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itsm

Salesforce Move Into IT Service Management

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Signals Bold Move into IT Service Management (ITSM)Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has once again made headlines, this time with a bold announcement about the company’s expansion into IT Service Management (ITSM). During a recent appearance on the Motley Fool podcast, Benioff revealed that Salesforce is “building new apps, like ITSM.” This follows a subtle hint he dropped during an earnings call, where he teased, “At our TrailheadDX event… You might get a glimpse of the new ITSM product that’s coming if you look hard.” While the ITSM product didn’t take center stage at the event, Salesforce’s intentions to make significant strides in the ITSM space are clear. This move is particularly intriguing given the evolving dynamics between the ITSM and CRM markets, where Salesforce and ServiceNow are increasingly encroaching on each other’s territories. ServiceNow’s CRM Ambitions: A Challenge to Salesforce ServiceNow, the dominant player in the ITSM market, has been making bold moves into CRM, a domain where Salesforce has long been the leader. In fact, Salesforce outsells its closest competitor, Microsoft, by nearly four-to-one in the CRM space. However, ServiceNow is determined to carve out a significant share of the CRM market. Earlier this week, ServiceNow announced its agreement to acquire Moveworks for $2.8 billion. In an interview with CNBC, ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott emphasized that this acquisition would strengthen the company’s front-office capabilities and bolster its ambition to become “the market leader” in CRM. Unlike traditional CRM competitors who often compete on price, ServiceNow offers a unique value proposition. Its CRM solution integrates with middle- and back-office workflows, encompassing order management, inventory, invoicing, and more. This end-to-end approach provides a more data-rich CRM experience, setting ServiceNow apart from Salesforce. While Salesforce still holds an edge in ease-of-implementation and core CRM functionality—particularly as ServiceNow relies on partners for marketing CRM capabilities—ServiceNow’s differentiated approach poses a long-term threat. Its strong foothold among IT teams, who are increasingly influencing customer-facing technology decisions, adds to its competitive advantage. Salesforce’s ITSM Push: A Strategic Countermove? Benioff’s announcement about Salesforce’s ITSM ambitions could be seen as a strategic countermeasure to ServiceNow’s CRM expansion. Over the years, the two tech giants have steadily encroached on each other’s markets, leveraging their respective strengths to diversify their offerings. As the lines between enterprise technologies continue to blur, the competition between Salesforce and ServiceNow is heating up. With the rise of AI and data platforms, businesses are seeking more integrated and innovative solutions, setting the stage for a fascinating battle of innovation and market dominance. Benioff Takes Aim at Microsoft—Again Adding another layer to this competitive narrative, Benioff didn’t miss the opportunity to critique Microsoft during the podcast. While he expressed amazement at the rapid advancements in AI over the past two years, he also took a jab at Microsoft’s offerings. “I think a lot of our customers have been very disappointed with a lot of the solutions that have been given to them—or even shoved at them,” Benioff said. “Even Microsoft has really disappointed so many of our customers. Copilot has a dozen copilots across its product lines, none of which are connected. It’s not one source of data or one piece of enterprise code.” This isn’t the first time Benioff has targeted Microsoft. He has previously expressed skepticism about its approach to AI, even comparing its Copilot feature to the infamous “Clippy” assistant from the past. A High-Stakes Battle of Innovation As the tech industry continues to evolve, the competition between Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Microsoft is intensifying. With Salesforce venturing into ITSM, ServiceNow pushing into CRM, and Benioff’s recurring critiques of Microsoft, the coming months promise to bring even more innovation—and perhaps a few more pointed remarks. The battle lines are drawn, and the stakes are high. As these tech giants vie for dominance, businesses stand to benefit from the wave of innovation and competition driving the industry forward. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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agents and copilots

When to Use AI Agents and Copilots

Do Organizations Need AI Agents or Copilots for These Use Cases? Organizations often explore AI solutions for specific operational needs. Three primary AI use cases include: The question arises: Which AI tools best suit these needs? Should an organization invest in a high-end AI subscription, such as ChatGPT Pro with the Operator agent ($200/month), or opt for ChatGPT Plus with the o3-mini reasoning model and copilot features, such as memory and custom GPTs? AI Tool Selection Criteria When evaluating AI agents versus AI copilots, key considerations include: A. The time and effort required to articulate the problem for the AI. B. The level of control preferred in the problem-solving process. C. The importance of achieving the most optimal outcome. Use Case 1: Shopping AI Agents Many existing AI shopping solutions are labeled as agents, but they do not exhibit true autonomy. Instead, they serve as assistants with limited capabilities. For instance, Perplexity’s “Shop Like a Pro” assists with selecting products but depends on vendor integration for completing purchases, rather than executing transactions autonomously. Despite current limitations, some users create their own AI shopping agents by integrating browser-based AI tools with no-code automation platforms like n8n, Zapier, or Make.com. These custom-built agents offer greater autonomy and versatility than off-the-shelf solutions. However, the need for AI agents in shopping remains debatable. The act of shopping often provides a sense of anticipation and engagement, which a fully autonomous AI agent could eliminate. In contrast, AI copilots can enhance the experience by reducing time investment while preserving user involvement. The same applies to vacation planning—while an AI agent could book optimal flights and accommodations, many users prefer a guided approach to maintain a sense of anticipation and control. Moreover, financial transactions should not be fully entrusted to AI agents due to potential risks. AI-powered form-filling can be beneficial, but human oversight remains essential. The decision to use an AI agent for shopping depends on how much involvement users wish to retain in the process. Use Case 2: Executive AI Assistant Many professionals seek AI-driven solutions to handle routine tasks such as scheduling, reminders, and email management. However, current AI assistants lack full autonomy in managing these activities comprehensively. For instance, Google’s Gemini Advanced provides AI-powered features in Google Calendar and Gmail, but its integration remains limited—requiring manual activation and lacking full interconnectivity between tasks. Similarly, Apple Intelligence offers fragmented AI functionalities rather than a seamless assistant experience. Some technically inclined users have developed custom executive assistants using automation tools. However, for the broader market, fully functional, user-friendly AI executive assistants are still in development by major tech companies. When evaluating the necessity of AI agents in routine tasks, the key factors include: Use Case 3: AI Research Deep research AI agents have significantly outperformed traditional search methods in both speed and accuracy, provided sufficient relevant data is available. Advanced AI-driven research tools, such as Perplexity Deep Research and Grok 3 DeepSearch, have demonstrated superior efficiency compared to manual search. Despite their capabilities, these agents often require refinement in their responses. AI-generated reports may focus on irrelevant details without proper guidance. However, many researchers find that leveraging AI significantly enhances the efficiency and breadth of their work. For organizations, the decision to utilize AI agents for research depends on their need for: While AI agents remain imperfect, they are rapidly evolving, particularly in deep research applications. As technology advances, their ability to support decision-making processes will likely continue to expand. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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AI Agents

AI Agents in Action: Real-World Applications

The true potential of AI agents lies in their practical use across industries. Let’s explore how different sectors are leveraging AI agents to solve real challenges. Software Development The shift from simple code completion to autonomous software development highlights AI’s expanding role in engineering. While GitHub Copilot introduced real-time coding assistance in 2021, today’s AI agents—like Devin—can manage end-to-end development, from setting up environments to deployment. Multi-agent frameworks, such as MetaGPT, showcase how specialized AI agents collaborate effectively: While AI agents lack human limitations, this shift raises fundamental questions about development practices shaped over decades. AI excels at tasks like prototyping and automated testing, but the true opportunity lies in rethinking software development itself—not just making existing processes faster. This transformation is already affecting hiring trends. Salesforce, for example, announced it will not hire new software engineers in 2025, citing a 30% productivity increase from AI-driven development. Meanwhile, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg predicts that by 2025, AI will reach the level of mid-level software engineers, capable of generating production-ready code. However, real-world tests highlight limitations. While Devin performs well on isolated tasks like API integrations, it struggles with complex development projects. In one evaluation, Devin successfully completed only 3 out of 20 full-stack tasks. In contrast, developer-driven workflows using tools like Cursor have proven more reliable, suggesting that AI agents are best used as collaborators rather than full replacements. Customer Service The evolution from basic chatbots to sophisticated AI service agents marks one of the most successful AI deployments to date. Research by Sierra shows that modern AI agents can handle complex tasks—such as flight rebookings and multi-step refunds—previously requiring multiple human agents, all while maintaining natural conversation flow. Key capabilities include: However, challenges remain, particularly in handling policy exceptions and emotionally sensitive situations. Many companies address this by limiting AI agents to approved knowledge sources and implementing clear escalation protocols. The most effective approach in production environments has been a hybrid model, where AI agents handle routine tasks and escalate complex cases to human staff. Sales & Marketing AI agents are now playing a critical role in structured sales and marketing workflows, such as lead qualification, meeting scheduling, and campaign analytics. These agents integrate seamlessly with CRM platforms and communication tools while adhering to business rules. For example, Salesforce’s Agentforce processes customer interactions, maintains conversation history, and escalates complex inquiries when necessary. 1. Sales Development 2. Marketing Operations Core capabilities: However, implementing AI in sales and marketing presents challenges: A hybrid approach—where AI manages routine tasks and data-driven decisions while humans focus on relationship-building and strategy—has proven most effective. Legal Services AI agents are also transforming the legal industry by processing complex documents and maintaining compliance across jurisdictions. Systems like Harvey can break down multi-month projects, such as S-1 filings, into structured workflows while ensuring regulatory compliance. Key capabilities: However, AI-assisted legal work faces significant challenges. Validation and liability remain critical concerns—AI-generated outputs require human review, and the legal responsibility for AI-assisted decisions is still unresolved. While AI excels at document processing and legal research, strategic decisions remain firmly in human hands. Final Thoughts Across industries, AI agents are proving their value in automation, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. However, fully autonomous systems are not yet replacing human expertise—instead, the most successful implementations involve AI-human collaboration, where agents handle repetitive tasks while humans oversee complex decision-making. As AI technology continues to evolve, businesses must strike the right balance between automation, control, and human oversight to maximize its potential. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Agentforce to the Team

Salesforce Unveils AI-Powered Agentforce for Health

Salesforce Unveils AI-Powered Agentforce for Health to Streamline Healthcare Operations Salesforce is expanding its AI capabilities in healthcare with the launch of Agentforce for Health, a library of ready-made, autonomous AI tools designed to tackle time-consuming administrative tasks for providers, payers, and public health organizations. Unlike traditional AI assistants that require constant human input, Agentforce for Health leverages agentic AI, which can make independent decisions and operate with minimal intervention. This shift could be a game-changer for an industry grappling with labor shortages, burnout, and rising administrative costs—which McKinsey estimates at $1 trillion annually in the U.S. alone. How Agentforce for Health Works The new solution offers a range of AI-powered capabilities, including: By automating these processes, healthcare teams estimate they could save up to 10 hours per week, according to a Salesforce survey released alongside the product announcement. Salesforce’s AI Edge in Healthcare While tech giants like Google (Agentspace) and Microsoft are also investing in AI-driven healthcare solutions, Salesforce differentiates itself through its deep integration with its CRM platform. This allows Agentforce for Health to not only automate tasks but also seamlessly enhance patient engagement and care coordination. Additionally, Salesforce’s Einstein Copilot Health Actions, a conversational AI assistant launched in April, complements Agentforce by enabling interactive AI-driven decision-making for healthcare teams. Availability & Future Rollout Salesforce is rolling out Agentforce for Health’s AI skills through September for clients using its cloud platform. As AI adoption accelerates in healthcare, Salesforce is positioning itself as a key player in helping the industry reduce administrative burdens, improve efficiency, and enhance patient 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Shift From AI Agents to AI Agent Tool Use

AI Agent Dilemma

The AI Agent Dilemma: Hype, Confusion, and Competing Definitions Silicon Valley is all in on AI agents. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicts they will “join the workforce” this year. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella envisions them replacing certain knowledge work. Meanwhile, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has set an ambitious goal: making Salesforce the “number one provider of digital labor in the world” through its suite of AI-driven agentic services. But despite the enthusiasm, there’s little consensus on what an AI agent actually is. In recent years, tech leaders have hailed AI agents as transformative—just as AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT redefined information retrieval, agents, they claim, will revolutionize work. That may be true. But the problem lies in defining what an “agent” really is. Much like AI buzzwords such as “multimodal,” “AGI,” or even “AI” itself, the term “agent” is becoming so broad that it risks losing all meaning. This ambiguity puts companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, Salesforce, Amazon, and Google in a tricky spot. Each is investing heavily in AI agents, but their definitions—and implementations—differ wildly. An Amazon agent is not the same as a Google agent, leading to confusion and, increasingly, customer frustration. Even industry insiders are growing weary of the term. Ryan Salva, senior director of product at Google and former GitHub Copilot leader, openly criticizes the overuse of “agents.” “I think our industry has stretched the term ‘agent’ to the point where it’s almost nonsensical,” Salva told TechCrunch. “[It is] one of my pet peeves.” A Definition in Flux The struggle to define AI agents isn’t new. Former TechCrunch reporter Ron Miller raised the question last year: What exactly is an AI agent? The challenge is that every company building them has a different answer. That confusion only deepened this past week. OpenAI published a blog post defining agents as “automated systems that can independently accomplish tasks on behalf of users.” Yet in its developer documentation, it described agents as “LLMs equipped with instructions and tools.” Adding to the inconsistency, OpenAI’s API product marketing lead, Leher Pathak, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that she sees “assistants” and “agents” as interchangeable—further muddying the waters. Microsoft attempts to make a distinction, describing agents as “the new apps” for an AI-powered world, while reserving “assistant” for more general task helpers like email drafting tools. Anthropic takes a broader approach, stating that agents can be “fully autonomous systems that operate independently over extended periods” or simply “prescriptive implementations that follow predefined workflows.” Salesforce, meanwhile, has perhaps the widest-ranging definition, describing agents as AI-driven systems that can “understand and respond to customer inquiries without human intervention.” It categorizes them into six types, from “simple reflex agents” to “utility-based agents.” Why the Confusion? The nebulous nature of AI agents is part of the problem. These systems are still evolving, and major players like OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity have only just begun rolling out their first versions—each with vastly different capabilities. But history also plays a role. Rich Villars, GVP of worldwide research at IDC, points out that tech companies have “a long history” of using flexible definitions for emerging technologies. “They care more about what they are trying to accomplish on a technical level,” Villars told TechCrunch, “especially in fast-evolving markets.” Marketing is another culprit. Andrew Ng, founder of DeepLearning.ai, argues that the term “agent” once had a clear technical meaning—until marketers and a few major companies co-opted it. The Double-Edged Sword of Ambiguity The lack of a standardized definition presents both opportunities and challenges. Jim Rowan, head of AI at Deloitte, notes that while the ambiguity allows companies to tailor agents to specific needs, it also leads to “misaligned expectations” and difficulty in measuring value and ROI. “Without a standardized definition, at least within an organization, it becomes challenging to benchmark performance and ensure consistent outcomes,” Rowan explains. “This can result in varied interpretations of what AI agents should deliver, potentially complicating project goals and results.” While a clearer framework for AI agents would help businesses maximize their investments, history suggests that the industry is unlikely to agree on a single definition—just as it never fully defined “AI” itself. For now, AI agents remain both a promising innovation and a marketing-driven enigma. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Generative AI in Marketing

Generative AI in Marketing

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) continues to reshape industries, providing product managers (PMs) across domains with opportunities to embrace AI-focused innovation and enhance their technical expertise. Over the past few years, GenAI has gained immense popularity. AI-enabled products have proliferated across industries like a rapidly expanding field of dandelions, fueled by abundant venture capital investment. From a product management perspective, AI offers numerous ways to improve productivity and deepen strategic domain knowledge. However, the fundamentals of product management remain paramount. This discussion underscores why foundational PM practices continue to be indispensable, even in the evolving landscape of GenAI, and how these core skills can elevate PMs navigating this dynamic field. Why PM Fundamentals Matter, AI or Not Three core reasons highlight the enduring importance of PM fundamentals and actionable methods for excelling in the rapidly expanding GenAI space. 1. Product Development is Inherently Complex While novice PMs might assume product development is straightforward, the reality reveals a web of interconnected and dynamic elements. These may include team dependencies, sales and marketing coordination, internal tooling managed by global teams, data telemetry updates, and countless other tasks influencing outcomes. A skilled product manager identifies and orchestrates these moving pieces, ensuring product growth and delivery. This ability is often more impactful than deep technical AI expertise (though having both is advantageous). The complexity of modern product development is further amplified by the rapid pace of technological change. Incorporating AI tools such as GitHub Copilot can accelerate workflows but demands a strong product culture to ensure smooth integration. PMs must focus on fundamentals like understanding user needs, defining clear problems, and delivering value to avoid chasing fleeting AI trends instead of solving customer problems. While AI can automate certain tasks, it is limited by costs, specificity, and nuance. A PM with strong foundational knowledge can effectively manage these limitations and identify areas for automation or improvement, such as: 2. Interpersonal Skills Are Irreplaceable As AI product development grows more complex, interpersonal skills become increasingly critical. PMs work with diverse teams, including developers, designers, data scientists, marketing professionals, and executives. While AI can assist in specific tasks, strong human connections are essential for success. Key interpersonal abilities for PMs include: Stakeholder management remains a cornerstone of effective product management. PMs must build trust and tailor their communication to various audiences—a skill AI cannot replicate. 3. Understanding Vertical Use Cases is Essential Vertical use cases focus on niche, specific tasks within a broader context. In the GenAI ecosystem, this specificity is exemplified by AI agents designed for narrow applications. For instance, Microsoft Copilot includes a summarization agent that excels at analyzing Word documents. The vertical AI market has experienced explosive growth, valued at .1 billion in 2024 and projected to reach .1 billion by 2030. PMs are crucial in identifying and validating these vertical use cases. For example, the team at Planview developed the AI Assistant “Planview Copilot” by hypothesizing specific use cases and iteratively validating them through customer feedback and data analysis. This approach required continuous application of fundamental PM practices, including discovery, prioritization, and feedback internalization. PMs must be adept at discovering vertical use cases and crafting strategies to deliver meaningful solutions. Key steps include: Conclusion Foundational product management practices remain critical, even as AI transforms industries. These core skills ensure that PMs can navigate the challenges of GenAI, enabling organizations to accelerate customer value in work efficiency, time savings, and quality of life. By maintaining strong fundamentals, PMs can lead their teams to thrive in an AI-driven future. AI Agents on Madison Avenue: The New Frontier in Advertising AI agents, hailed as the next big advancement in artificial intelligence, are making their presence felt in the world of advertising. Startups like Adaly and Anthrologic are introducing personalized AI tools designed to boost productivity for advertisers, offering automation for tasks that are often time-consuming and tedious. Retail brands such as Anthropologie are already adopting this technology to streamline their operations. How AI Agents WorkIn simple terms, AI agents operate like advanced AI chatbots. They can handle tasks such as generating reports, optimizing media budgets, or analyzing data. According to Tyler Pietz, CEO and founder of Anthrologic, “They can basically do anything that a human can do on a computer.” Big players like Salesforce, Microsoft, Anthropic, Google, and Perplexity are also championing AI agents. Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, recently suggested that businesses will soon compete for the attention of AI agents rather than human customers. “Brands need to get comfortable doing this,” he remarked to The Economic Times. AI Agents Tailored for Advertisers Both Adaly and Anthrologic have developed AI software specifically trained for advertising tasks. Built on large language models like ChatGPT, these platforms respond to voice and text prompts. Advertisers can train these AI systems on internal data to automate tasks like identifying data discrepancies or analyzing economic impacts on regional ad budgets. Pietz noted that an AI agent can be set up in about a month and take on grunt work like scouring spreadsheets for specific figures. “Marketers still log into 15 different platforms daily,” said Kyle Csik, co-founder of Adaly. “When brands in-house talent, they often hire people to manage systems rather than think strategically. AI agents can take on repetitive tasks, leaving room for higher-level work.” Both Pietz and Csik bring agency experience to their ventures, having crossed paths at MediaMonks. Industry Response: Collaboration, Not Replacement The targets for these tools differ: Adaly focuses on independent agencies and brands, while Anthrologic is honing in on larger brands. Meanwhile, major holding companies like Omnicom and Dentsu are building their own AI agents. Omnicom, on the verge of merging with IPG, has developed internal AI solutions, while Dentsu has partnered with Microsoft to create tools like Dentsu DALL-E and Dentsu-GPT. Havas is also developing its own AI agent, according to Chief Activation Officer Mike Bregman. Bregman believes AI tools won’t immediately threaten agency jobs. “Agencies have a lot of specialization that machines can’t replace today,” he said. “They can streamline processes, but

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The Future of AI in Salesforce

The Future of AI in Salesforce

The Future of AI in Salesforce: Smarter, Predictive, and Deeply Integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the Salesforce ecosystem, reshaping customer interactions, automating workflows, and driving revenue growth. As we move into 2025 and beyond, AI within Salesforce will become even more intelligent, predictive, and seamlessly embedded across the platform. Let’s explore the key advancements defining the next era of AI in Salesforce. 1. Next-Gen Einstein AI: A Smarter CRM Assistant Salesforce Einstein continues to evolve, equipping businesses with powerful AI-driven capabilities: 2. AI-Powered Revenue Intelligence & Forecasting AI is transforming revenue intelligence, helping sales teams make data-driven decisions: 3. AI-Driven Sales & Service Automation AI-powered automation will streamline workflows and improve efficiency: 4. Hyper-Personalization with AI & Data Cloud Salesforce Data Cloud and AI will power personalized customer experiences at scale: 5. AI-Optimized Lead Generation & Marketing Automation AI will continue to enhance lead generation and marketing strategies: 6. AI & Low-Code/No-Code Innovation Salesforce is democratizing AI with accessible low-code and no-code tools: 7. Ethical AI & Governance: Building Trust in AI Salesforce remains committed to ethical, transparent, and bias-free AI: Conclusion As AI becomes deeply embedded in every Salesforce cloud, businesses will experience faster automation, smarter decision-making, and hyper-personalized customer engagement. From AI-powered sales forecasting to generative AI-driven content, the future of Salesforce AI is set to redefine CRM strategies in 2025 and beyond. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Agentforce Unveiled

Scale Your Marketing with Agentforce

Scale Your Marketing with Agentforce: AI-Powered Automation for Modern Campaigns Traditional marketing systems struggle to keep pace with today’s demand for precision, personalization, and scale. With marketing teams managing complex, multi-platform campaigns, repetitive work quickly becomes a challenge—41% of employee time is spent on low-impact tasks, and 65% of desk workers believe AI will help them focus on more strategic work. Enter Agentforce for Marketers, built with the Atlas Reasoning Engine. These AI-powered agents help businesses scale their workforces on demand, analyzing data, making decisions, and taking proactive action on tasks like answering customer inquiries and qualifying leads. If you’re ready to embrace a new level of efficiency, this Tectonic insight explores how Agentforce can revolutionize your marketing efforts. What is Agentforce for Marketing? Introduced at Dreamforce 2024, Agentforce represents Salesforce’s next evolution in AI. Powered by the Atlas Reasoning Engine, it enhances automation with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and contextual decision-making. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff calls Agentforce “the third wave of AI—moving beyond copilots to highly accurate, low-hallucination customer service agents that actively drive success.” For marketers, this means automation that analyzes vast datasets, connects customer interactions across teams, and provides real-time insights—all while optimizing campaigns, streamlining workflows, and generating personalized content. The Core of Agentforce: Agentforce combines Agent Builder, Model Builder, and Prompt Builder, allowing marketers to: These tools enable seamless, personalized experiences while reducing manual effort. Key Autonomous AI Agents in Agentforce Agentforce’s AI-powered agents cover a wide range of marketing and sales functions, including: Core Features of Agentforce for Marketing Agentforce transforms marketing by delivering AI-driven insights, automating workflows, and personalizing customer experiences at scale. 1. AI-Driven Campaign Insights Agentforce integrates Salesforce Data Cloud and Marketing Cloud Intelligence to analyze customer behavior patterns, optimize targeting strategies, and improve campaign performance. 💡 Only 32% of marketers say they effectively use customer data for personalization. Agentforce closes this gap by providing real-time, actionable insights. 2. Real-Time Data Integration By consolidating insights from CRM records, external platforms, and unstructured sources, Agentforce ensures AI-driven recommendations power marketing automation and personalization. ✅ Example: OpenTable used Agentforce’s data-driven insights to boost customer engagement and increase case resolution rates. 3. Automated Campaign Workflows Agentforce eliminates repetitive tasks like email follow-ups, social media posts, and ad placements, allowing teams to focus on strategy. 💡 Marketers can set up automated email sequences that trigger based on customer behavior—without manual intervention. Use Cases: How Marketers Leverage Agentforce 1. Personalized Email Campaigns Agentforce analyzes customer interactions to send hyper-targeted emails based on past purchases, browsing history, and engagement. ✅ Example: An online retailer sends tailored product recommendations based on recent searches, increasing conversion rates. 2. Omnichannel Campaign Management Agentforce synchronizes messaging across email, social media, and ads, ensuring consistency across platforms like Marketing Cloud and Facebook Ads Manager. ✅ Example: A product launch campaign can automatically schedule email announcements, social media posts, and search ads—all aligned in messaging. 3. Advanced Audience Segmentation Using AI-powered behavioral analysis, Agentforce creates refined audience segments to deliver hyper-personalized marketing. ✅ Example: A luxury retailer identifies VIP customers likely to attend exclusive events and sends personalized invitations. 4. Performance Tracking & Optimization Agentforce continuously monitors engagement metrics, offering AI-driven recommendations for campaign improvements. 💡 This allows marketers to adjust strategies in real time, maximizing impact. Challenges & Considerations 1. Adapting to AI-Powered Marketing Many professionals feel unprepared for AI-driven tools. Organizations should invest in training programs to ease adoption and leverage Salesforce’s low-code tools for a smoother transition. 2. Ethical & Sustainable AI Implementation Responsible AI use is critical. Agentforce includes features to:✅ Mitigate bias in AI-driven processes.✅ Reduce environmental impact by optimizing hardware usage.✅ Ensure accuracy with real-time, dynamic data. 💡 Salesforce’s AI Red Teaming and Ethical AI Maturity Model help businesses implement AI responsibly. The Future of Marketing with Agentforce Agentforce is redefining marketing automation, eliminating repetitive tasks, enhancing personalization, and driving smarter decision-making. If you’re ready to scale your marketing with AI-powered efficiency, Agentforce is your next competitive advantage. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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agentforce digital workforce

How Agentforce Works

Salesforce Agentforce: Everything You Need to Know Salesforce Agentforce represents a paradigm shift from generative AI to agentic AI—a new class of AI capable of autonomous action. Since its launch at Dreamforce in September 2024, Agentforce has redefined the conversation around AI, customer service, and experience management. To meet skyrocketing demand, Salesforce announced plans to hire more than 1,000 employees shortly after the launch. What is Salesforce Agentforce? Agentforce is a next-generation platform layer within the Salesforce ecosystem. While its bots leverage generative AI capabilities, they differ significantly from platforms like ChatGPT or Google Gemini. Agentforce bots are designed not just to generate responses but to act autonomously within predefined organizational guardrails. Unlike traditional chatbots, which follow scripted patterns, Agentforce AI agents are trained on proprietary data, enabling flexible and contextually accurate responses. They also integrate with Salesforce’s Data Cloud, enhancing their capacity to access and utilize customer data effectively. Agentforce combines three core tools—Agent Builder, Model Builder, and Prompt Builder—allowing businesses to create customized bots using low-code tools. Key Features of Agentforce The platform offers ready-to-deploy AI agents tailored for various industries, including: Agentforce officially became available on October 25, 2024, with pricing starting at $2 per conversation, and volume discounts offered for enterprise customers. Salesforce also launched the Agentforce Partner Network, enabling third-party integrations and custom agent designs for expanded functionality. How Agentforce Works Salesforce designed Agentforce for users without deep technical expertise in AI. As CEO Marc Benioff said, “This is AI for the rest of us.” The platform is powered by the upgraded Atlas Reasoning Engine, a component of Salesforce Einstein AI, which mimics human reasoning and planning. Like self-driving cars, Agentforce interprets real-time data to adapt its actions and operates autonomously within its established parameters. Enhanced Atlas Reasoning Engine In December 2024, Salesforce enhanced the Atlas Reasoning Engine with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and advanced reasoning capabilities. These upgrades allow agents to: Seamless Integrations with Salesforce Tools Agentforce is deeply integrated with Salesforce’s ecosystem: Key Developments Agentforce Testing Center Launched in December 2024, the Testing Center allows businesses to test agents before deployment, ensuring they are accurate, fast, and aligned with organizational goals. Skill and Integration Library Salesforce introduced a pre-built library for CRM, Slack, Tableau, and MuleSoft integrations, simplifying agent customization. Examples include: Industry-Specific Expansion Agentforce for Retail Announced at the NRF conference in January 2025, this solution offers pre-built skills tailored to retail, such as: Additionally, Salesforce unveiled Retail Cloud with Modern POS, unifying online and offline inventory data. Notable Agentforce Customers Looking Ahead Marc Benioff calls Agentforce “the third wave of AI”, advancing beyond copilots into a new era of autonomous, low-hallucination intelligent agents. With its robust capabilities, Agentforce is positioned to transform how businesses interact with customers, automate workflows, and drive 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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No-Code Generative AI

Generative-Driven Development

Nowhere has the rise of generative AI tools been more transformative than in software development. It began with GitHub Copilot’s enhanced autocomplete, which then evolved into interactive, real-time coding assistants like Aider and Cursor that allow engineers to dictate changes and see them applied live in their editor. Today, platforms like Devin.ai aim even higher, aspiring to create autonomous software systems capable of interpreting feature requests or bug reports and delivering ready-to-review code. At its core, the ambition of these AI tools mirrors the essence of software itself: to automate human work. Whether you were writing a script to automate CSV parsing in 2005 or leveraging AI today, the goal remains the same—offloading repetitive tasks to machines. What makes generative AI tools distinct, however, is their focus on automating the work of automation itself. Framing this as a guiding principle enables us to consider the broader challenges and opportunities generative AI brings to software development. Automate the Process of Automation The Doctor-Patient Strategy Most contemporary generative AI tools operate under what can be called the Doctor-Patient strategy. In this model, the GenAI tool acts on a codebase as a distinct, external entity—much like a doctor treats a patient. The relationship is one-directional: the tool modifies the codebase based on given instructions but remains isolated from the architecture and decision-making processes within it. Why This Strategy Dominates: However, the limitations of this strategy are becoming increasingly apparent. Over time, the unidirectional relationship leads to bot rot—the gradual degradation of code quality due to poorly contextualized, repetitive, or inconsistent changes made by generative AI. Understanding Bot Rot Bot rot occurs when AI tools repeatedly make changes without accounting for the macro-level architecture of a codebase. These tools rely on localized context, often drawing from semantically similar code snippets, but lack the insight needed to preserve or enhance the overarching structure. Symptoms of Bot Rot: Example:Consider a Python application that parses TPS report IDs. Without architectural insight, a code bot may generate redundant parsing methods across multiple modules rather than abstracting the logic into a centralized model. Over time, this duplication compounds, creating a chaotic and inefficient codebase. A New Approach: Generative-Driven Development (GDD) To address the flaws of the Doctor-Patient strategy, we propose Generative-Driven Development (GDD), a paradigm where the codebase itself is designed to enable generative AI to enhance automation iteratively and sustainably. Pillars of GDD: How GDD Improves the Development Lifecycle Under GDD, the traditional Test-Driven Development (TDD) cycle (red, green, refactor) evolves to integrate AI processes: This complete cycle eliminates the gaps present in current generative workflows, reducing bot rot and enabling sustainable automation. Over time, GDD-based codebases become easier to maintain and automate, reducing error rates and cycle times. A Day in the Life of a GDD Engineer Imagine a GDD-enabled workflow for a developer tasked with updating TPS report parsing: By embedding AI into the development process, GDD empowers engineers to focus on high-level decision-making while ensuring the automation process remains sustainable and aligned with architectural goals. Conclusion Generative-Driven Development represents a significant shift in how we approach software development. By prioritizing architecture, embedding automation into the software itself, and writing GenAI-optimized code, GDD offers a sustainable path to achieving the ultimate goal: automating the process of automation. As AI continues to reshape the industry, adopting GDD will be critical to harnessing its full potential while avoiding the pitfalls of bot rot. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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ai in marketing

Guide to AI in Marketing

The Ultimate Guide to AI in Marketing AI-powered algorithms and machine learning are revolutionizing the marketing landscape by enabling swift processing and analysis of vast datasets. Unlike traditional methods, AI efficiently organizes large volumes of data in real time, redefining how marketing strategies are created and executed. Marketing success hinges on effective data utilization, precise targeting, engaging content, and seamless workflows. AI simplifies these complexities, making them more accessible, scalable, and impactful. Here’s how AI transforms modern marketing. Unleashing AI’s Potential in Marketing AI has become a cornerstone for enhancing customer experiences and boosting marketing productivity. However, to fully leverage AI, it’s essential to understand its capabilities and implementation strategies. Think of AI as your vehicle for uncovering actionable customer insights, optimizing campaigns, and creating tailored customer experiences. While the pace of AI’s evolution may seem overwhelming, this guide will help you take control and confidently drive your AI-powered marketing efforts. Future Trends in Generative AI and Marketing Generative AI is unlocking new possibilities in customer engagement. This guide explores the challenges, advantages, and emerging trends in AI-driven marketing. From attracting customers to maximizing ROI, you’ll discover best practices and real-world examples of successful AI adoption. How AI Works in Marketing AI uses advanced algorithms and pattern recognition to simulate human intelligence in processing data. Through machine learning and deep learning, it identifies trends, predicts outcomes, and automates tasks typically requiring human intervention. Like humans learning from experience, AI improves with practice. It rapidly identifies consumer preferences, behaviors, and purchasing patterns. Two primary types of AI stand out in marketing: These AI types work together—predictive AI extracts insights from data, while generative AI uses those insights to create personalized content and solutions. This synergy enables marketers to automate tasks, segment audiences, and deliver tailored messaging based on individual preferences. AI in Action: Enhancing Customer Engagement AI enables marketers to engage with customers more effectively by: The Power of AI-Driven Marketing Analytics AI-powered analytics revolutionize decision-making by identifying patterns and offering actionable insights. Marketers can use AI tools to: Maximizing ROI with AI AI enables businesses to expand audience reach, improve conversion rates, and enhance customer relationships through personalized content and product recommendations. Its real-time analytics empower marketers to make informed decisions, while automation frees up time for strategic innovation. Navigating Challenges in AI Marketing AI’s potential comes with challenges, including: By prioritizing ethical practices, transparent data policies, and robust compliance measures, marketers can overcome these obstacles and leverage AI responsibly. Best Practices for AI-Driven Marketing To maximize the benefits of AI, marketers should: The Future: AI Copilots in Marketing AI copilots—conversational AI integrated into platforms—are transforming marketing workflows. These tools draft content, provide recommendations, and offer guidance based on CRM data, significantly enhancing efficiency. Looking Ahead: Emerging Trends in AI Marketing Over the next two years, advancements in AI will continue to reshape marketing. Key trends include: By embracing these advancements, marketers can deliver exceptional customer experiences, drive business growth, and stay competitive in an evolving digital landscape. AI is not just a tool—it’s a transformative force. By integrating AI into your marketing strategy, you can unlock unparalleled opportunities to engage customers, optimize campaigns, and propel your organization into the 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Agentforce Redefines Generative AI

Agentforce Redefines Generative AI

Agentforce: Redefining Generative AI in Salesforce Many Dreamforce attendees who expected to hear about Einstein Copilot were surprised when Salesforce introduced Agentforce just a week before the conference. While it might seem like a rebranding of Copilot, Agentforce marks a significant evolution by enabling more autonomous agents that go beyond summarizing or generating content to perform specific actions. Here’s a breakdown of the transition and what it means for Salesforce users: Key Vocabulary Updates How Agentforce Works Agents take user input, known as an “utterance,” and translate it into actionable steps based on predefined configurations. This allows the system to enhance performance over time while delivering responses tailored to user needs. Understanding Agentforce 1. Topics: Organizing Agent Capabilities Agentforce introduces “Topics,” a new layer of organization that categorizes actions by business function. When a user provides an utterance, the agent identifies the relevant topic first, then determines the best actions to address it. 2. Actions: What Agents Can Do Actions remain largely unchanged from Einstein Copilot. These are tasks agents perform to execute plans. 3. Prompts: The Key to Better Results LLMs rely on prompts to generate outputs, and crafting effective prompts is essential for reducing irrelevant responses and optimizing agent behavior. How Generative AI Enhances Salesforce Agentforce unlocks several benefits across productivity, personalization, standardization, and efficiency: Implementing Agentforce: Tips for Success Getting Started Start by using standard Agent actions. These out-of-the-box tools, such as opportunity summarization or close plan creation, provide a strong foundation. You can make minor adjustments to optimize their performance before diving into more complex custom actions. Testing and Iteration Testing AI agents is different from traditional workflows. Agents must handle various phrasing of the same user request (utterances) while maintaining consistency in responses. The Future of Salesforce with Agentforce As you gain expertise in planning, developing, testing, and deploying Agentforce actions, you’ll unlock new possibilities for transforming your Salesforce experience. With generative AI tools like Agentforce, Salesforce evolves from a traditional point-and-click interface into an intelligent, agent-driven platform with streamlined, conversational workflows. This isn’t just an upgrade — it’s the foundation for reimagining how businesses interact with their CRM in an AI-assisted world. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Slack AI Exploit Prevented

Salesforce Einstein Copilot and Slack

Salesforce Einstein Copilot (now Agentforce) can be connected to Slack, allowing users to access AI-powered CRM insights and take actions directly within Slack.  Here’s a more detailed explanation: 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Scope of Generative AI

Exploring Generative AI

Like most employees at most companies, I wear a few different hats around Tectonic. Whether I’m building a data model, creating and scheduing an email campaign, standing up a platform generative AI is always at my fingertips. At my very core, I’m a marketer. Have been for so long I do it without eveven thinking. Or at least, everyuthing I do has a hat tip to its future marketing needs. Today I want to share some of the AI content generators I’ve been using, am looking to use, or just heard about. But before we rip into the insight, here’s a primer. Types of AI Content Generators ChatGPT, a powerful AI chatbot, drew significant attention upon its November 2022 release. While the GPT-3 language model behind it had existed for some time, ChatGPT made this technology accessible to nontechnical users, showcasing how AI can generate content. Over two years later, numerous AI content generators have emerged to cater to diverse use cases. This rapid development raises questions about the technology’s impact on work. Schools are grappling with fears of plagiarism, while others are embracing AI. Legal debates about copyright and digital media authenticity continue. President Joe Biden’s October 2023 executive order addressed AI’s risks and opportunities in areas like education, workforce, and consumer privacy, underscoring generative AI’s transformative potential. What is AI-Generated Content? AI-generated content, also known as generative AI, refers to algorithms that automatically create new content across digital media. These algorithms are trained on extensive datasets and require minimal user input to produce novel outputs. For instance, ChatGPT sets a standard for AI-generated content. Based on GPT-4o, it processes text, images, and audio, offering natural language and multimodal capabilities. Many other generative AI tools operate similarly, leveraging large language models (LLMs) and multimodal frameworks to create diverse outputs. What are the Different Types of AI-Generated Content? AI-generated content spans multiple media types: Despite their varied outputs, most generative AI systems are built on advanced LLMs like GPT-4 and Google Gemini. These multimodal models process and generate content across multiple formats, with enhanced capabilities evolving over time. How Generative AI is Used Generative AI applications span industries: These tools often combine outputs from various media for complex, multifaceted projects. AI Content Generators AI content generators exist across various media. Below are good examples organized by gen ai type: Written Content Generators Image Content Generators Music Content Generators Code Content Generators Other AI Content Generators These tools showcase how AI-powered content generation is revolutionizing industries, making content creation faster and more accessible. I do hope you will comment below on your favorites, other AI tools not showcased above, or anything else AI-related that is on your mind. Written by Tectonic’s Marketing Operations Director, Shannan Hearne. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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