Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff reports that AI implementation has led to the elimination of 4,000 customer support positions, as AI agents now manage approximately half of all customer interactions. The company intends to expand AI applications into sales and marketing, and has reassigned some employees to sales roles. In related AI developments, Futuri's TopLine AI system is upgrading its capabilities for media sales teams, offering features like instant research and direct integration with CRMs such as Salesforce and HubSpot, to accelerate deal closures. Marketing firms are also increasing their investments in AI to enhance media buying and campaign creation, alongside focusing on client relationships and employee training. Elsewhere, SAP is committing 200 billion euros to AI investments over the next decade, aimed at enhancing AI and data security within Europe, including a new platform to ensure data storage complies with EU's GDPR regulations. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, has disclosed its data collection methods for AI model training, which primarily involve public online information and data from other companies, while filtering out harmful content. In other sectors, AI is being used to reduce food waste in restaurants, with systems like Winnow helping chefs to better plan and creatively use leftovers, achieving waste reductions of up to 90%. Portland Public Schools are also developing AI policies, permitting AI for tasks such as lesson planning, while requiring teachers to verify AI-generated content, and are working with Lumi Story AI to aid students in story writing. Meanwhile, a Commonwealth Bank worker, Kathryn, who spent 25 years with the bank, was made redundant after training the Bumblebee chatbot, though she was later offered another position following criticism.
Key Takeaways
- Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff attributes 4,000 job cuts in customer support to AI implementation.
- AI agents at Salesforce now handle approximately 50% of customer conversations.
- SAP is investing 200 billion euros in AI over the next 10 years to enhance AI and data security in Europe.
- DeepSeek uses public online information and data from other companies to train its AI models, while filtering out harmful content.
- Futuri's TopLine AI system upgrades speed up media sales through CRM integration with platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot.
- Restaurants are using AI systems like Winnow to reduce food waste, achieving reductions of up to 90%.
- Portland Public Schools are creating AI policies for educational use, including using Lumi Story AI to help students write stories.
- Marketing firms are increasing investments in AI to improve media buying and campaign creation.
- A Commonwealth Bank worker was made redundant after training an AI chatbot, highlighting AI's impact on employment.
Salesforce CEO says AI led to 4,000 job cuts
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said the company cut 4,000 customer support jobs because of AI. He mentioned that AI has helped reduce the number of support staff needed. Salesforce has been using AI to automate customer service tasks. The company is based in San Francisco.
Salesforce cuts 4,000 support jobs thanks to AI
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff announced that AI helped the company cut 4,000 customer support jobs. AI agents now handle about half of customer conversations. The company plans to use AI in other areas like sales and marketing. Salesforce has also moved some employees to sales positions.
AI replaces 4,000 jobs at Salesforce
Salesforce has cut 4,000 customer support jobs by using AI agents. CEO Marc Benioff said AI helps the company work more efficiently. AI agents can now handle many customer tasks. Salesforce also plans to use AI to follow up on old sales leads.
Memory chips drive the AI revolution
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Will AI ruin music A new podcast explores
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TV shows are full of AI worries
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SAP invests big in AI for Europe
SAP plans to invest 200 billion euros in AI over the next 10 years. The company wants to improve its AI and data security in Europe. The investment includes a new platform that keeps data stored in the EU. This follows EU's GDPR rules about data transfers.
AI chatbot replaces bank worker after 25 years
Kathryn, a Commonwealth Bank worker, trained an AI chatbot that later made her job redundant. After 25 years with the bank, she was let go along with 45 other customer service workers. Kathryn helped develop scripts for the Bumblebee chatbot. The bank later offered her another job after facing criticism.
DeepSeek reveals how it collects data for AI
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, shared how it gathers data to train its AI models. The company mainly uses public online information and data from other companies. DeepSeek filters out harmful content like hate speech and tries to reduce AI errors. The company admits its AI models can still make mistakes.
AI helps restaurants cut down on food waste
Restaurants are using AI to reduce food waste in their kitchens. AI systems like Winnow track what food is thrown away. This helps chefs plan better and use leftovers creatively. Some restaurants have cut food waste by as much as 90% using AI.
Futuri's TopLine AI upgrades speed up sales
Futuri has improved its TopLine AI system for media sales teams. The upgrades include instant research, sales presentations, and CRM integration. TopLine uses Agentic AI to connect directly with CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot. This helps sales teams prepare and close deals faster.
Marketing firms focus on AI, clients, and talent
Marketing and advertising companies are investing more in AI, client relationships, and employee skills. They are using AI to improve media buying and create faster campaigns. Companies want to provide clients with useful solutions in uncertain times. They also emphasize the importance of training employees to use new technologies.
Portland schools consider AI policies
Portland Public Schools are thinking about how to use AI in schools. The district has added some AI rules to its technology policy. These rules allow AI for tasks like lesson planning but require teachers to check AI-generated content. The district is also working with Lumi Story AI, a chatbot that helps students write stories.
Sources
- Salesforce CEO confirms 4,000 layoffs ‘because I need less heads' with AI
- AI has enabled Salesforce to slash 4K support roles: CEO
- Salesforce slashes 4,000 customer support jobs as AI steps in
- Why memory chips are the new frontier of the AI revolution
- New podcast series: Will artificial intelligence ruin music?
- AI Anxiety Is Plaguing Our TV Shows
- SAP to Invest 200 Billion Euros in AI, Fortify European Data Moat
- Commonwealth Bank worker of 25 years left in tears after brutal realisation: 'Absolute shock'
- DeepSeek sheds light on data collection for AI training
- In some kitchens, AI is helping keep food out of the garbage and on your plate
- Futuri Announces Advancements to TopLine AI, Featuring Instant Custom Research, Sales Presentations, and CRM Integration to Help Teams Close Business Faster
- Marketing and advertising firms double down on AI, client engagement, talent in Q2
- PPS Weighs Artificial Intelligence Policy