Software Archives - gettectonic.com

13Mar

Why Its Good to be Data-Driven

The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making Success in business hinges on the ability to make informed decisions. Every operational aspect, from minor choices like office furniture selection to critical investments such as multi-million-dollar marketing campaigns, is shaped by a series of interrelated decisions. While instinct and intuition may play a role, most business choices rely on relevant data—covering aspects such as objectives, pricing, technology, and potential risks. However, excess irrelevant data can be just as detrimental as insufficient accurate data. Why Its Good to be Data-Driven organization… The Evolution of Data-Driven Decision Making Organizations that prioritize data-driven strategies rely on accurate, relevant, complete, and timely data. Simply amassing large volumes of information does not equate to better decision-making; companies must democratize data access, ensuring it is available to all employees rather than limited to data analysts. The practice of using data to inform business decisions gained traction in the mid-20th century when researchers identified decision-making as dynamic, complex, and often ambiguous. Early techniques like decision trees and prospect theory emerged in the 1970s alongside computer-aided decision-making models. The 1980s saw the rise of commercial decision support systems, and by the early 21st century, data warehousing and data mining revolutionized analytics. However, without clear governance and organizational policies, these vast data stores often fell short of their potential. Today, the goal of data-driven decision-making is to combine automated decision models with human expertise, creativity, and critical thinking. This approach requires integrating data science with business operations, equipping managers and employees with powerful decision-support tools. Characteristics of a Data-Driven Organization A truly data-driven organization understands the value of its data and maximizes its potential through structured alignment with business objectives. To safeguard and leverage data assets effectively, businesses must implement governance frameworks ensuring compliance with privacy, security, and integrity standards. Key challenges in establishing a data-driven infrastructure include: The Benefits of a Data-Driven Approach Businesses recognize that becoming data-driven requires more than just investing in technology; success depends on strategy and execution. According to KPMG, four critical factors contribute to the success of data-driven initiatives: A data-driven corporate culture accelerates decision-making, enhances employee engagement, and increases overall business value. Integrating ethical considerations into data usage is crucial for mitigating biases and maintaining data integrity. Transitioning to a Data-Driven Business With the rapid advancement of generative AI, data-driven organizations are poised to unlock trillions of dollars in economic value. McKinsey estimates that AI-driven decision-making could add between .6 trillion and .4 trillion annually across key sectors, including customer operations, marketing, software engineering, and R&D. To successfully transition into a data-driven organization, companies must: By embracing a data-driven model, organizations enhance their ability to make automated yet strategically sound decisions. With seamless data integration across CRM, ERP, and business applications, companies empower human decision-makers to apply their expertise to high-quality, actionable insights—driving innovation and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving marketplace. 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

March 13, 2025in Data, Generative AI, Technology0 Comments

13Mar

Secure Your Data

Secure Your Data: Strengthen Protection with Smart Hygiene Practices Security threats are the biggest barrier to effective data management, according to our State of Data and Analytics report. The good news? Human error accounts for 80% of cybersecurity incidents, meaning basic security hygiene can prevent most breaches. 🔹 Global IT and security leaders agree: The most effective defenses against cyberattacks include multi-factor authentication (MFA), identity and access management (IAM), and data encryption (2023 Global Data Security Trends Report). Six Security Best Practices to Protect Your Data 1. Encrypt Data to Keep It Private Encryption converts sensitive information into ciphertext that can only be unlocked with a decryption key. Whether data is in transit or at rest, encryption prevents unauthorized access. Look for solutions that offer end-to-end encryption to safeguard financial transactions, private messages, and customer records. 2. Control Access with Identity & Access Management (IAM) Only grant employees the minimum access they need to do their jobs (least privilege access). 66% of security leaders trust IAM to restrict who can view, edit, and manage sensitive data—reducing the risk of unauthorized access. 3. Require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) MFA strengthens security by requiring two or more credentials to verify user identity. 80% of IT leaders report that MFA is a core part of their security strategy because it significantly reduces unauthorized logins. 4. Invest in Backup & Recovery Solutions Data loss isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be catastrophic. Yet, only 39% of IT leaders consider backup and recovery a security priority. Ensure all business-critical data—from CRM to cloud storage—is backed up and recoverable to minimize risks. 5. Train Employees on Security Awareness Your team is your first line of defense. Cyberattacks often exploit human mistakes, making ongoing security training essential. Nearly two-thirds of IT leaders say they are increasing employee security training to boost awareness and adoption of best practices. 6. Strengthen Password Security Weak passwords remain a leading cause of breaches. Use a secure password manager and enforce these best practices: ✅ Create 16+ character passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols✅ Use passphrases with special characters for added complexity✅ Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access password managers How Humana Strengthened Security & Cut Costs 💡 million saved in security costs💡 Enhanced patient data protection “Our ultimate goal is that members see us as a trusted partner who can provide the services they need in a very timely manner.”— Brian Cahill, Vice President, Pharmacy Segment CIO, Humana Security Hygiene Checklist ✅ Automate software and security updates to protect against vulnerabilities✅ Encrypt data during transmission and storage to prevent unauthorized access✅ Use a secure file-sharing platform with end-to-end encryption✅ Implement least privilege access to ensure employees only access what they need✅ Regularly review employee permissions to maintain role-based security 🔒 Proactive security measures don’t just protect data—they build trust and resilience in your organization. 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

March 13, 2025in AI Tools, Data, Salesforce Data Cloud0 Comments

11Mar

Salesforce Introduces AgentExchange

Salesforce Introduces AgentExchange: Empowering Businesses with AI-Driven Digital Labor Salesforce has unveiled AgentExchange, a marketplace embedded directly within the Salesforce platform, designed to simplify the way businesses, developers, and partners build, discover, and monetize AI-driven digital labor. This launch extends Salesforce’s Agentforce ecosystem, reinforcing the company’s commitment to accelerating enterprise adoption of advanced, role-based AI agents. Shifting to Role-Based AI AgentExchange arrives as industries shift from task-based automation to standardized, role-based AI agents. These intelligent agents leverage structured metadata to autonomously perform specific business roles, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability. Salesforce joins key industry players like Workday, SAP, and ServiceNow in shaping this emerging landscape. “Agentic AI is transforming the way businesses operate. Traditional software is rigid — it’s clicks, code, and logic. With AI agents, solutions can now observe, reason, and act autonomously, driving digital labor that expands organizational capabilities.” Adam Evans, EVP and GM of Salesforce AI Marketplace Capabilities and Partner Ecosystem AgentExchange launches with over 200 trusted partners, including Google Cloud, DocuSign, Box, and Workday, offering a variety of secure and compliant pre-built components such as: Real-World Use Cases AgentExchange supports solutions across various industries: Metadata-Driven Integration A core feature of AgentExchange is its metadata standardization, which defines agent capabilities, interfaces, and compliance requirements. This metadata-centric approach simplifies integration, reduces deployment complexity, and empowers organizations to adopt AI agents with confidence. Competitive Edge and CRM-Centric Focus Salesforce distinguishes AgentExchange with its strong focus on CRM-related, customer-facing solutions. While competitors like Workday emphasize HR automation and SAP covers broader ERP functions, Salesforce leverages real-time customer data and Slack integration to enhance front-office interactions. This CRM-centric focus equips businesses with tools to improve customer experience management, further differentiating Salesforce in the AI-driven digital labor space. Enabling an Open AI Ecosystem AgentExchange signals Salesforce’s commitment to fostering an open AI ecosystem, empowering partners, developers, and the Agentblazer community to build and monetize AI-driven solutions. The marketplace includes hundreds of vetted solutions designed to accelerate the adoption of intelligent digital labor across industries. Mark Stewart, CEO and President of Goodyear, shared his excitement about the platform: “AgentExchange offers ready-to-use solutions that enhance our speed, efficiency, and customer experience. This innovation aligns perfectly with Goodyear’s focus on delivering value to our customers.” Partner Innovations Key partners are already contributing to AgentExchange with impactful solutions: Driving the Future of Digital Labor Brian Landsman, EVP & GM of Global Business Development & Partnerships at Salesforce, connected AgentExchange to Salesforce’s AppExchange legacy: “When we launched AppExchange in 2005, we unlocked new value for our platform. AgentExchange now builds on that success, inviting partners, startups, and developers to shape the future of digital labor.” AgentExchange empowers organizations to seamlessly adopt trusted AI solutions, enabling developers to leverage partner expertise and integrate industry-specific capabilities directly within Salesforce. This innovative marketplace positions Salesforce as a leader in AI-driven digital transformation, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth in the evolving digital labor economy. Let Tectonic guide you though this exciting new release aimed to get you up and running even faster with Agentforce! 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

March 11, 2025in AgentExchange, Agentic AI, Data, Enterprise, Google, Salesforce0 Comments

10Mar

Goodbye Skype

Microsoft to Shut Down Skype After 20 Years Microsoft has announced plans to shut down Skype on May 5, marking the end of a 20-year journey for the once-pioneering internet communications platform. This may be the perfect time to re-evaluate your internal comms tools. Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized online communication by enabling free audio and video calls worldwide. The platform quickly gained popularity, amassing hundreds of millions of users and even becoming a verb — people would often say they would “Skype” someone. The Rise and Fall of Skype Founded by Swede Niklas Zennström and Dane Janus Friis, with software developed by Estonians Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, Jaan Tallinn, and Toivo Annus, Skype was initially based in Luxembourg. Its innovative approach to online communication made it a household name in the early 2000s. In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, outbidding tech giants like Google and Facebook. At the time, Skype had around 150 million active users. However, by 2020, the user base had dropped to 23 million, though the platform experienced a temporary resurgence during the pandemic. Decline Amid Growing Competition Microsoft faced challenges integrating Skype into its ecosystem. In 2017, the company launched Teams, a collaboration platform, which gradually overshadowed Skype. Additionally, growing competition from Apple’s FaceTime, Google’s communication apps, Zoom, and Salesforce-owned Slack further diminished Skype’s prominence. Transition to Teams Microsoft confirmed that Skype users will be transitioned to Teams, with all chats and contacts migrating automatically. The company emphasized that there would be no job losses resulting from the shutdown and highlighted Teams’ growing popularity, which currently boasts 320 million monthly active users. While Microsoft did not disclose Skype’s current user count, the company stated that it remains committed to supporting seamless communication through Teams. This shift signifies the end of an era for Skype but reinforces Microsoft’s focus on integrating advanced communication tools into its product suite. The closure of Skype marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in internet communication, as users transition to more modern, collaborative platforms like Slack. There are many alternatives to Skype, including Viber, Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jitsi, WhatsA[[, Google Meet, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts. For sending video messages check out Marco Polo. Features Other considerations Learn how Slack elevates team performance here Learn how Slack integrates with Salesforce here To migrate to Salesforce Slack, or discuss your options, 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 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

March 10, 2025in Google, Salesforce0 Comments

08Mar

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

March 8, 2025in Data, Technology0 Comments

07Mar

The Rise of AI Agents

The Rise of AI Agents: Salesforce’s Vision for a New Era of Business In just three months, more than 1,000 companies have deployed Salesforce AI agents, unlocking capabilities “they’ve never seen before” and setting the stage for game-changing business outcomes, according to CEO Marc Benioff. That’s a bold prediction—even for a visionary like Benioff, whose track record speaks for itself. But throughout our recent 25-minute conversation for the Cloud Wars CEO Outlook 2025 series, Benioff remained unwavering in his optimism about the AI-powered future. Agentic AI: The Force Driving Business Transformation According to Benioff, AI agents represent the next wave of business transformation, redefining how companies operate, innovate, and compete. “I’ve never been more excited about technology—this is an incredible moment in time,” Benioff said. He described AI agents as the bridge to a future where businesses engage with customers in ways previously thought possible only in science fiction. These AI-driven systems will help organizations operate at lower costs while improving customer relationships and key performance metrics. But Salesforce isn’t just selling this vision to customers—it’s living it. Benioff shared firsthand insights into how the company is leveraging AI to optimize its own operations, revealing lessons that could reshape how enterprises think about productivity and workforce planning. Digital Labor: A Multi-Trillion-Dollar Opportunity One of the most striking takeaways from our conversation was Salesforce’s approach to what Benioff calls “digital labor.” “For 25 years, Salesforce has helped businesses manage data. Now, we’re creating digital workers—AI agents that unlock entirely new ways to operate,” he said. This shift is already making an impact. Salesforce’s Agentforce AI now handles the bulk of the company’s customer support, transforming how its 9,000 service agents manage 36,000 weekly support inquiries: As a result, Salesforce is reallocating 2,000 support professionals to other roles—just one example of how AI is reshaping workforce dynamics. A Radical Rethink: No New Developers in 2025 Perhaps the most surprising revelation? Salesforce is pausing hiring for software engineers in 2025. Benioff explained that despite doubling its engineering team over the past five years, AI has driven a 30% increase in productivity. Rather than hiring more developers, Salesforce is leaning into AI-powered automation to accelerate software development. This shift raises fundamental questions about the future of work: Salesforce vs. Microsoft: Competing Visions for AI Agents AI agents are reshaping enterprise technology, but vendors have differing approaches. Benioff made it clear that Salesforce is taking a unique path—one he believes will ultimately lead the industry. Unlike Microsoft, which is deeply integrating AI within its core applications, Salesforce sees agents as an evolution of its CRM foundation, leveraging the vast 230-petabyte data ecosystem it manages for customers. “The businesses that are closest to their data will win,” Benioff said. “And we’re going to deliver capabilities that our customers have never seen before—ones that will thrill them out of their minds.” The Future: A Billion AI Agents As enterprises race to adopt AI, Benioff predicts an explosion in AI agent deployment. “In the next 12 months, we’ll see thousands of companies deploying up to a billion AI agents. And Salesforce will be the absolute leader in agentic technology for the enterprise,” he said. Benioff’s vision is clear: AI agents aren’t just an enhancement—they are the next frontier of business. And companies that embrace them will lead the way into a new era of efficiency, innovation, and growth. 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

March 7, 2025in Agentic AI, Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

03Mar

It is Time to Implement Data Cloud

With Salesforce Data Cloud you can: With incomplete data your 360-degree customer view is limited and often leads to multiple sales reps working on the same lead. Slow access to the right leads at the right time leads to missed opportunties and delayed closings. If your team cannot trust the data due to siloes and inaccuracies, they avoid using it. It is Time to Implement Data Cloud. Unified Connect and harmonize data from all your Salesforce applications and external data systems. Then activate your data with insights and automation across every customer touchpoint. Powerful With Data Cloud and Agentforce, you can create the most intelligent agents possible, giving them access to the exact data they need to deliver any employee or customer experience. Secure Securely connect your data to any large language model (LLM) without sacrificing data governance and security thanks to the Einstein 1 trust layer. Open Data Cloud is fully open and extensible – bring your own data lake or model to reduce complexity and leverage what’s already been built. Plus, share out to popular destinations like Snowflake, Google Ads, or Meta Ads. Salesforce Data Cloud is the only hyperscale data engine native to Salesforce. It is more than a CDP. It goes beyond a data lake. You can do more with Data Cloud. Your Agentforce journey begins with Data Cloud. Agents need the right data to work. With Data Cloud, you can create the most intelligent agents possible, giving them access to the exact data they need to deliver any employee or customer experience. Use any data in your organization with Agentforce in a safe and secure manner thanks to the Einstein 1 Trust Layer. Datablazers are Salesforce community members who are passionate about driving business growth with data and AI powered by Data Cloud. Sign up to join a growing group of members to learn, connect, and grow with Data Cloud. Join today. The path to AI success begins and ends with quality data. Business, IT, and analytics decision makers with high data maturity were 2x more likely than low-maturity leaders to have the quality data needed to use AI effectively, according to our State of Data and Analytics report. “What’s data maturity?” you might wonder. Hang tight, we’ll explain in chapter 1 of this guide. Data-leading companies also experience: Your data strategy isn’t just important, it’s critical in getting you to the head of the market with new AI technology by your side. That’s why this Salesforce guide is based on recent industry findings and provides best practices to help your company get the most from your data. Tectonic will be sharing a focus on the 360 degree customer view with Salesforce Data Cloud in our insights. Stay tuned. It is Time to Implement Data Cloud 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

March 3, 2025in Data, Einstein 1 Platform, Einstein Insights, Google, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Salesforce Implementation Services, Snowflake, Technology0 Comments

02Mar

Understanding AI Agent Capabilities

AI agents vary widely in their autonomy and complexity. Some tasks require only basic tool use and response generation, while others demand advanced reasoning and independent decision-making. Recognizing these capability levels helps determine when to use simpler, predictable systems versus fully autonomous agents. The Core Capabilities of AI Agents Three fundamental capabilities distinguish AI agents from basic AI tools: Reasoning and Planning Tool Use Memory and Learning The AI Agent Spectrum The evolution from simple AI tools to fully autonomous agents follows a progression of increasing complexity: Not every problem demands the highest level of autonomy. In many cases, tool-using models or orchestrated systems are more practical and cost-effective. Balancing Capability with Control As AI agents become more autonomous, striking the right balance between capability and oversight is critical. Key factors to consider include: Security and Governance Reliability and Trust Cost and Resource Optimization Understanding where your needs fall on this spectrum is essential for effective AI deployment. Not every task requires a fully autonomous agent—sometimes, a simpler, well-structured system is the smarter, more cost-efficient choice. 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

March 2, 2025in AI Tools, Data0 Comments

01Mar

The Evolution of Data

Data’s Evolution: Once Oil Now Compute Power For years, data was dubbed the new oil, a valuable resource that could fuel innovation. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), compute power has taken center stage as the key driver of business success. Sequoia has not hesitated to outline AI’s transformative potential: “The fields that generative AI addresses — knowledge work and creative work — comprise billions of workers. If generative AI can make these workers at least 10% more efficient and/or creative, they become not only faster and more efficient but more capable than before. Therefore, generative AI has the potential to generate trillions of dollars of economic value.” — Sonya Huang, Pat Grady, Generative AI: A Creative New World While markets continue to assess the validity of this claim, the parallels to past technological revolutions—such as the internet and mobile phones—are undeniable. AI’s influence on knowledge work, particularly in data analytics, is poised to be profound, reshaping how organizations extract value from data. The Rise of Data Analytics and AI Integration The data analytics market is expanding at an unprecedented rate, with a projected CAGR of 27.3% through 2030. A decade ago, data science degrees were rare; professionals often transitioned from related analytical fields like physics, mathematics, accounting, and economics. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, bachelor’s degrees in data science surged by 968% between 2020 and 2022, reflecting the growing demand for analytics expertise. Despite its rapid evolution, modern data analytics presents unique challenges. Unlike software engineering—where code is deterministic—data pipelines evolve based on ingestion processes, requiring a different approach to governance and tooling. AI’s introduction into this space offers a chance to accelerate insights, but only if organizations integrate it strategically into their data frameworks. Modernizing Data Practices: From ETL to ELTL Historically, organizations relied on extract-transform-load (ETL) processes for data management. However, inefficiencies led to the rise of extract-load-transform (ELT), empowering analysts to transform data within cloud-based environments. Developer tools like dbt further streamlined this process, enabling analysts to create data models without relying on centralized data architects. Yet, with increased speed came challenges—primarily, the proliferation of inconsistent data sources. This issue underscores the importance of a final load step (ELTL) that incorporates governance measures to ensure accuracy before presenting data to users. Without proper governance, discrepancies between dashboards can erode trust in analytics. Data Governance and the Role of the Semantic Layer To mitigate inconsistencies, organizations have embraced semantic layers—standardized frameworks that define key business metrics. dbt’s semantic layer and emerging solutions like SQLMesh help enforce governance, ensuring AI-powered analytics operate on reliable data. AI’s effectiveness hinges on a well-documented semantic layer, built on metadata that defines relationships between data objects. Many AI systems utilize retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), which retrieves relevant context before generating responses. However, for AI-driven analytics to succeed, organizations must implement safeguards such as primary key checks and join definitions, ensuring structured and accurate outputs. AI-Powered Precision Analytics The integration of AI into data analytics is driving a shift toward precision analytics—delivering exactly the right data transformation tailored to user needs. This approach mirrors the concept of precision medicine in healthcare, where treatments are customized for individuals. With AI, organizations can move beyond dashboards overloaded with filters and instead provide instant, context-aware insights. Data Objects: A New Paradigm Traditionally, analytics relied on dashboards, but AI enables a more flexible approach through “data objects.” A data object represents a distinct SQL query that answers a user’s prompt. These objects can take three primary forms: This shift allows users to generate and compare data objects dynamically, reducing reliance on static reports and fostering a more agile analytical environment. AI Data Analytics: The Next Frontier Organizations now have the opportunity to revolutionize data analytics through AI. Broadly, AI-driven analytics solutions fall into two categories: Text-to-SQL technology has made significant strides, with execution benchmarks like Spider achieving over 91% accuracy. However, new challenges such as Spider 2.0 highlight the complexity of multi-step analytical workflows. AI systems must incorporate rigorous governance mechanisms to ensure accuracy and reliability. Trust, Governance, and the Human Element Trust is paramount in AI-driven analytics. Without proper governance, AI models risk generating misleading insights, undermining confidence in data-driven decision-making. Organizations must establish clear metadata standards, enforce rigorous validation checks, and maintain a human-in-the-loop approach to AI oversight. An AI-powered data agent should function much like a skilled data analyst—asking clarifying questions, referencing well-documented schemas, and leveraging business glossaries to interpret queries accurately. When implemented correctly, AI-driven analytics can transform data accessibility, making insights available in seconds rather than weeks. The Future of AI-Driven Analytics AI is poised to revolutionize data analytics, offering real-time insights with unparalleled accuracy. However, success hinges on a strong foundation of governance, well-defined data models, and reliable metadata. Organizations that embrace AI with a strategic approach will unlock new efficiencies, reduce bottlenecks, and redefine how data powers decision-making. By integrating AI into analytics responsibly, businesses can move beyond dashboards and embrace true precision analytics—where every insight is timely, relevant, and trustworthy. 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

March 1, 2025in Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Technology0 Comments

28Feb

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

February 28, 2025in AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Google, Laws, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

28Feb

The Rise of AI Agents: 2024 and Beyond

In 2024, we witnessed major breakthroughs in AI agents. OpenAI’s o1 and o3 models demonstrated the ability to deconstruct complex tasks, while Claude 3.5 showcased AI’s capacity to interact with computers like humans—navigating interfaces and running software. These advancements, alongside improvements in memory and learning systems, are pushing AI beyond simple chat interactions into the realm of autonomous systems. AI agents are already making an impact in specialized fields, including legal analysis, scientific research, and technical support. While they excel in structured environments with defined rules, they still struggle with unpredictable scenarios and open-ended challenges. Their success rates drop significantly when handling exceptions or adapting to dynamic conditions. The field is evolving from conversational AI to intelligent systems capable of reasoning and independent action. Each step forward demands greater computational power and introduces new technical challenges. This article explores how AI agents function, their current capabilities, and the infrastructure required to ensure their reliability. What is an AI Agent? An AI agent is a system designed to reason through problems, plan solutions, and execute tasks using external tools. Unlike traditional AI models that simply respond to prompts, agents possess: Understanding the shift from passive responders to autonomous agents is key to grasping the opportunities and challenges ahead. Let’s explore the breakthroughs that have fueled this transformation. 2024’s Key Breakthroughs OpenAI o3’s High Score on the ARC-AGI Benchmark Three pivotal advancements in 2024 set the stage for autonomous AI agents: AI Agents in Action These capabilities are already yielding practical applications. As Reid Hoffman observed, we are seeing the emergence of specialized AI agents that extend human capabilities across various industries: Recent research from Sierra highlights the rapid maturation of these systems. AI agents are transitioning from experimental prototypes to real-world deployment, capable of handling complex business rules while engaging in natural conversations. The Road Ahead: Key Questions As AI agents continue to evolve, three critical questions for us all emerge: The next wave of AI innovation will be defined by how well we address these challenges. By building robust systems that balance autonomy with oversight, we can unlock the full potential of AI agents in the years ahead. 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

February 28, 2025in AI Tools0 Comments

24Feb

Salesforce and Google Announcement

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) has entered into a deal with Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) to offer its customer relations management software, Agentforce artificial intelligence assistants, and Data Cloud offerings through Google Cloud, the companies announced today. Google and Salesforce already have many of the same clients, and this new deal will allow for more product integration between Google Workspace and Salesforce’s customer relationship management and AI offerings. Salesforce already uses Amazon (AMZN) Web Services for much of its cloud computing. “Our mutual customers have asked us to be able to work more seamlessly across Salesforce and Google Cloud, and this expanded partnership will help them accelerate their AI transformations with agentic AI, state-of-the-art AI models, data analytics, and more,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. The deal is expected to total $2.5B over the next seven years, according to a report by Bloomberg. Salesforce and Google today announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership, delivering choice in the models and capabilities businesses use to build and deploy AI-powered agents. In today’s constantly evolving AI landscape, innovations like autonomous agents are emerging so quickly that businesses struggle to keep pace. This expanded partnership provides crucial flexibility, empowering customers to develop tailored AI solutions that meet their specific needs, rather than being locked into a single model provider. Google Cloud is at the forefront of enterprise AI innovation with millions of developers building with Google’s cutting-edge Gemini models and on Google Cloud’s AI-optimized infrastructure. This expanded partnership will empower Salesforce customers to build Agentforce agents using Gemini and to deploy Salesforce on Google Cloud. This is an expansion of the existing partnership that allows customers to use data from Data Cloud and Google BigQuery bi-directionally via zero-copy technology—further equipping customers with the data, AI, trust, and actions they need to bring autonomous agents into their businesses. Additionally, this integration empowers Agentforce agents with the ability to reference up-to-the-minute data, news, current events, and credible citations, substantially enhancing their contextual awareness and ability to deliver accurate, evidence-backed responses. For example, in supply chain management and logistics, an agent built with Agentforce could track shipments and monitor inventory levels in Salesforce Commerce Cloud and proactively identify potential disruptions using real-time data from Google Search, including weather conditions, port congestion, and geopolitical events. Availability is expected in the coming months. AI: Unlocking the Power of Choice and Flexibility with Gemini and Agentforce Businesses need the freedom to choose the best models for their needs rather than be locked into one vendor. In 2025, Google’s Gemini models will also be available for prompt building and reasoning directly within Agentforce. With Gemini and Agentforce, businesses will benefit from: For example, an insurance customer can submit a claim with photos of the damage and an audio voicemail from a witness. Agentforce, using Gemini, can then help the insurance provider deliver better customer experiences by processing all these inputs, assessing the claim’s validity, and even using text-to-speech to contact the customer with a resolution, streamlining the traditionally lengthy claims process. Availability is expected this year. Trust: Salesforce Platform deployed on Google Cloud Customers will be able to use Salesforce’s unified platform (Agentforce, Data Cloud, Customer 360) on Google Cloud’s highly secure, AI-optimized infrastructure, benefiting from features like dynamic grounding, zero data retention, and toxicity detection provided by the Einstein Trust Layer. Once Salesforce products are available on Google Cloud, customers will also have the ability to procure Salesforce offerings through the Google Cloud Marketplace, opening up new possibilities for global businesses to optimize their investments across Salesforce and Google Cloud and benefiting thousands of existing joint customers. Action: Enhanced Employee Productivity and Customer Service with AI-Powered Integrations Millions use Salesforce and Google Cloud daily. This partnership prioritizes choice and flexibility, enabling seamless cross-platform work. New and deeper connections between platforms like Salesforce Service Cloud and Google Cloud’s Customer Engagement Suite, as well as Slack and Google Workspace, will empower AI agents and service representatives with unified data access, streamlined workflows, and advanced AI capabilities, regardless of platform. Salesforce and Google Cloud are deeply integrating their customer service platforms—Salesforce Service Cloud and Google Cloud’s Customer Engagement Suite—to create a seamless and intelligent support experience. Expected later this year, this unified approach empowers AI agents in Service Cloud with: Salesforce and Google Cloud are also exploring deeper integrations between Slack and Google Workspace, boosting productivity and creating a more cohesive digital workspace for teams and organizations. The companies are currently exploring use cases such as: Expanding Partnership Capabilities and Integrations This partnership goes beyond core product integrations to deliver a more connected and intelligent data foundation for businesses. Expected availability throughout 2025: This landmark partnership between Salesforce and Google represents a strategic paradigm shift in enterprise AI deployment, emphasizing infrastructure innovation, AI capability enhancement, and enterprise value. The integration of Google Search grounding provides a unique competitive advantage, offering real-time, factual responses backed by the world’s most comprehensive search engine. The companies are committed to ongoing innovation and deeper collaboration to empower businesses with even more powerful solutions. 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 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

February 24, 2025in Agentic AI, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Enterprise, Google, Salesforce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Salesforce Service Cloud, Technology0 Comments

Amadeus and Salesforce Expand Partnership

Amadeus and Salesforce Expand Partnership to Transform Hotel Service Centers Amadeus is deepening its collaboration with Salesforce to develop a next-generation hotel service center, designed to tackle key challenges in hospitality reservations and customer service. Currently in development, this innovative solution integrates Salesforce Service Cloud with Amadeus’ Central Reservations Systems and Guest Interaction solutions, targeting the global hospitality market. Enhancing the Guest Experience and Driving Revenue At its core, the new service center will elevate the Amadeus Central Reservations System (ACRS™) and iHotelier® by streamlining booking experiences and transforming how call center agents assist travelers. Key benefits include: By leveraging intelligent automation and real-time guest insights, hotels can enhance customer interactions, drive incremental revenue, and deliver more tailored experiences. A Flexible, Scalable Solution for All Hotel Operators The new service center is designed for maximum adaptability, enabling hoteliers to seamlessly integrate with Salesforce Service Cloud while scaling from entry-level solutions to advanced implementations. Capabilities range from basic booking and guest profile management to advanced features such as: ✔ Agent task automation for improved efficiency.✔ Ongoing case management to ensure seamless guest support.✔ Omnichannel communications for a unified guest experience. From boutique hotels to global chains, operators can now access enterprise-grade technology tailored to their needs, boosting both service quality and operational efficiency. Leveraging AI and Automation to Empower Hotel Agents Recognizing the potential of Agentforce to enhance productivity, Amadeus is exploring AI-driven automation and intelligent case management to further streamline workflows and optimize customer service operations. Brian Landsman, EVP, Global Business Development and Partnerships at Salesforce, stated: “Building on the success of Amadeus Delphi® on Salesforce, Amadeus has chosen the Salesforce Platform and Agentforce to scale its new Service Center offering. This collaboration empowers customer service representatives with the combined power of Salesforce Service Cloud and Amadeus’ ACRS and iHotelier solutions. We see incredible potential in continuing to bring innovations to our mutual customers.” Peter Waters, Executive Vice President, Hotel IT Solutions at Amadeus, added: “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Salesforce to deliver an end-to-end solution that enhances hotel guest services while driving bookings and revenue. By optimizing guest management and service workflows, this next-generation service center will redefine hospitality operations.” Tectonic has additional implemented Salesforce Marketing Cloud Engagement with Amadeus for marketing automation. About Amadeus Amadeus powers personalized, seamless travel experiences, helping hospitality providers attract, serve, and retain guests. With over 30 years of expertise, Amadeus develops cutting-edge, open software solutions that drive operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. With a presence in 175+ countries, Amadeus is committed to enabling hotels to create unforgettable guest experiences while maximizing revenue opportunities. 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

February 21, 2025in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Service Cloud, Technology0 Comments

19Feb

Generative AI Game Changer for Cybersecurity

Generative AI: A Game Changer for Cybersecurity—Both Good and Bad Generative AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity, enabling both cybercriminals and defenders to operate faster, smarter, and at a larger scale. How Hackers Leverage GenAI Cybercriminals are using generative AI to: One real-world example: In early 2024, fraudsters used a deepfake of a multinational company’s CFO to trick an employee into transferring $25 million. How Cybersecurity Teams Use GenAI for Defense Enterprise security teams are adopting generative AI to: According to a 2024 CrowdStrike survey, 64% of cybersecurity professionals are already researching or using AI tools, with 69% planning to invest further within a year. The Risks of AI in Cybersecurity Despite its benefits, AI introduces new risks: Security leaders must balance AI adoption with human oversight to maximize its defensive potential while minimizing unintended risks. As AI continues to shape the cybersecurity landscape, both attackers and defenders must adapt to stay ahead. 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

February 19, 2025in AI Tools, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Laws0 Comments

18Feb

Gen AI Trust Layers

Addressing the Generative AI Production Gap with Trust Layers Despite the growing excitement around generative AI, only a small percentage of projects have successfully moved into production. A key barrier is the persistent concern over large language models (LLMs) generating hallucinations—responses that are inconsistent or completely disconnected from reality. To address these issues, organizations are increasingly adopting AI trust layers to enhance reliability and mitigate risk. Understanding the Challenge Generative AI models, like LLMs, are powerful tools trained on vast amounts of unstructured data, enabling them to answer questions and complete tasks based on text, documents, recordings, images, and videos. This capability has revolutionized the creation of chatbots, co-pilots, and even semi-autonomous agents. However, these models are inherently non-deterministic, meaning they don’t always produce consistent outputs. This lack of predictability leads to the infamous phenomenon of hallucination—what the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) terms “confabulation.” While hallucination is a byproduct of how generative models function, its risks in mission-critical applications cannot be ignored. Implementing AI Trust Layers To address these challenges, organizations are turning to AI trust layers—frameworks designed to monitor and control generative AI behavior. These trust layers vary in implementation: Galileo: Building AI Trust from the Ground Up Galileo, founded in 2021 by Yash Sheth, Atindriyo Sanyal, and Vikram Chatterji, has emerged as a leader in developing AI trust solutions. Drawing on his decade of experience at Google building LLMs for speech recognition, Sheth recognized early on that non-deterministic AI systems needed robust trust frameworks to achieve widespread adoption in enterprise settings. The Need for Trust in Mission-Critical AI “Sheth explained: ‘Generative AI doesn’t give you the same answer every time. To mitigate risk in mission-critical tasks, you need a trust framework to ensure these models behave as expected in production.’ Enterprises, which prioritize privacy, security, and reputation, require this level of assurance before deploying LLMs at scale. Galileo’s Approach to Trust Layers Galileo’s AI trust layer is built on its proprietary foundation model, which evaluates the behavior of target LLMs. This approach is bolstered by metrics and real-time guardrails to block undesirable outcomes, such as hallucinations, data leaks, or harmful outputs. Key Products in Galileo’s Suite Sheth described the underlying technology: “Our evaluation foundation models are dependable, reliable, and scalable. They run continuously in production, ensuring bad outcomes are blocked in real time.” By combining these components, Galileo provides enterprises with a trust layer that gives them confidence in their generative AI applications, mirroring the reliability of traditional software systems. From Research to Real-World Impact Unlike vendors who quickly adapted traditional machine learning frameworks for generative AI, Galileo spent two years conducting research and developing its Generative AI Studio, launched in August 2023. This thorough approach has started to pay off: A Crucial Moment for AI Trust Layers As enterprises prepare to move generative AI experiments into production, trust layers are becoming essential. These frameworks address lingering concerns about the unpredictable nature of LLMs, allowing organizations to scale AI while minimizing risk. Sheth emphasized the stakes: “When mission-critical software starts becoming infused with AI, trust layers will define whether we progress or regress to the stone ages of software. That’s what’s holding back proof-of-concepts from reaching production.” With Galileo’s innovative approach, enterprises now have a path to unlock the full potential of generative AI—responsibly, securely, and at scale. 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

February 18, 2025in Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Google, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

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