Governance Archives - gettectonic.com

19Sep

Salesforce AI Agents and New Data Cloud Features

Salesforce has announced several major updates to its Data Cloud at the annual Dreamforce conference, aimed at enhancing data analysis and boosting the capabilities of its new AI agents, Agentforce. These updates include support for unstructured data in audio and video formats, 50 new data connectors, and a low-latency pipeline to ensure faster AI responses. Salesforce describes Data Cloud as a customer data platform designed to unify data from various sources, providing actionable insights for sales, service, and marketing teams. The latest features will further improve this functionality, according to Rahul Auradkar, Salesforce’s General Manager of Unified Data Services and Einstein. Key Updates 1. Unstructured Data Support: Audio and Video Formats Salesforce has introduced the ability to process unstructured audio and video data. This allows enterprises to analyze information from sources like customer calls, training sessions, product demos, and webinars. The unstructured data can enrich customer profiles, provide deeper insights into behavior, and enhance the performance of AI agents within Agentforce by improving response accuracy. IDC’s Hayley Sutherland highlighted that vectorization of this content enables retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), enhancing the use of large language models (LLMs) to generate more effective and context-aware responses. 2. 50 New Data Connectors Salesforce has expanded its connector library with 50 new options, raising the total to 200. This helps businesses integrate diverse data sources, facilitating improved personalization and decision-making. These connectors are also critical for feeding data to AI agents, enabling them to generate more accurate insights. 3. Sub-second Data Layer for Real-time Responses A new sub-second data layer has been rolled out, allowing enterprises to ingest, unify, analyze, and act on data in real time. This layer powers Einstein Personalization, enabling instant AI-driven recommendations and analytics. It’s especially important for the low-latency needs of Agentforce’s autonomous AI agents, ensuring faster, more accurate customer interactions. 4. Governance and Security Enhancements Salesforce has introduced AI tagging and classification features for unstructured data, automating labeling and organization to ensure secure access. Policy-based governance will offer granular control over data access based on tags, metadata, and user attributes. Additionally, customer-managed encryption keys ensure data security, while the newly available private connect feature allows secure data sharing between Data Cloud and public cloud environments. 5. Data Cloud One and Hybrid Search Data Cloud One, a new feature, will allow enterprises to connect multiple Salesforce accounts across different departments or regions into a single instance, simplifying data management. The hybrid search feature, which combines vector and keyword search, is designed to improve the speed and accuracy of finding industry-specific information. Other updates include Tableau Semantics, which helps organize data based on its meaning, and a new data community platform to foster collaboration among data professionals. These updates reflect Salesforce’s commitment to enhancing data-driven decision-making and delivering powerful AI capabilities for enterprises. Like1 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

September 19, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce

14Sep

Acceptable AI Use Policies

With great power comes—when it comes to generative AI—significant security and compliance risks. Discover how AI acceptable use policies can safeguard your organization while leveraging this transformative technology. AI has become integral across various industries, driving digital operations and organizational infrastructure. However, its widespread adoption brings substantial risks, particularly concerning cybersecurity. A crucial aspect of managing these risks and ensuring the security of sensitive data is implementing an AI acceptable use policy. This policy defines how an organization handles AI risks and sets guidelines for AI system usage. Why an AI Acceptable Use Policy Matters Generative AI systems and large language models are potent tools capable of processing and analyzing data at unprecedented speeds. Yet, this power comes with risks. The same features that enhance AI efficiency can be misused for malicious purposes, such as generating phishing content, creating malware, producing deepfakes, or automating cyberattacks. An AI acceptable use policy is essential for several reasons: Crafting an Effective AI Acceptable Use Policy An AI acceptable use policy should be tailored to your organization’s needs and context. Here’s a general guide for creating one: Essential Elements of an AI Acceptable Use Policy A robust AI acceptable use policy should include: An AI acceptable use policy is not just a document but a dynamic framework guiding safe and responsible AI use within an organization. By developing and enforcing this policy, organizations can harness AI’s power while mitigating its risks to cybersecurity and data integrity, balancing innovation with risk management as AI continues to evolve and integrate into our digital landscapes. 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

September 14, 2024in Generative AI

13Sep

IntraEdge Higher Education

PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IntraEdge, Inc., a leading global technology products and services provider, recently announced its expanded investment in itsHigher Education division with the addition of new leadership to bolster their Salesforce service offerings. The new leaders each possess over 20 years of higher education experience and have a proven track record of building innovative and high performing consulting practices. “Our team has a proven track record of success in helping higher education institutions achieve their goals. We look forward to partnering with colleges and universities to leverage the power of Salesforce to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency.” The Higher Education division leadership team consists of Vince Salvato, Todd Edge, and Ryan Clemens. Salvato, who will be leading the division, is a recognized pioneer in Salesforce implementations for higher education. He brings a wealth of experience from his years working with higher education leaders, Salesforce, and ISV Partners. Edge and Clemens have a long history implementing Salesforce and other technologies for higher education leveraging global capabilities to assemble well balanced implementation teams. Together, this team boasts a proven track record of serving over 150 higher education institutions. Their collective history of successful Salesforce and technology implementations within higher education, coupled with IntraEdge’s 3,000+ global resources and complimentary product and service offerings, positions IntraEdge to deliver exceptional solutions. “We are thrilled to welcome Vince, Ryan, and Todd to the IntraEdge team,” said Kal Somani, CEO of IntraEdge. “Their combined experience and knowledge of the higher education landscape make them invaluable assets as we expand our footprint in this industry. By leveraging Salesforce’s powerful platform with IntraEdge’s full breadth of technology capabilities, we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions.” IntraEdge redefines the typical implementation approach by delivering accelerated, cost-effective, and highly successful implementations. The company’s proven methodology and global delivery capabilities, combined with a team of seasoned higher education experts, will enable institutions to maximize the value of Salesforce while minimizing disruption to campus operations. IntraEdge’s Higher Education division offers a comprehensive suite of Salesforce-based solutions tailored to the specific needs of colleges and universities. With implementation, consulting, and value-add products and services, institutions can maximize the value of their Salesforce investment, including but not limited to Data Integration and Visualization, Digital Experience Strategy, Digital Content Strategy and Development, Managed and Capacity Services, AI Governance and Compliance Software. “We are excited to join IntraEdge and be a part of a world-class higher education practice,” said Salvato, Senior Vice President of Higher Education at IntraEdge. “Our team has a proven track record of success in helping higher education institutions achieve their goals. We look forward to partnering with colleges and universities to leverage the power of Salesforce to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency.” IntraEdge is proud to be a trusted partner to higher education institutions across North America. Our company is committed to delivering exceptional results and exceeding client expectations. 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

September 13, 2024in Salesforce

07Sep

Adopting Salesforce Security Policies

Data breaches reached an all-time high in 2023, affecting more than 234 million individuals, and there’s no sign of the trend slowing down. At the center of this challenge is how organizations allocate resources to safeguard customer data. One of the most critical systems for managing this data is CRM platforms like Salesforce, used by over 150,000 U.S. businesses. However, security blind spots within Salesforce continue to pose significant risks. To address these concerns, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers a strategic framework for Salesforce security teams. In February 2024, NIST released Version 2.0 of its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), marking the first major update in a decade. Key improvements include the introduction of a new “Govern” function, streamlining of categories to simplify usability, and updates to the “Respond” function to enhance incident management. This framework now applies across all industries, not just critical infrastructure. For Salesforce security leaders, these changes will significantly affect how they manage security, from aligning Salesforce practices with enterprise risk strategies to strengthening oversight of third-party apps. Here’s how these updates will influence Salesforce security going forward. What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0? The NIST Cybersecurity Framework, first launched in 2014, was developed after an executive order by President Obama, aiming to provide a standardized set of guidelines to improve cybersecurity across critical infrastructure. The framework’s objectives include: The newly updated NIST CSF 2.0, released in 2024, expands on the original framework, providing organizations with structured, yet flexible, guidance for managing cybersecurity risks. It revolves around three core components: the CSF Core, CSF Profiles, and CSF Tiers. Key Components of NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 These components help organizations understand, assess, and improve their cybersecurity posture, forming the basis for risk-informed strategies that align with organizational needs and the evolving threat landscape. Key Updates in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and Their Impact on Salesforce Security The 2024 updates to NIST CSF offer insights that Salesforce security leaders can use to align their strategies with evolving cybersecurity risks. Implementation Strategies for Salesforce Security Leaders To incorporate CSF 2.0 into Salesforce security operations, leaders should: Conclusion: Embracing NIST CSF 2.0 to Strengthen Salesforce Security The 2024 NIST Cybersecurity Framework updates offer crucial insights for Salesforce security leaders. By adopting these practices, organizations can enhance data protection, strengthen incident response capabilities, and ensure business continuity—critical for those relying on Salesforce for managing sensitive customer data. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

September 7, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Shield, Technology

06Sep

Citizen Development

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

September 6, 2024in Data, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Public Sector Solutions, Technology

05Sep

Salesforce Data Quality Challenges and AI Integration

Salesforce Data Quality Challenges and AI Integration Salesforce is an incredibly powerful CRM tool, but like any system, it’s vulnerable to data quality issues if not properly managed. As organizations race to unlock the power of AI to improve sales and service experiences, they are finding that great AI requires great data. Let’s explore some of the most common Salesforce data quality challenges and how resolving them is key to succeeding in the AI era. 1. Duplicate Records Duplicate data can clutter your Salesforce system, leading to reporting inaccuracies and confusing AI-driven insights. Use Salesforce’s built-in deduplication tools or third-party apps that specialize in identifying and merging duplicate records. Implement validation rules to prevent duplicates from entering the system in the first place, ensuring cleaner data that supports accurate AI outputs. 2. Incomplete Data Incomplete data often results in missed opportunities and poor customer insights. This becomes especially problematic in AI applications, where missing data could skew results or lead to incomplete recommendations. Use Salesforce validation rules to make certain fields mandatory, ensuring critical information is captured during data entry. Regularly audit your system to identify missing data and assign tasks to fill in gaps. This ensures that both structured and unstructured data can be effectively leveraged by AI models. 3. Outdated Information Over time, data in Salesforce can become outdated, particularly customer contact details or preferences. Regularly cleanse and update your data using enrichment services that automatically refresh records with current information. For AI to deliver relevant, real-time insights, your data needs to be fresh and up to date. This is especially important when AI systems analyze both structured data (e.g., CRM entries) and unstructured data (e.g., emails or transcripts). 4. Inconsistent Data Formatting Inconsistent data formatting complicates analysis and weakens AI performance. Standardize data entry using picklists, drop-down menus, and validation rules to enforce proper formatting across all fields. A clean, consistent data set helps AI models more effectively interpret and integrate structured and unstructured data, delivering more relevant insights to both customers and employees. 5. Lack of Data Governance Without clear guidelines, it’s easy for Salesforce data quality to degrade, especially when unstructured data is added to the mix. Establish a data governance framework that includes policies for data entry, updates, and regular cleansing. Good data governance ensures that both structured and unstructured data are properly managed, making them usable by AI technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). The Role of AI in Enhancing Data Management This year, every organization is racing to understand and unlock the power of AI, especially to improve sales and service experiences. However, great AI requires great data. While traditional CRM systems deal primarily with structured data like rows and columns, every business also holds a treasure trove of unstructured data in documents, emails, transcripts, and other formats. Unstructured data offers invaluable AI-driven insights, leading to more comprehensive, customer-specific interactions. For example, when a customer contacts support, AI-powered chatbots can deliver better service by pulling data from both structured (purchase history) and unstructured sources (warranty contracts or past chats). To ensure AI-generated responses are accurate and contextual, companies must integrate both structured and unstructured data into a unified 360-degree customer view. AI Frameworks for Better Data Utilization An effective way to ensure accuracy in AI is with frameworks like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). RAG enhances AI by augmenting Large Language Models with proprietary, real-time data from both structured and unstructured sources. This method allows companies to deliver contextual, trusted, and relevant AI-driven interactions with customers, boosting overall satisfaction and operational efficiency. Tectonic’s Role in Optimizing Salesforce Data for AI To truly unlock the power of AI, companies must ensure that their data is of high quality and accessible to AI systems. Experts like Tectonic provide tailored Salesforce consulting services to help businesses manage and optimize their data. By ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and governance, Tectonic can support companies in preparing their structured and unstructured data for the AI era. Conclusion: The Intersection of Data Quality and AI In the modern era, data quality isn’t just about ensuring clean CRM records; it’s also about preparing your data for advanced AI applications. Whether it’s eliminating duplicates, filling in missing information, or governing data across touchpoints, maintaining high data quality is essential for leveraging AI effectively. For organizations ready to embrace AI, the first step is understanding where all their data resides and ensuring it’s suitable for their generative AI models. With the right data strategy, businesses can unlock the full potential of AI, transforming sales, service, and customer experiences across the board. 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

September 5, 2024in Generative AI

02Sep

Healthcare IT and CrowdStrike

Learning from the CrowdStrike Outage: Enhancing Resilience and Incident Response Overview: In the wake of the CrowdStrike outage, businesses around the globe are focusing on restoring business continuity and bolstering their resilience for future incidents. On Friday, July 19, 2024, a faulty content update triggered crashes across approximately 8.5 million Windows devices, displaying the infamous blue screen of death. This affected a range of sectors, including hospitals and airlines. Although less than 1% of all Windows machines were impacted, the outage caused significant disruptions, particularly in healthcare. For instance, Mass General Brigham hospitals and clinics canceled all non-urgent visits on the day of the outage. Other major healthcare providers, such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, and Mount Sinai, also faced operational challenges. This incident was not a result of a cyberattack but rather a defective content configuration update to CrowdStrike’s Falcon threat detection platform. According to the company’s preliminary post-incident review, a bug in the content validator allowed the faulty update to pass through validation despite containing errors. “What we’re hearing is that the recovery is well underway. Most healthcare organizations I’ve been talking to are back up and running,” said David Finn, Executive Vice President of Governance, Risk, and Compliance at First Health Advisory, in an interview with TechTarget Editorial. “The scope was much smaller than some of the other issues we’ve seen in the recent past in healthcare, but the response was healthy. Still, I think there are a lot of lessons learned.” Health IT security experts suggest that this incident can serve as a valuable learning opportunity for improving future response and recovery strategies. Planning for the Inevitable “The bad thing is always going to happen,” Finn stated, drawing on his 40 years of experience in health IT security and privacy. “The trick is to plan for it, be prepared, and ensure your ability to recover and remain resilient.” Whether it’s a large-scale cyberattack, like the one at Change Healthcare in February 2024, or a global IT outage without malicious origins, healthcare organizations of all sizes must be ready to respond to a variety of incidents that could disrupt critical systems. Finn emphasized the importance of proactive due diligence and thorough incident response planning, particularly in identifying and addressing single points of failure. Preparing for potential operational challenges in advance can make all the difference when an incident actually occurs. “We have to change the way we think about deploying this stuff,” Finn added. “Software, fortunately or not, is written by human beings, and human beings will always make mistakes. It’s our job to protect against those kinds of mistakes.” The Importance of Resilience Cyber-resilience is essential for enabling organizations to quickly recover and restore operations. By understanding that incidents like the CrowdStrike outage are bound to occur, organizations can focus on building resilience to effectively manage such events. Finn highlighted the need for resilience and redundancy in response to incidents like the CrowdStrike outage. “I still trust CrowdStrike, but that trust doesn’t mean they’re going to be perfect every time,” Finn noted. Healthcare organizations responded quickly to the incident, despite the disruptions it caused. For instance, Mass General Brigham activated its incident command to manage its response, keeping clinics and emergency departments open for urgent cases. By Monday, July 22, they had resumed scheduled appointments and procedures. According to Erik Weinick, co-head of the privacy and cybersecurity practice at New York-based law firm Otterbourg, the CrowdStrike incident underscores the need for organizations to reassess their legal and technical risk protocols. “Although initial reports indicate that the incident was an accident, not an attack, organizations should use this incident as motivation to conduct information audits, penetration testing, update system mapping and software, including security patches, and remind users about best security practices like multifactor authentication and frequently changing difficult-to-guess passwords,” Weinick said. Essentially, organizations can leverage incidents like the CrowdStrike outage to strengthen their risk management strategies and enhance their cyber-resilience. Third-Party Risk Management Challenges Even with strict security controls in place, organizations are still vulnerable to risks from third-party vendors. As the interconnectedness of healthcare systems grows, so does the potential for third-party risks. The global IT outage highlighted the importance of third-party risk management and the associated challenges. In 2023 and 2022, some of the largest healthcare data breaches were caused by third-party vendors. “People probably did a lot of risk analysis around CrowdStrike, but I’ll bet no one ever asked what tools they use to produce their software,” Finn speculated. “Until we get standards in place for software development and certifications for software sold to critical infrastructure sectors, we’re going to have to dig a little deeper.” In response to the incident, CrowdStrike announced plans to enhance its software resilience and testing processes, including adding more validation checks to its Content Validator for Rapid Response Content to prevent the deployment of faulty content. The company also plans to conduct multiple independent third-party security code reviews to prevent similar incidents in the future. “On the legal front, organizations should review their vendor agreements to understand their obligations regarding privacy and data security, who their partners are working with, and what limitations exist on liability for incidents like the CrowdStrike outage,” Weinick advised. He also recommended checking business disruption insurance coverage and conducting tabletop exercises to rehearse business continuity and recovery procedures in the event of a systems outage. Key Takeaways The CrowdStrike outage reinforced essential IT and security considerations for organizations worldwide, particularly in the areas of resilience, third-party risk management, and incident response and recovery. By learning from this event, organizations can better prepare for future challenges and improve their overall cyber-resilience. 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

September 2, 2024in Salesforce Health and Life Sciences Solutions, Salesforce Shield

02Sep

2024 AI Glossary

Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from an emerging technology to a mainstream business imperative, making it essential for leaders across industries to understand and communicate its concepts. To help you unlock the full potential of AI in your organization, this 2024 AI Glossary outlines key terms and phrases that are critical for discussing and implementing AI solutions. Tectonic 2024 AI Glossary Active LearningA blend of supervised and unsupervised learning, active learning allows AI models to identify patterns, determine the next step in learning, and only seek human intervention when necessary. This makes it an efficient approach to developing specialized AI models with greater speed and precision, which is ideal for businesses aiming for reliability and efficiency in AI adoption. AI AlignmentThis subfield focuses on aligning the objectives of AI systems with the goals of their designers or users. It ensures that AI achieves intended outcomes while also integrating ethical standards and values when making decisions. AI HallucinationsThese occur when an AI system generates incorrect or misleading outputs. Hallucinations often stem from biased or insufficient training data or incorrect model assumptions. AI-Powered AutomationAlso known as “intelligent automation,” this refers to the integration of AI with rules-based automation tools like robotic process automation (RPA). By incorporating AI technologies such as machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision (CV), AI-powered automation expands the scope of tasks that can be automated, enhancing productivity and customer experience. AI Usage AuditingAn AI usage audit is a comprehensive review that ensures your AI program meets its goals, complies with legal requirements, and adheres to organizational standards. This process helps confirm the ethical and accurate performance of AI systems. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)AGI refers to a theoretical AI system that matches human cognitive abilities and adaptability. While it remains a future concept, experts predict it may take decades or even centuries to develop true AGI. Artificial Intelligence (AI)AI encompasses computer systems that can perform complex tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence, such as reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving. BiasBias in AI refers to skewed outcomes that unfairly disadvantage certain ideas, objectives, or groups of people. This often results from insufficient or unrepresentative training data. Confidence ScoreA confidence score is a probability measure indicating how certain an AI model is that it has performed its assigned task correctly. Conversational AIA type of AI designed to simulate human conversation using techniques like NLP and generative AI. It can be further enhanced with capabilities like image recognition. Cost ControlThis is the process of monitoring project progress in real-time, tracking resource usage, analyzing performance metrics, and addressing potential budget issues before they escalate, ensuring projects stay on track. Data Annotation (Data Labeling)The process of labeling data with specific features to help AI models learn and recognize patterns during training. Deep LearningA subset of machine learning that uses multi-layered neural networks to simulate complex human decision-making processes. Enterprise AIAI technology designed specifically to meet organizational needs, including governance, compliance, and security requirements. Foundational ModelsThese models learn from large datasets and can be fine-tuned for specific tasks. Their adaptability makes them cost-effective, reducing the need for separate models for each task. Generative AIA type of AI capable of creating new content such as text, images, audio, and synthetic data. It learns from vast datasets and generates new outputs that resemble but do not replicate the original data. Generative AI Feature GovernanceA set of principles and policies ensuring the responsible use of generative AI technologies throughout an organization, aligning with company values and societal norms. Human in the Loop (HITL)A feedback process where human intervention ensures the accuracy and ethical standards of AI outputs, essential for improving AI training and decision-making. Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)IDP extracts data from a variety of document types using AI techniques like NLP and CV to automate and analyze document-based tasks. Large Language Model (LLM)An AI technology trained on massive datasets to understand and generate text. LLMs are key in language understanding and generation and utilize transformer models for processing sequential data. Machine Learning (ML)A branch of AI that allows systems to learn from data and improve accuracy over time through algorithms. Model AccuracyA measure of how often an AI model performs tasks correctly, typically evaluated using metrics such as the F1 score, which combines precision and recall. Natural Language Processing (NLP)An AI technique that enables machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language through a combination of linguistic and statistical models. Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)This technique enhances the reliability of generative AI by incorporating external data to improve the accuracy of generated content. Supervised LearningA machine learning approach that uses labeled datasets to train AI models to make accurate predictions. Unsupervised LearningA type of machine learning that analyzes and groups unlabeled data without human input, often used to discover hidden patterns. By understanding these terms, you can better navigate the AI implementation world and apply its transformative power to drive innovation and efficiency across your organization. Tectonic 2024 AI Glossary Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Alphabet Soup of Cloud Terminology As with any technology, the cloud brings its own alphabet soup of terms. This insight will hopefully help you navigate Read more

September 2, 2024in Generative AI

29Aug

Key Insights on Navigating AI Compliance

Grammarly’s AI Regulatory Master Class: Key Insights on Navigating AI Compliance On August 27, 2024, Grammarly hosted an AI Regulatory Master Class webinar, featuring Scout Moran, Senior Product Counsel, and Alan Luk, Head of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). The event provided a comprehensive overview of the current and upcoming AI regulations affecting organizations’ AI strategies, along with guidance on evaluating AI solution providers, including those offering generative AI. While the webinar avoided deep legal analysis and did not serve as legal advice, Moran and Luk spotlighted key regulations emerging from both the U.S. and European Union (EU), highlighting the rapid response of regulatory bodies to AI’s growth. Overview of AI Regulations The AI regulatory landscape is changing quickly. A May 2024 report from law firm Davis & Gilbert noted that nearly 200 AI-related laws have been proposed across various U.S. states. Grammarly’s presentation emphasized the need for organizations to stay updated, as both U.S. and EU regulations are shaping the future of AI governance. The EU AI Act: A New Regulatory Framework The EU AI Act, which took effect on August 2, 2024, applies to AI system providers, importers, distributors, and others connected to the EU market, regardless of where they are based. As Moran pointed out, the Act is designed to ensure AI systems are deployed safely. Unsafe systems may be removed from the market, establishing a regulatory baseline that individual EU countries can strengthen with more stringent measures. However, the Act does not fully define “safety.” Legal experts Hadrien Pouget and Ranj Zuhdi noted that while safety requirements are crucial to the Act, they are currently broad, allowing room for further development of standards. The Act prohibits certain AI practices, such as manipulative systems, those exploiting personal vulnerabilities, and AI used to assess or predict criminal risk. AI systems are categorized into four risk levels: unacceptable, high-risk, limited risk, and minimal risk. High-risk systems—such as those in critical infrastructure or public services—face stricter regulation, while minimal-risk systems like spam filters have fewer requirements. Full enforcement of the Act will begin in 2025. U.S. AI Regulations Unlike the EU, the U.S. focuses more on national security than consumer safety in its AI regulation. The U.S. Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI addresses these concerns. At the state level, Moran highlighted trends such as requiring clear disclosure when interacting with AI and giving individuals the right to opt out of having their data used for AI model training. States like California and Utah are leading the way with specific laws (SB-1047 and SB-149, respectively) addressing accountability and disclosure in AI use. Key Considerations When Selecting AI Vendors Moran stressed the importance of thoroughly vetting AI vendors. Organizations should ensure vendors meet cybersecurity standards, such as SOC 2, and clearly define how their data will be used, particularly in training large language models (LLMs). “Eyes off” agreements, which prevent vendor employees from accessing customer data, should also be considered. Martha Buyer, a frequent contributor to No Jitter, emphasized verifying the originality of AI-generated content from providers like Grammarly or Microsoft Copilot. She urged caution in ensuring the ownership and authenticity of AI-assisted outputs. The Importance of Strong Third-Party Agreements Luk highlighted Grammarly’s commitment to data privacy, noting that the company neither sells customer data nor uses it to train models. Additionally, Grammarly enforces agreements preventing its third-party LLM providers from doing so. These contractual protections are crucial for safeguarding customer data. Organizations should also ensure third-party vendors adhere to strict guidelines, including securing customer data, encrypting it, and preventing unauthorized access. Vendors should maintain updated security certifications and manage risks like bias, which, while not entirely avoidable, must be actively addressed. Staying Ahead in a Changing Regulatory Environment Both Moran and Luk stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring. Organizations need to regularly reassess whether their vendors comply with their data-sharing policies and meet evolving regulatory standards. As AI technology and regulations continue to evolve, staying informed and agile will be critical for compliance and risk mitigation. In conclusion, organizations adopting AI-powered solutions must navigate a dynamic regulatory environment. As AI advances and regulations become more comprehensive, remaining vigilant and asking the right questions will be key to ensuring compliance and reducing risks. 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

August 29, 2024in Generative AI

19Aug

Salesforce Data Snowflake and You

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Salesforce Data with Snowflake At Tectonic, we’ve dedicated years to helping businesses maximize their Salesforce investment, driving growth and enhancing customer experiences. Now, we’re expanding those capabilities by integrating with Snowflake.Imagine the power of merging Salesforce data with other sources, gaining deeper insights, and making smarter decisions—without the hassle of complex infrastructure. Snowflake brings this to life with a flexible, scalable solution for unifying your data ecosystem.In this insight, we’ll cover why Snowflake is essential for Salesforce users, how seamlessly it integrates, and why Tectonic is the ideal partner to help you leverage its full potential. Why Snowflake Matters for Salesforce Users Salesforce excels at managing customer relationships, but businesses today need data from multiple sources—e-commerce, marketing platforms, ERP systems, and more. That’s where Snowflake shines. With Snowflake, you can unify these data sources, enrich your Salesforce data, and turn it into actionable insights. Say goodbye to silos and blind spots. Snowflake is easy to set up, scales effortlessly, and integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, making it ideal for enhancing CRM data across various business functions.The Power of Snowflake for Salesforce Users Enterprise-Grade Security & GovernanceSnowflake ensures that your data is secure and compliant. With top-tier security and data governance tools, your customer data remains protected and meets regulatory requirements across platforms, seamlessly integrating with Salesforce. Cross-Cloud Data SharingSnowflake’s Snowgrid feature makes it easy for Salesforce users to share and collaborate on data across clouds. Teams across marketing, sales, and operations can access the same up-to-date information, leading to better collaboration and faster, more informed decisions. Real-Time Data ActivationCombine Snowflake’s data platform with Salesforce Data Cloud to activate insights in real-time, enabling enriched customer experiences through dynamic insights from web interactions, purchase history, and service touchpoints. Tectonic + Snowflake: Elevating Your Salesforce Experience Snowflake offers powerful data capabilities, but effective integration is key to realizing its full potential—and that’s where Tectonic excels. Our expertise in Salesforce, now combined with Snowflake, ensures that businesses can maximize their data strategies. How Tectonic Helps: Strategic Integration Planning: We assess your current data ecosystem and design a seamless integration between Salesforce and Snowflake to unify data without disrupting operations. Custom Data Solutions: From real-time dashboards to data enrichment workflows, we create solutions tailored to your business needs. Ongoing Support and Optimization: Tectonic provides continuous support, adapting your Snowflake integration to meet evolving data needs and business strategies. Real-World Applications Retail: Integrate in-store and e-commerce sales data with Salesforce for real-time customer insights. Healthcare: Unify patient data from wearables, EMRs, and support interactions for a holistic customer care experience. Financial Services: Enhance Salesforce data with third-party risk assessments, enabling quicker, more accurate underwriting. Looking Ahead: The Tectonic Advantage Snowflake opens up new possibilities for Salesforce-powered businesses. Effective integration, however, requires strategic planning and hands-on expertise. Tectonic has a long-standing track record of helping clients get the most out of Salesforce, and now, Snowflake adds an extra dimension to our toolkit. Whether you want to better manage data, unlock insights, or enhance AI initiatives, Tectonic’s combined Salesforce and Snowflake expertise ensures you’ll harness the best of both worlds. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into Snowflake’s features, such as Interoperable Storage, Elastic Compute, and Cortex AI with Arctic, and explore how Tectonic is helping businesses unlock the future of data and AI. Ready to talk about how Snowflake and Salesforce can transform 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 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

August 19, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Snowflake

13Jul

Where Will the Data Scientists Go

What Is to Become of the Data Scientist Role? This question frequently arises among executives, particularly as they navigate the changing roles of data teams, such as those at DataRobot. Where Will the Data Scientists Go may not be as relevant as what new places can they go with AI? The short answer? While tools may evolve, the core of data science remains steadfast. As the field of data science continues to expand, the role of the data scientist becomes increasingly vital. The need will grow, even as the role changes. Trust in AI is dependant upon human oversight. Beyond the Hype of Consumer AI The surge in consumer AI products has raised concerns among data scientists about the implications for their careers. However, these technologies are built on data and generate vast amounts of new data, presenting numerous opportunities. The real transformative potential lies in enterprise-scale automation. Enterprise-Scale Automation: The Data Scientist’s Domain Enterprise-scale automation involves creating large-scale, reliable systems. Data scientists are crucial in this effort, as they bring expertise in data exploration and systematic inference. They are uniquely positioned to identify automation opportunities, design testing and monitoring strategies, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring AI solutions from concept to implementation. As automation grows, the role of the data scientist is essential in ensuring these systems function effectively and safely, particularly in environments without human oversight. New Skills for Data Scientists: The Guardians of AI Applications Data scientists will need to acquire new skills to manage automation at scale, including securing the systems they build. Generative AI introduces new risks, such as potential vulnerabilities to prompt injections or other security threats. Governance and ensuring positive business impacts will become increasingly important, requiring a data science mindset. Building Great Data Teams in the Age of AI The future of data science will not be about automation replacing data scientists but about the evolution of roles and skills. Data scientists need to focus on the core foundations of their discipline rather than the specific tools they use, as tools will continue to evolve. Teams must be built intentionally, encompassing a range of skills and personalities necessary for successful enterprise automation. Business Leaders: Navigating the AI Landscape Business leaders will need to excel in decision-making, understanding the problems they aim to solve, and selecting the appropriate tools and teams. They will also need to manage evolving regulations, particularly those related to the design and deployment of AI systems. Data Scientists: Precision Thinkers at the Forefront Contrary to the belief that AI could replace coding skills, the essence of data science lies in precise thinking and clear communication. Data scientists excel in translating business needs into data-driven decisions and AI applications, ensuring that solutions are not only technically sound but also aligned with business objectives. This skill set will be crucial in the era of AI, as data scientists will play a key role in optimizing workflows, designing AI safety nets, and protecting their organization’s brand and reputation. The Evolving Role of Data Science The demand for precise, data-literate thinkers will only grow with the rise of enterprise AI systems. Whether they are called data scientists or another name, professionals who delve deeply into data and provide critical insights will remain essential in navigating the complexities of modern technology and business landscapes. 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

July 13, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Salesforce, Technology

20May

TEFCA could drive payer-provider interoperability

Bridging the Interoperability Gap: TEFCA’s Role in Payer-Provider Data Exchange The electronic health information exchange (HIE) between healthcare providers has seen significant growth in recent years. However, interoperability between healthcare providers and payers has lagged behind. The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) aims to address this gap and enhance data interoperability across the healthcare ecosystem. TEFCA could drive payer-provider interoperability with a little help from the world of technology. TEFCA’s Foundation and Evolution TEFCA was established under the 21st Century Cures Act to improve health data interoperability through a “network of networks” approach. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) officially launched TEFCA in December 2023, designating five initial Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs). By February 2024, two additional QHINs had been designated. The Sequoia Project, TEFCA’s recognized coordinating entity, recently released several key documents for stakeholder feedback, including draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) for healthcare operations and payment under TEFCA. During the 2024 WEDI Spring Conference, leaders from three QHINs—eHealth Exchange, Epic Nexus, and Kno2—discussed the future of TEFCA in enhancing provider and payer interoperability. ONC released Version 2.0 of the Common Agreement on April 22, 2024. Common Agreement Version 2.0 updates Common Agreement Version 1.1, published in November 2023, and includes enhancements and updates to require support for Health Level Seven (HL7®) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR®) based transactions. The Common Agreement includes an exhibit, the Participant and Subparticipant Terms of Participation (ToP), that sets forth the requirements each Participant and Subparticipant must agree to and comply with to participate in TEFCA. The Common Agreement and ToPs incorporate all applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the Qualified Health Information Network Technical Framework (QTF). View the release notes for Common Agreement Version 2.0 The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common AgreementTM (TEFCATM) has 3 goals: (1) to establish a universal governance, policy, and technical floor for nationwide interoperability; (2) to simplify connectivity for organizations to securely exchange information to improve patient care, enhance the welfare of populations, and generate health care value; and (3) to enable individuals to gather their health care information. Challenges in Payer Data Exchange Although the QHINs on the panel have made progress in facilitating payer HIE, they emphasized that TEFCA is not yet fully operational for large-scale payer data exchange. Ryan Bohochik, Vice President of Value-Based Care at Epic, highlighted the complexities of payer-provider data exchange. “We’ve focused on use cases that allow for real-time information sharing between care providers and insurance carriers,” Bohochik said. “However, TEFCA isn’t yet capable of supporting this at the scale required.” Bohochik also pointed out that payer data exchange is complicated by the involvement of third-party contractors. For example, health plans often partner with vendors for tasks like care management or quality measure calculation. This adds layers of complexity to the data exchange process. Catherine Bingman, Vice President of Interoperability Adoption for eHealth Exchange, echoed these concerns, noting that member attribution and patient privacy are critical issues in payer data exchange. “Payers don’t have the right to access everything a patient has paid for themselves,” Bingman said. “This makes providers cautious about sharing data, impacting patient care.” For instance, manual prior authorization processes frequently delay patient access to care. A 2023 AMA survey found that 42% of doctors reported care delays due to prior authorization, with 37% stating that these delays were common. Building Trust Through Use Cases Matt Becker, Vice President of Interoperability at Kno2, stressed the importance of developing specific use cases to establish trust in payer data exchange via TEFCA. “Payment and operations is a broad category that includes HEDIS measures, quality assurance, and provider monitoring,” Becker said. “Each of these requires a high level of trust.” Bohochik agreed, emphasizing that narrowing the scope and focusing on specific, high-value use cases will be essential for TEFCA’s adoption. “We can’t solve everything at once,” Bohochik said. “We need to focus on achieving successful outcomes in targeted areas, which will build momentum and community support.” He also noted that while technical data standards are crucial, building trust in the data exchange process is equally important. “A network is only as good as the trust it inspires,” Bohochik said. “If healthcare systems know that data requests for payment and operations are legitimate and secure, it will drive the scalability of TEFCA.” By focusing on targeted use cases, ensuring rigorous data standards, and building trust, TEFCA has the potential to significantly enhance interoperability between healthcare providers and payers, ultimately improving patient care and operational efficiency. 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

May 20, 2024in Salesforce Health and Life Sciences Solutions

14May

Zero Copy from Salesforce

When was the last time you relocated? Remember the hassle of packing up all your stuff, loading it onto a truck, and unpacking everything at your new digs, hoping it all survived the journey? Now, imagine if your furniture and possessions could simply teleport to your new location in perfect condition. While this may not be possible (yet) in the physical world, the concept of zero copy integration offers a similar seamless experience for handling customer data. Zero Copy from Salesforce. Zero copy integration, also known as zero ETL (extract-transform-load), allows data to be shared among multiple data stores without the need for actual movement or duplication. This is particularly advantageous for companies utilizing cloud data warehouses like Snowflake or Google BigQuery. Some companies hesitate to adopt a customer data platform (CDP) due to concerns about duplicating data. However, with zero copy integration, users can leverage the benefits of a CDP—such as data harmonization, identity management, built-in analytics, and activation—without the drawbacks of physical data movement. Some functions related to data have advanced with astonishing speed: generation, dissemination, storage, even security (and yes, that one still has many challenges). But there are others still mired in the stone age—call it the 80s—of the digital era. For example, think copies. How many business professionals still make multiple copies of sensitive data, just as it’s been done for the last four decades? What does this endless duplication do for regulatory risk, security threats and privacy liabilities? This is a symptom of a larger problem: Far from the data-centric universe we all envisioned, we’re beholden instead to the apps used to create, store, and distribute data. There’s an app for everything, but also a database for every app, leading to dozens of data silos undergoing hundreds of integrations, increasing fragmentation, complexity, and costs. The basic idea, according to Dan DeMers, Cinchy’s CEO, is that the framework aims to remove application data silos by using access-based data collaboration versus standard API-base data integration that involves copying data and branding it with complex app-specific coding. This would be done by access controls set in the data layer. It would also involve: What is Zero Copy Integration? Zero copy integration enables access to data stored in multiple databases simultaneously without the need to move, copy, or reformat the data. This approach not only facilitates faster and easier access to data but also reduces costs and minimizes the risk of errors associated with data movement or transformation. Comparing Traditional Methods with Zero Copy Integration: Traditional Methods: Zero Copy Integration: How It Works: From CDP to Data Warehouse In this scenario, data is accessed from the CDP and shared with the data warehouse, a process known as data sharing. The steps typically involve: How It Works: From Data Warehouse to CDP Conversely, in this scenario, data is accessed from the data warehouse and integrated into the CDP, a process referred to as data federation. The steps typically involve: Real-World Application: How Buyers Edge Utilizes Zero Copy Technology Buyers Edge, a leading procurement optimization company in the food service industry, leverages zero copy technology to access purchase data stored in a data warehouse while building a unified customer profile in a CDP. This allows them to provide better customer insights to their sales and marketing teams. By eliminating the need for data movement, duplication, or reformatting, zero copy technology streamlines data access, harmonizes data for insights and analytics, and provides a real-time holistic view of customers. As data volumes continue to grow exponentially, technologies like zero copy integration will play a crucial role in simplifying data management and facilitating seamless access to valuable insights. Whether it’s optimizing business processes or enhancing customer experiences, zero copy integration empowers organizations to navigate the data landscape with agility and efficiency. Be a zero copy hero and unlock the full potential of your data management strategy. “In today’s digital landscape, companies struggle with islands of data spread across various systems. With this global ecosystem of partners, companies can access all of their data, no matter where it resides, and unlock the power of all of that data within Salesforce — creating more personalized customer interactions and establishing a foundation for trusted AI, in less time and at lower cost.” Brian Millham, President and Chief Operating Officer at Salesforce The Zero Copy Partner Network features initial partners Amazon Web Services (AWS), Databricks, Google Cloud, and Snowflake, and adds Microsoft, all committed to zero copy integrations with Salesforce that give customers a secure and cost-effective way to connect and take action on all of their data New zero copy support for data warehouses and data lakehouses built on open table formats, like Apache Iceberg, with Salesforce Data Cloud, removes the need to copy or move data, so customers can unlock their data, powering Customer 360 experiences with AI, automation, and analytics The network includes Salesforce ISV partners, building new Zero Copy Data Kits to bring valuable new datasets to Salesforce Data Cloud, and Salesforce SI partners including Accenture, Cognizant, Deloitte Digital, and PwC, helping customers with zero copy Salesforce Data Cloud implementations. 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

May 14, 2024in Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Snowflake

21Apr

Harnessing Zero Copy Integration

Streamlining Data Management: Harnessing Zero Copy Integration for Efficient Customer Insights Zero copy integration offers a revolutionary approach to accessing and utilizing customer data without the need for burdensome data transfers. By seamlessly linking disparate databases, this innovative technique eliminates the complexities associated with moving, copying, or reformatting data. Let’s explore how zero copy integration can optimize data management processes and enhance the efficiency of customer data platforms (CDPs) alongside traditional data warehouses. Understanding Zero Copy Integration: Zero copy integration, also known as zero ETL (extract-transform-load), facilitates the sharing of data across multiple databases without physically relocating it. This method enables real-time access to data, significantly reducing costs and mitigating the risks of errors inherent in data movement processes. Unlike traditional data replication methods, zero copy integration ensures that data remains in its original location, eliminating the need for redundant storage and synchronization efforts. Good technology standards can actually bring order to the chaos and allow products from different companies to work together, fostering healthy competition and enhancing productivity. That is precisely what Zero-Copy Integration does. Zero-Copy Integration is a framework that eliminates the need for data copies and integration, making it easier to work with applications, analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Canada’s Digital Governance Council recently announced that Zero-Copy Integration has been published for open access by the public, setting a new standard for data collaboration. Moreover, Zero-Copy Integration prioritizes data-centricity and active metadata over complex code and solution modularity over monolithic design. It also facilitates data governance through data products and federated stewardship, eliminating the need for centralized teams. In addition to boosting the development and deployment of new technologies, Zero-Copy Integration also addresses the growing number of data privacy regulations. By putting data at the center of the process, Zero-Copy Integration ensures greater collaboration and control, positively affecting industries like healthcare, research, banking, and public services. Benefits of Zero-Data Integration Proponents of zero-copy integration and dataware say the framework will lower data storage costs, improve performance of IT teams, improve privacy and security of data, and drive innovation in systems for public health, social research, open banking and sustainability through innovations in: Comparing Traditional vs. Zero Copy Integration: Aspect Traditional Zero Copy Replication Requires copying data to target Data remains in original location Updates Data accuracy dependent on synchronization Real-time access to data Cost Involves data movement expenses No additional data movement costs Regulatory Compliance Complex governance due to data duplication Simplified compliance with source data only Errors Data movement introduces potential errors Minimized risk of errors with no data movement Maintenance Increases complexity with copying and synchronization Streamlined management with no data relocation Implementing Zero Copy Integration: The implementation of zero copy integration varies depending on the platform and direction of data access. Let’s explore how it works in scenarios involving Salesforce Data Cloud and Snowflake data warehouse: Case Study: Buyers Edge’s Zero Copy Success Story: Buyers Edge, a procurement optimization company, leveraged zero copy integration to unify customer profiles in a CDP while accessing purchase data from their data warehouse. By seamlessly integrating Salesforce Data Cloud with their warehouse, Buyers Edge enhanced predictive modeling capabilities, resulting in tailored sales and marketing strategies. Zero copy integration revolutionizes data management practices by enabling seamless data access and eliminating the need for data duplication or relocation. As businesses navigate the evolving data landscape, leveraging zero copy integration can streamline operations, enhance insights, and empower organizations to unlock the full potential of their data assets. MILESTONES / TIMELINE Second half 2023 – Internationalization February 21, 2023 – Information Session (watch above ☝ or via YouTube) February 15, 2023 – ‘Zero-copy’ applications published by DCA February 08, 2023 – Published by Digital Governance Council (Press release) December 15, 2022 – Approved by Standards Council of Canada June-Nov 2022 – Public consultation period 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

April 21, 2024in Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Salesforce Einstein, Snowflake

18Apr

Who Calls AI Ethical

Background – Who Calls AI Ethical On March 13, 2024, the European Union (EU) enacted the EU AI Act, a move that some argue has hindered its position in the global AI race. This legislation aims to ‘unify’ the development and implementation of AI within the EU, but it is seen as more restrictive than progressive. Rather than fostering innovation, the act focuses on governance, which may not be sufficient for maintaining a competitive edge. The EU AI Act embodies the EU’s stance on Ethical AI, a concept that has been met with skepticism. Critics argue that Ethical AI is often misinterpreted and, at worst, a monetizable construct. In contrast, Responsible AI, which emphasizes ensuring products perform as intended without causing harm, is seen as a more practical approach. This involves methodologies such as red-teaming and penetration testing to stress-test products. This critique of Ethical AI forms the basis of this insight,and Eric Sandosham article here. The EU AI Act To understand the implications of the EU AI Act, it is essential to summarize its key components and address the broader issues with the concept of Ethical AI. The EU defines AI as “a machine-based system designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy and that may exhibit adaptiveness after deployment. It infers from the input it receives to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments.” Based on this definition, the EU AI Act can be summarized into several key points: Fear of AI The EU AI Act appears to be driven by concerns about AI being weaponized or becoming uncontrollable. Questions arise about whether the act aims to prevent job disruptions or protect against potential risks. However, AI is essentially automating and enhancing tasks that humans already perform, such as social scoring, predictive policing, and background checks. AI’s implementation is more consistent, reliable, and faster than human efforts. Existing regulations already cover vehicular safety, healthcare safety, and infrastructure safety, raising the question of why AI-specific regulations are necessary. AI solutions automate decision-making, but the parameters and outcomes are still human-designed. The fear of AI becoming uncontrollable lacks evidence, and the path to artificial general intelligence (AGI) remains distant. Ethical AI as a Red Herring In AI research and development, the terms Ethical AI and Responsible AI are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct. Ethics involve systematized rules of right and wrong, often with legal implications. Morality is informed by cultural and religious beliefs, while responsibility is about accountability and obligation. These constructs are continuously evolving, and so must the ethics and rights related to technology and AI. Promoting AI development and broad adoption can naturally improve governance through market forces, transparency, and competition. Profit-driven organizations are incentivized to enhance AI’s positive utility. The focus should be on defining responsible use of AI, especially for non-profit and government agencies. Towards Responsible AI Responsible AI emphasizes accountability and obligation. It involves defining safeguards against misuse rather than prohibiting use cases out of fear. This aligns with responsible product development, where existing legal frameworks ensure products work as intended and minimize misuse risks. AI can improve processes such as recruitment by reducing errors compared to human solutions. AI’s role is to make distinctions based on data attributes, striving for accuracy. The concern is erroneous discrimination, which can be mitigated through rigorous testing for bias as part of product quality assurance. Conclusion The EU AI Act is unlikely to become a global standard. It may slow AI research, development, and implementation within the EU, hindering AI adoption in the region and causing long-term harm. Humanity has an obligation to push the boundaries of AI innovation. As a species facing eventual extinction from various potential threats, AI could represent a means of survival and advancement beyond our biological limitations. 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

April 18, 2024in Salesforce

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