Time for some big ideas.
The Information digs into Salesforce’s new artificial intelligence product, Agentforce, which aims to automate customer service and business functions. The product is facing challenges in gaining traction among its clients. Despite CEO Marc Benioff’s optimistic declaration of 2025 as the “absolute year of Agentforce,” Chief Financial Officer Amy Weaver expects only modest sales growth of seven to eight percent, marking the slowest growth rate in the company’s history. Salesforce has closed five thousand Agentforce deals since its launch, yet many customers remain hesitant to fully commit due to high costs and concerns about the software’s reliability. As the company grapples with the competitive landscape, it has begun discussing potential price adjustments and financial incentives to encourage adoption. Meanwhile, the company’s stock has dropped ten percent over the past year, significantly trailing behind competitors like SAP and IBM, who have successfully integrated AI features into their offerings.
Covered by TechCrunch, At the recent South by Southwest conference in Austin, tech investor Mark Cuban emphasized that artificial intelligence is a tool, not a standalone solution for entrepreneurs. He urged attendees to dedicate their time to learning about AI, highlighting its potential to help small businesses thrive. Cuban noted that starting a business today is significantly easier than it was in the past, as access to technology has dramatically reduced costs—once requiring five thousand dollars for a personal computer, now it only takes a laptop and internet connection. While acknowledging the limitations of AI, such as inaccuracies and hallucinations, he asserted that it can enhance existing skills and assist with tasks like research and communication. Cuban warned against over-reliance on AI, stating, “AI is never the answer. AI is the tool.” He stressed the importance of creativity in using AI effectively, especially in fields like art and writing.
Fortune profiled Jason Manar, A former FBI agent, who transitioned to corporate security as the Chief Information Security Officer at Kaseya, after nearly 16 years with the bureau. In 2021, cybercrime surged, highlighted by a significant ransomware attack on Kaseya by the gang REvil, which infiltrated the company through its remote software, affecting over 1,500 businesses and demanding seventy million dollars in cryptocurrency for decryption. Manar, who led the FBI’s response during the attack, emphasized the challenges of cybersecurity culture in corporate settings. He aims to build a robust cybersecurity framework at Kaseya, which previously lacked a centralized security office. Following the incident, Manar was promoted to assistant special agent in charge before ultimately deciding to leave the FBI for Kaseya.
Finally, in ZDNet, As artificial intelligence agents become increasingly prevalent, information technology departments are evolving to take on roles traditionally held by human resources. This transformation, highlighted during a recent panel hosted by Deloitte at the Mobile World Congress, emphasizes how AI agents are becoming integral to enterprise systems, akin to microservices architectures. Experts suggest that these agents can execute tasks independently, representing a shift in workforce management. Bryan Thompson from Hewlett Packard Enterprise noted that agentic AI offers opportunities to solve complex problems by breaking them down into specialized services. However, challenges remain regarding data management and trustworthiness, with experts like Abdi Goodarzi from Deloitte pointing out that organizations must adapt their cultures and strategies to integrate these advancements effectively. The panel concluded that while there are hurdles to overcome, 2025 may be a pivotal year for the adoption of agentic AI in enterprises.
Why do we care?
Here are your thought questions.
Salesforce’s underwhelming Agentforce sales underscore a critical lesson: AI, no matter how powerful, must deliver clear and immediate value to customers. Ask.. why the problematic uptake?
Cuban’s take on AI is refreshingly practical: AI isn’t an answer, it’s a tool. Where can you pushback in areas where AI is presented as the answer to find the better solution?
What does it mean when an FBI agent takes the reins for security at a commercial organization like Kaseya? Companies see huge value in hiring former FBI, NSA, and military cybersecurity professionals – where else might expertise be brought in?
If agents become digital workers, what HR related issues will IT, and MSPs, have to consider, particularly if those workflows are interacting with humans?