News/Business
Zapier adds AI capabilities to workflows, making automation smarter for everyone
Zapier's "AI by Zapier" feature represents a significant advancement in workflow automation by seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence capabilities into the platform's established automation ecosystem. This new tool allows users to incorporate AI-powered steps directly into their workflows, potentially transforming how businesses and individuals handle routine tasks and process information without requiring technical expertise in AI implementation. The big picture: Zapier is expanding its automation platform by introducing AI capabilities that can be incorporated as steps within existing workflows. Users can now add AI-powered actions to their automated processes without needing specialized AI knowledge or programming skills. This integration represents Zapier's...
read Mar 24, 2025Meta selects Pure Storage’s AI-optimized platform for all storage tiers
Pure Storage is revolutionizing AI infrastructure with its new FlashBlade//EXA platform, a strategic move that positions the company to capitalize on the booming demand for high-performance storage solutions tailored to artificial intelligence workloads. The technology's selection by Meta as its standardized storage solution across all tiers signals a significant shift in how hyperscalers are approaching their storage infrastructure needs, prioritizing flash storage's superior performance and efficiency despite higher upfront costs. This development highlights the growing recognition that traditional storage architectures are fundamentally misaligned with the unique requirements of AI and high-performance computing. The big picture: Pure Storage's FlashBlade//EXA platform directly...
read Mar 24, 2025Healthcare C-suites divided on AI implementation despite $50B potential savings
Healthcare executives broadly recognize generative AI's potential value for their organizations, but significant leadership disconnects are complicating implementation paths. A new Accenture survey of 300 health system C-suite leaders reveals critical misalignments within executive teams about how to effectively integrate AI technologies, despite the significant productivity and cost-saving opportunities these tools present for addressing healthcare workforce challenges. Leadership misalignment: Healthcare C-suites demonstrate concerning gaps in how they assign responsibility for AI transformation. Only 28 percent of CEOs view themselves as responsible for redefining roles impacted by generative AI, while just 5 percent of their executive colleagues agree with this assessment....
read Mar 21, 2025Monica AI combines multiple language models in one platform for enhanced performance
Monica AI emerges as a distinctive player in the AI assistant landscape by integrating multiple leading language models into a unified platform. Available at monica.im, this solution differentiates itself through a sophisticated multi-model architecture that gives users access to GPT-4o, Claude 3.7, Gemini 2.0, DeepSeek R1, and OpenAI o3-mini through a single cohesive interface. This architectural approach represents a significant technical achievement that provides substantial advantages over conventional single-model AI assistants. The big picture: Monica AI employs a microservices-based orchestration layer that forms the foundation of its multi-model functionality, enabling dynamic scaling and seamless user experience. The platform's architecture allows...
read Mar 21, 2025Apple sued over delayed iPhone 16 AI features that were heavily advertised
Apple is facing a lawsuit over its delayed Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone 16, highlighting tensions between marketing promises and actual delivery timelines in the tech industry. The legal action centers on claims that Apple knowingly advertised AI capabilities it couldn't deliver at launch, potentially misleading consumers into purchasing new devices based on features that weren't yet available. This case underscores the growing scrutiny companies face when promoting AI advancements before they're fully ready for market. The big picture: Apple has been sued for allegedly falsely advertising Apple Intelligence features on the iPhone 16 lineup, with plaintiffs claiming the...
read Mar 21, 2025AI moves on up: Systems evolving from tools to managers by end of 2025
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a fundamental force in workplace management in 2025, according to PwC's predictions. As AI systems increasingly integrate into core business functions across industries, they're not just changing how tasks are performed but also transforming management structures. This shift represents a significant evolution in workplace dynamics, where AI is transitioning from a tool employees use to complete tasks to a system that can oversee both the workflow and the collaboration between human and artificial intelligence. The big picture: PwC's 2025 AI predictions identify artificial intelligence as the primary factor transforming business operations and value creation this...
read Mar 21, 2025LexisNexis builds multi-model AI assistant for personalized legal workflows
Old school LexisNexis is leveraging a strategic multi-model approach for its AI assistant Protégé, combining large language models with smaller, more efficient alternatives to create a customizable legal tool. Rather than relying exclusively on resource-intensive large language models (LLMs), the company selectively uses smaller models and distillation techniques to optimize performance and reduce costs while maintaining high-quality results for specific legal workflows. The big picture: LexisNexis designed Protégé to assist legal professionals by combining the power of large language models from Anthropic and Mistral with smaller, task-specific models that can be tailored to individual law firms' workflows. The company employs...
read Mar 21, 2025Verizon launches AI assistant to help small businesses automate customer service
Verizon Business has entered the AI assistant market with a specialized tool that aims to help small businesses enhance customer service through automation. The new Verizon Business Assistant leverages generative AI to power text-based customer interactions, allowing small businesses to provide immediate responses to inquiries around the clock without requiring constant staff attention. This development represents a significant push to democratize enterprise-level AI capabilities for smaller operations that typically lack access to such technology. The big picture: Verizon Business has launched an AI-powered text messaging assistant specifically designed for small businesses to automate customer interactions and improve operational efficiency. The...
read Mar 21, 2025SAP unveils AI strategy for Korean market with data integration focus
SAP's CEO Christian Klein has unveiled the company's AI strategy for the Korean market, highlighting its Business Data Cloud platform and Joule AI assistant as cornerstones of the company's vision. The announcement targets a market where SAP already serves major conglomerates like Samsung and LG, positioning its AI solutions as critical infrastructure for companies seeking to transform their operations while maintaining data integrity and driving productivity. The big picture: SAP is aggressively expanding its AI offerings in Korea with a focus on data integration capabilities that the company argues are essential for successful enterprise AI implementation. Klein emphasized that "LLM...
read Mar 21, 2025AI2B: Enterprise AI usage surges 36-fold with ChatGPT leading adoption
Enterprise AI adoption is accelerating at a remarkable pace, with new data revealing a 36-fold increase in AI-related transactions over the past year. Zscaler's latest threat report offers a comprehensive look at which AI tools are gaining traction across businesses, highlighting how ChatGPT dominates usage despite also being the most commonly blocked application. The findings shed light on the evolving enterprise AI landscape and provide insights into which categories of AI tools are seeing the most significant adoption. The big picture: Enterprise Cloud security leader Zscaler's latest threat report reveals AI/ML transactions have increased by an astonishing 3,464.6% (or 36x)...
read Mar 20, 2025Former NYU dean helps companies overcome psychological barriers to AI adoption
Former NYU Stern Business School dean Conor Grennan has pioneered a new approach to generative AI adoption by addressing the human, rather than technological, barriers preventing widespread implementation. Through his consulting company AI Mindset, Grennan trains professionals at major organizations like McKinsey, NASA, and Google to reframe their thinking about tools like ChatGPT, helping them move beyond treating AI as merely a search engine and instead leveraging its conversational intelligence capabilities. The big picture: Despite initial enthusiasm about generative AI tools, Grennan discovered that organizations struggle to integrate them into daily operations due to psychological rather than technical barriers. After...
read Mar 20, 2025AI or Bye: Execs and some employees seek career-critical roles at companies adopting artificial intelligence
A significant gap is emerging between organizations' AI adoption strategies and their employees' expectations, creating workplace tension as companies struggle to integrate generative AI effectively. New research from Writer reveals that while professionals overwhelmingly want to use AI tools to enhance their productivity, many organizations lack clear implementation plans and face interdepartmental power struggles. This disconnect could impact talent retention and organizational competitiveness as workers increasingly view AI proficiency as essential in their career decisions. The big picture: Employees and executives are aligned on wanting AI in the workplace, but organizations are struggling to deliver effective implementation strategies. The research...
read Mar 20, 202510 AI tools transforming hotels as most guests welcome smart hospitality
Dial "AI" for front desk... AI tools are transforming the hospitality industry, with over half of hotel guests believing artificial intelligence could improve their stay experience. This shift represents a fundamental evolution in how hotels operate—moving AI from a novelty to an essential component of modern hospitality management. As these technologies become more sophisticated, they offer hotels the ability to personalize guest experiences while simultaneously streamlining operations, creating a competitive advantage for properties that implement them effectively. 1. ClickUp This comprehensive hotel management platform uses AI to power task automation and workflow optimization, helping hotels manage everything from guest requests...
read Mar 20, 2025Harbor in the Storm: EXL’s AI-powered Code Harbor reduces modernization’s manual efforts by 80%
Generative and agentic AI are rapidly becoming central drivers of enterprise transformation, enabling businesses to leverage deep data expertise for solving complex challenges. At a recent EXL virtual event, industry leaders shared how AI-powered tools like Code Harbor are dramatically accelerating legacy system modernization by reducing manual effort up to 80% while improving accuracy through business-context-aware migrations rather than simple line-by-line conversions. The big picture: EXL is demonstrating how specialized AI tools can transform traditional business processes by automating complex workflows and dramatically reducing manual effort across industries. Code Harbor, EXL's genAI-powered code migration tool, represents a shift from viewing...
read Mar 20, 2025Here’s how AI is transforming accounts receivable operations in 2025
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing accounts receivable (AR) operations in 2025, bringing unprecedented efficiency and precision to financial workflows. The evolution goes far beyond basic automation, with AI now handling complex tasks from payment prediction to deduction management. This technological transformation represents a significant opportunity for financial leaders to enhance operational efficiency, improve cash flow, and reduce costs across the AR ecosystem. The big picture: AI technologies are transforming five key areas of accounts receivable, offering solutions that range from predictive analytics to generative AI applications, according to Forrester's latest report. Key AI applications: Machine learning and predictive analytics are enhancing...
read Mar 19, 2025Telecom provider cuts support costs by 60% with BMC HelixGPT AI platform
A global telecom provider has transformed its employee support services through AI implementation, yielding dramatic efficiency improvements and cost savings. The deployment of BMC HelixGPT's AI platform demonstrates how artificial intelligence can directly impact operational productivity in large enterprises, creating a blueprint for organizations looking to modernize their service delivery models while enhancing employee experience. The big picture: A major telecom company completely revamped its IT, HR, and finance support systems using BMC HelixGPT's AI platform, achieving over 60% resolution rates without human intervention. The implementation marks a significant shift from traditional manual support processes that were creating bottlenecks for...
read Mar 19, 2025LinkedIn report: AI and people skills top engineering demands for 2025
LinkedIn's latest Skills on the Rise report reveals the critical engineering competencies that will dominate the job market in 2025, highlighting a blend of technical expertise and soft skills. This evolution reflects how AI integration, cloud technologies, and interpersonal abilities are reshaping engineering careers, creating new opportunities for professionals who can adapt to these changing demands. The big picture: LinkedIn's 2025 Engineering Skills report identifies Large Language Model development as the top rising skill, signaling AI's central role in tomorrow's engineering landscape. The report emphasizes that successful engineers will need to combine AI and cloud technical expertise with strong communication...
read Mar 19, 2025Gaming execs push AI adoption despite layoffs and developer resistance
Gaming industry leaders are embracing AI technology despite industry-wide layoffs and developer concerns, with executives viewing AI integration as essential for future game development, marketing, and business efficiency. At the Game Developers Conference, Griffin Gaming Partners' Peter Levin emphasized that AI adoption in gaming is inevitable regardless of developer sentiment, positioning it as a critical component for both content creation and business operations in an industry already struggling with significant workforce reductions. The big picture: AI's role in gaming is rapidly expanding beyond traditional uses like NPC behavior and procedural generation to now encompass content creation, user-generated content, and marketing...
read Mar 19, 2025OpenAI to connect ChatGPT with Google Drive and Slack for enterprise users
OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT's capabilities with new third-party service integrations for enterprise users, potentially transforming how businesses access and utilize their internal information. According to an internal document obtained by TechCrunch, the company plans to test "ChatGPT Connectors" that would link the AI chatbot to workplace tools including Google Drive and Slack, with Microsoft SharePoint and Box integrations coming later. This development signals OpenAI's strategic push to make ChatGPT more deeply embedded in daily business operations. The big picture: OpenAI plans to introduce ChatGPT Connectors for enterprise customers, integrating the AI assistant with workplace tools like Google Drive and Slack....
read Mar 18, 2025Keeping it real: 5 crucial business functions that should stay human in the AI era
In a business landscape increasingly dominated by AI automation, entrepreneurs face a crucial choice about which aspects of their operations should remain distinctly human. While AI tools promise efficiency and scalability, blindly outsourcing core business functions risks creating generic, forgettable companies that lose the authentic human elements that make them special. Understanding which tasks to entrust to humans versus AI has become a critical strategic decision that directly impacts a company's competitive advantage and brand identity. The big picture: Businesses are rapidly adopting AI agents to automate various functions, but this trend risks homogenizing companies and removing the unique elements...
read Mar 18, 2025Survey: Customer success teams lag behind in generative AI adoption
A gap appears to be emerging between customer success teams and other customer engagement functions in their adoption and enthusiasm for generative AI technologies. While most B2B customer-facing teams see significant potential in generative AI, customer success professionals show measurably lower adoption rates and enthusiasm, potentially missing opportunities to leverage AI for enhancing post-sale customer relationships. This disparity raises important questions about technology adoption patterns in customer success functions and whether current solutions adequately address their specific needs. The enthusiasm gap: Customer success professionals demonstrate notably less optimism about generative AI's impact compared to their customer engagement counterparts. 77% of...
read Mar 17, 2025Is the human touch a premium service? AI is reshaping customer interaction in a two-tiered direction
The AI revolution is reshaping customer service roles, creating a stark divide between human and automated touchpoints in post-sales interactions. SaaStr founder Jason Lemkin projects that by 2025, AI will handle virtually all support and customer success functions except those directly tied to revenue generation. This shift reflects a fundamental business prioritization where human attention is increasingly reserved exclusively for revenue-generating opportunities while routine customer interactions are automated. The big picture: Companies are rapidly deploying AI to handle the majority of customer support inquiries, with many businesses already seeing 40% or more of tickets resolved without human intervention. Major platforms...
read Mar 17, 2025How AI is reshaping banking from verification to financial modeling
The financial industry's growing embrace of artificial intelligence is reshaping banking experiences for consumers and transforming internal operations for institutions. As digital banking becomes the norm with 92% of Americans avoiding physical branches, financial organizations are leveraging AI to streamline identity verification, enhance customer experiences, and power traditional financial modeling. This evolution marks a critical inflection point as the industry determines whether emerging AI technologies will incrementally improve existing systems or fundamentally transform the financial landscape. How AI is changing banking today: Credit unions and financial institutions are implementing AI to streamline customer authentication and enhance the banking experience. MSU...
read Mar 17, 2025Qualtric Control: Company launches AI Experience Agents to solve customer problems autonomously
Qualtrics is revolutionizing customer experience management with AI agents that can autonomously resolve issues across multiple touchpoints. Unveiled ahead of the company's X4 2025 Experience Management Summit, these "Experience Agents" represent a significant evolution in AI capabilities by directly interacting with customers rather than merely streamlining internal processes. This development signals a shift in how businesses might handle customer service, combining speed with empathetic engagement that traditional chatbots often fail to deliver. The big picture: Qualtrics has developed AI agents that go beyond answering questions to actively resolve customer issues by interacting directly with consumers across various touchpoints including surveys,...
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