ideal for businesses needing polished profile pictures. Key Features: Pricing: Pay-as-you-go at $49 per headshot session. Voicenotes is an AI-driven transcription tool that converts voice memos into concise summaries and action items, perfect for capturing important information efficiently. Key Features: Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10/month, with lifetime payment options. Notion AI enhances the popular Notion productivity platform with AI-powered writing assistance, content summarization, and database management. Key Features: Pricing: Available as an add-on at $10 per user per month, with discounts for annual plans. Choosing the Right AI Tools for Your Business Selecting the right AI tools involves considering several factors: By evaluating these aspects, you can effectively leverage AI to enhance efficiency, drive growth, and maintain a competitive edge in 2024. 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 and the Role of Healthcare CIOs

AI and the Role of Healthcare CIOs

Healthcare leaders see significant potential in data analytics and AI technology to transform the industry over the next five years, according to a new market research report from Arcadia and The Harris Poll. AI and the Role of Healthcare CIOs The report, titled “The Healthcare CIO’s Role in the Age of AI,” examines AI’s impact on the healthcare sector and how decision-makers are preparing to leverage the technology. Notably, 96% of healthcare leaders surveyed believe that adopting AI effectively will provide a competitive edge both now and in the future. While only a third see AI as essential today, 73% expect it to become critical within five years. How Health Systems Are Using AI Around 63% of respondents revealed that their organizations use AI to analyze large patient data sets to identify trends and guide population health management efforts. Another 58% are using AI to analyze individual patient data to identify opportunities for improving health outcomes. Close to half of the leaders indicated that AI is being used to optimize electronic health records (EHR) management and analysis. These trends align with the findings of the recent “Top of Mind for Top Health Systems” survey, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Center for Connected Medicine (CCM) in collaboration with KLAS, which identified AI as the most exciting emerging technology in healthcare with transformative potential for both administration and care delivery. The excitement surrounding healthcare AI largely stems from its ability to break down data silos and tap into the wealth of clinical data that healthcare organizations already collect. “Healthcare leaders are thoughtfully preparing to harness the full value of AI in care delivery reform,” said Aneesh Chopra, Arcadia’s chief strategy officer. “As safe, secure data sharing scales, technology leaders prioritize data platforms that organize fragmented patient records into clinically relevant insights at every stage of the patient journey.” A quest for a 360 degree patient view abounds. Using AI to Support Strategic Priorities The Arcadia survey emphasized the importance of using analytics to improve patient care, with 83% of leaders believing that harnessing data will help healthcare organizations remain competitive and resilient while overcoming digital transformation and financial challenges. Eighty-four percent of respondents cited technology as a current priority, with 44% focusing on an enterprise-wide approach to data analytics, 41% prioritizing AI-driven decision-making, and 32% working to simplify technical ecosystems. These efforts are viewed as crucial to advancing other strategic goals, with 40% of leaders prioritizing the patient experience, 35% aiming to improve outcomes, and 29% focusing on patient engagement. Although healthcare leaders view AI adoption positively for strategic advancements, hurdles remain. While 96% of respondents are confident in adopting AI, many feel pressured to move quickly. When asked about the sources of this pressure, 82% cited data and analytics teams, 78% pointed to IT and tech teams, and 73% mentioned executives. However, successfully implementing AI requires talent and resources that some organizations lack. About 40% of leaders identified a lack of talent as a significant barrier to AI adoption, signaling the need for IT and analytics teams to acquire new skill sets. Seventy-one percent of IT leaders reported a growing demand for data-driven decision-making skills, while two-thirds pointed to a rising need for expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and systems integration. Additionally, nearly 60% mentioned the need for roles that focus on training and support for healthcare staff. The Evolving Role of CIOs CIOs and other healthcare leaders are seeing their roles evolve as AI and data become more integrated into healthcare operations. Eighty-seven percent of respondents see themselves as strategy influencers, actively involved in setting and executing AI strategies, while only 13% view themselves as purely focused on implementation. Despite these evolving roles, many CIOs feel constrained by daily operations. Fifty-eight percent reported being primarily focused on tactical execution rather than developing long-term AI strategies, although they believe they should spend 75% of their time on strategic planning to be most effective. Part of these strategies will likely focus on improving communication and workforce readiness. Three out of four leaders cited a lack of effective communication between IT teams and clinical staff as a barrier to leveraging new technologies, and two out of five noted that clinical staff are not fully equipped to make the best use of data analytics. “CIOs and their teams are setting the stage for an AI-powered revolution in patient care and healthcare operations,” said Michael Meucci, Arcadia’s president and CEO. “Our findings highlight a strong consensus that a solid data foundation is necessary to realize the future of AI in healthcare. At the same time, the human workforce, with evolving talent and skills, will shape the real-world impact of AI in healthcare.“ Content updated August 2024. 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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AI Training Options

AI Training Options

As AI adoption accelerates, AI certifications and courses have proliferated, providing deeper knowledge of this rapidly evolving technology. AI Training Options. Numerous AI certifications cover the basics, so we’ve narrowed the field to 10 of the most diverse and comprehensive programs. AI Training Options Artificial intelligence is poised to become the key technology that drives business transformation and gives companies a competitive edge. According to a recent forecast by the International Data Corporation, global spending on AI—including AI-enabled applications, infrastructure, and related services—will more than double to $632 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual rate of 29% between 2024 and 2028. AI helps businesses boost productivity by automating processes such as robotics and autonomous vehicles, while also supporting existing workforces with technologies like assisted and augmented intelligence. Companies are integrating AI across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, retail, smart home devices, fraud detection, and security surveillance. Why AI certifications are important: 10 of the best AI certifications and courses: Each certification offers unique benefits, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional aiming to stay ahead in AI-driven industries. Content updated September 2024. 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 Pro Suite

Salesforce Pro Suite

Revolutionizing CRM: Introducing Salesforce Pro Suite In today’s dynamic business technology landscape, Salesforce has established itself as a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. The launch of Salesforce Pro Suite marks a significant milestone in their mission to empower businesses with cutting-edge tools designed to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive growth. This article explores the features, benefits, and potential of Salesforce Pro Suite, showcasing why it stands out as a transformative solution for businesses of all sizes. What is Salesforce Pro Suite? Salesforce Pro Suite is a comprehensive collection of integrated tools and services designed to augment the capabilities of Salesforce’s CRM platform. Tailored for modern businesses—from startups to large enterprises—it incorporates advanced functionalities such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data analytics to boost productivity, foster collaboration, and facilitate informed decision-making. Unlock growth and deepen customer relationships with Pro Suite—the all-in-one CRM suite with marketing, sales, service, and commerce tools that scale with your business. Get the flexibility to automate tasks and customize your CRM to fit your specific needs with Pro Suite. Key Features of Salesforce Pro Suite Benefits of Salesforce Pro Suite Use Cases of Salesforce Pro Suite What Can You Do with Pro Suite? Conclusion Salesforce Pro Suite represents a significant advancement in CRM technology, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to the diverse needs of modern businesses. By harnessing AI, automation, and advanced analytics, Pro Suite empowers organizations to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and make informed, data-driven decisions. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, Salesforce Pro Suite provides the scalability, flexibility, and security required to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. 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 Adoption Not Even Across the Board

AI Adoption Not Even Across the Board

Reflecting on AI’s potential and its challenges, McElheran calls for a balanced approach: “To fully harness AI’s benefits, we need a realistic, evidence-based approach that accounts for both the advantages and the societal costs associated with adoption.”

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SWOT Templates

SWOT Templates

Top SWOT Analysis Templates for Any Business Strategic planning is crucial for businesses aiming to grow. Whether launching a new product, tackling competition, or enhancing existing offerings, a SWOT analysis can help you understand your current position and develop a confident path forward. When engaging in strategic brainstorming, avoid getting bogged down by documentation. Focus on expansive thinking and creative problem-solving instead. To aid in this process, we’ve compiled some of the best SWOT analysis templates available online. These templates handle the layout and design so you can concentrate on deep thinking. Read on to discover the value of SWOT analyses and our top template picks. What is a SWOT Analysis? A SWOT analysis is a framework for evaluating your company’s market position by examining internal and external factors. It helps identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The strengths and weaknesses sections focus on internal factors, such as products, value propositions, teams, and resources. Opportunities and threats examine external factors, including customers, competitors, industry trends, and broader market forces. Why Conduct a SWOT Analysis? A SWOT analysis provides a clear visualization of your business’s current standing. By understanding your strengths, areas for improvement, and external influences, you can formulate effective strategies for progress. Periodic SWOT analyses are beneficial for continuous improvement and essential during significant initiatives or changes, such as: SWOT analyses can also be applied to individual team members, useful for performance reviews or team reorganizations. Top SWOT Analysis Templates for Any Business Here are seven excellent SWOT analysis templates suitable for any business: For SWOT analyses that will be part of larger presentations, Canva’s drag-and-drop design tool offers dozens of templates. Customize with your brand colors and insert into your strategy deck or PDF. Miro’s virtual whiteboard template goes beyond traditional SWOT frameworks by adding sections for potential actions. Explore how to leverage strengths and opportunities or mitigate weaknesses using opportunities. Smartsheet provides templates for both Google Docs and Microsoft Word. Whether evaluating a business goal or personal performance, these templates are versatile and easy to use. TemplateLAB offers SWOT analysis templates in multiple formats, including Word Doc, PowerPoint, PDF, and Photoshop. Choose from a range of styles for both internal brainstorming and formal presentations. Airtable combines the structure of Excel with better organization for written content. Its SWOT analysis template is perfect for those who prefer spreadsheet-style work with enhanced labeling and filtering capabilities. SCORE’s simple Word Doc template provides all the necessary elements for a SWOT analysis without any extra distractions. SCORE also offers free resources, including mentorship and educational opportunities. For those looking to incorporate AI, Notion offers a template that leverages ChatGPT. Input your business information, and ChatGPT generates a SWOT analysis, offering insights you might not have considered. Bonus: WordStream Free SWOT Analysis Template For a comprehensive solution, try the WordStream template in Google Sheets. It’s an excellent tool for SWOT analysis brainstorming sessions. Use a SWOT Analysis Template Today for Business Growth Tomorrow When choosing a template, prioritize strategic work over perfect design. Select one and dive into the brainstorming process with your team to gain valuable insights for your business. If you need assistance with your marketing strategy, explore our solutions to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses for 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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How to Implement AI for Business Transformation

How to Implement AI for Business Transformation

Harnessing the Power of AI for Business Transformation The age of artificial intelligence (AI) is here. How to Implement AI for Business Transformation? Once a niche technology confined to research labs and the realm of science fiction, AI has now become a mainstream force. Today, an estimated 35% of businesses are leveraging AI to enhance products, boost efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. However, for companies yet to begin their AI journey, the path to implementation can seem daunting. So how can organizations navigate the complexities of AI and unlock its potential to drive success? This comprehensive guide is designed to empower businesses to confidently adopt AI. We’ll break down what AI is, assess your organization’s readiness, help you develop a robust AI strategy, and explore how to implement and integrate AI across operations. Ultimately, this insight will show you how to embrace AI for continuous innovation, helping automate tasks, uncover insights, and future-proof your business. AI Era Demands an Intelligent Data Infrastructure AI consulting services and digital transformation partners like Tectonic underscore the technology’s immense value, helping organizations evaluate, implement, and scale AI initiatives. However, knowing where to start and who to trust can be challenging. This guide will provide best practices for planning and executing AI projects, helping you make informed decisions when selecting solutions and partners. By the end, your organization will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to make AI a powerful competitive advantage. Understanding the AI Landscape Before diving into AI implementation, it’s important to understand what artificial intelligence is and the wide array of applications it offers. What is Artificial Intelligence? Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to software and machines designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence—such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. AI is already deeply integrated into many everyday products and services, including: Machine Learning Basics At the core of most AI systems is machine learning (ML), which involves training algorithms on vast datasets, enabling them to learn from examples without being explicitly programmed for every scenario. There are three main types of machine learning: Beyond ML, fields like natural language processing (NLP) focus on understanding human language, while computer vision analyzes visual content such as images and video. Real-World AI Applications Understanding the fundamentals of AI helps organizations align their needs with its capabilities. Common business use cases for AI include: Armed with this knowledge, businesses can better evaluate how AI fits into their goals and operations. Developing a Comprehensive AI Strategy Once you understand the AI landscape, the next step is developing a strategic plan to guide implementation. Establishing an AI Vision and Objectives AI adoption must align with clear financial and operational goals. Leadership teams should identify: Aligning stakeholders and executive leaders around specific use cases will drive urgency, investment, and commitment. AI Ethics and Governance AI adoption also requires guidelines for ethical usage, transparency, and accountability. Organizations should consider: Establishing these frameworks early ensures responsible and transparent AI usage. Resourcing an AI Program AI implementation requires the right talent and resources. Budget considerations should include: A Phased AI Adoption Roadmap Rather than attempting to scale AI all at once, organizations should adopt a phased approach: This roadmap balances short-term impact with long-term scalability. Choosing the Right AI Implementation Approach With your strategy in place, the next decision is how to implement AI. Three primary approaches are: The choice depends on your organization’s internal capabilities, desired level of customization, and timeline. Integrating AI into Your Operations Successful AI implementation requires careful planning and integration with existing operations. Develop an Integration Plan Consider how AI will interact with existing systems and workflows: Address Security and Privacy Ensure that AI systems comply with data privacy regulations and security protocols, especially when handling sensitive information. Drive Adoption Through Training Help staff understand how AI will augment their roles by providing training on how the algorithms work and how to interact with AI systems effectively. Monitor for Model Decay Implement processes to monitor and retrain models as needed to ensure continued performance and reliability. Embracing AI for Continuous Improvement AI should be viewed as an ongoing investment, driving continuous improvement across the organization. Encourage a Data-Driven Culture Empower teams to identify new AI use cases and experiment with AI-driven solutions. Provide the tools and frameworks to facilitate this culture of innovation. Foster Responsible AI Ensure that AI systems are transparent, accountable, and designed to augment human decision-making responsibly. Commit to Reskilling As AI capabilities evolve, continually upskill employees to ensure your workforce remains at the forefront of technological advancements. Unlocking the Future of AI The potential of AI to revolutionize businesses is clear. However, achieving success requires more than just technical capabilities. It demands thoughtful planning, strategic alignment, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By following this guide, your organization can confidently implement AI to unlock powerful data-driven insights, automate tasks, and achieve lasting competitive advantage. The future of AI is full of possibilities—are you ready to seize them? Tectonic is ready to help. How to Implement AI for Business Transformation 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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Improve Customer Experience

Improve Customer Experience

The Importance of Customer Experience: Turning Every Interaction into a Lasting Impact Customer experience (CX) refers to every interaction a customer has with your brand—from the first touchpoint through to post-purchase support. While the term is often used broadly, its meaning is more nuanced, encompassing the entire customer journey. From the initial ad they see to the quality of their engagement with your customer support, CX reflects the customer’s perception of your brand, compared to the promises you’ve made. Improve Customer Experience. What Is Customer Experience (CX)? At its core, CX measures how customers perceive their interactions with your organization. It goes beyond customer service and spans every touchpoint, whether it’s the ease of navigating your website, the tone of your marketing emails, or the post-purchase support experience. A strong customer experience is critical for fostering brand loyalty and meeting customer expectations at every step of their journey. Why Customer Experience Matters In today’s competitive marketplace, customer expectations are at an all-time high. According to research, 80% of customers say that the experience a company provides is just as important as its products or services. Whether you’re in B2C or B2B, an exceptional customer experience translates into loyalty, brand advocacy, and revenue growth. Some key benefits of prioritizing CX include: Key Elements of a Great Customer Experience Our research highlights several factors that customers deem essential for a great experience: However, many companies fall short of these expectations. For example, 56% of customers report needing to repeat themselves to different representatives, and 55% say it feels like they’re interacting with separate departments rather than a single, unified brand. The good news? A subpar experience can be quickly remedied with exceptional customer service—75% of customers will forgive mistakes after receiving excellent support. How to Measure Customer Experience Measuring CX is essential for understanding what works and where improvements are needed. Popular methods include: Building a Successful CX Management Strategy An effective CX management strategy aligns your entire business around the customer’s needs. It should include continuous feedback loops, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on creating a customer-centric culture. Improve Customer Experience. Key Pillars of a CX Strategy: How to Improve Customer Experience Delivering a standout customer experience requires a combination of people, processes, and technology. Here are five best practices for enhancing your CX: The Role of Experience Management Customer experience management (CXM) goes hand-in-hand with a broader experience management strategy. This includes not only customer interactions but also employee experiences, product quality, and brand perception. By implementing an experience management framework, companies can align technology, culture, and six core competencies to optimize all aspects of customer engagement. The Bottom Line: Customer Experience Drives Success With Salesforce Customer experience is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a critical factor for business success. By understanding and improving the customer journey, you can foster loyalty, reduce churn, and create a long-term competitive advantage. Start by building a strong CX framework, empowering your teams, and making data-driven decisions to lead the way in customer satisfaction. Content updated August 2024. 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 Drives Insights

AI Drives Insights

Innovations from Salesforce, HubSpot, and One AI are driving deeper insights and streamlining processes. Key Takeaways: AI is transforming the way businesses operate, and customer relationship management (CRM) is no exception. AI has been influencing the CRM space for years, but its impact is now reaching new heights. By harnessing AI algorithms, modern CRM systems offer predictive analytics and deeper insights, enabling brands to understand their customers on an unprecedented level. Advanced AI-enabled CRMs even incorporate sentiment analysis to gauge customer perceptions and provide automation tools to free marketers from mundane tasks. The global AI market, currently valued at $142.3 billion, continues to expand rapidly. From 2020 to 2022, annual corporate investments in AI startups increased by $5 billion, reflecting the growing demand for AI-driven innovations. As CRM vendors introduce more AI capabilities, it’s important to understand the unique approaches each one takes to differentiate themselves and deliver specific benefits. Salesforce and Einstein GPT: A New Era with OpenAI’s ChatGPT On March 7, 2023, Salesforce introduced Einstein GPT, a generative AI technology integrated into its CRM platform. Combining real-time data from Salesforce’s Data Cloud with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Einstein GPT allows users to input natural-language prompts to streamline tasks and decision-making. Salesforce has long invested in AI. In 2017, it launched its Einstein AI as part of Service Cloud. By 2019, Salesforce had partnered with OpenAI to explore AI research and integrate advanced models into its ecosystem. The acquisition of Slack in 2020 further strengthened its AI capabilities by incorporating advanced messaging and communication tools into the CRM environment. Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, highlighted the significance of AI’s growth: “The world is experiencing one of the most profound technological shifts with real-time technologies and generative AI. This comes at a pivotal moment as every company is focused on connecting with their customers in more intelligent, automated, and personalized ways.” Einstein GPT is set to transform customer engagement, with applications across Salesforce’s various platforms, including Tableau, MuleSoft, and Slack. HubSpot CRM: AI-Powered Content Assistant A day before Salesforce’s AI announcement, HubSpot revealed its own AI-powered features: the Content Assistant and ChatSpot.ai. These tools aim to enhance CRM users’ productivity while creating stronger connections with customers. HubSpot’s Content Assistant helps marketing and sales teams ideate, create, and share content through generative AI capabilities. It can suggest blog titles, create content outlines, and assist with crafting content for blogs, emails, landing pages, and websites. ChatSpot.ai, on the other hand, offers a natural-language chat experience to simplify CRM tasks for HubSpot users. HubSpot has also invested in AI for other functions, including conversation intelligence, data enrichment, predictive analytics, and content optimization, solidifying its position in the AI-driven CRM landscape. With AI advancements from companies like Salesforce, HubSpot, and One AI, the future of CRM is poised for enhanced efficiency, automation, and personalized customer interactions. 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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