AI is in Slack

Slack’s New CEO Brings Generative AI to the Workplace Conversation

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Date: May 5, 2023

The integration of Salesforce data with Slack's messaging app and generative AI could enhance productivity for companies like Paramount Global, according to CIO Lakshman Nathan.

Greg's Words

This was inevitable.  It was bound to happen.

For years, we've sought a unifying force to bridge the gap between disjointed applications. We've grappled with core software systems composed of various elements: one firm's stellar inventory control, another's exceptional order entry interface, and spreadsheets laboring to transform disconnected databases into insightful information.

AI could be the key that not only links everything but also refines the data.

Expect numerous announcements and integrations ahead, but this time, we'll witness the fusion of previously human-centric tasks.

Slack is the latest, but SAP has also shoehorned AI into its core.

We've put together a quick summary, enjoy!

Key highlights:

• Slack unveils new generative AI features, such as summarizing conversations and drafting responses.
• Company releases Canvas, a hub that combines internal documents, Slack messages, and Salesforce customer data.
• 70% of IT leaders in exploration mode with generative AI, with 19% already testing it, according to Gartner Inc.

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Slack's new CEO, Lidiane Jones, is banking on generative artificial intelligence (AI) as the future of the messaging app, integrating the technology with Salesforce, which acquired Slack for $27.7 billion two years ago. The rise of generative AI, exemplified by ChatGPT, has led some to reconsider the value of combining Slack's collaboration features with Salesforce's customer-relationship-management software.

Slack recently unveiled several new generative AI capabilities, including features that summarize conversations and help draft responses within the app. Additionally, a new Slack development platform allows developers to choose from large language models like OpenAI or Anthropic for building their own workflows and Slack-based apps.

Last week, Slack also released Canvas, a hub where employees can share internal documents, Slack messages, and Salesforce customer data. Generative AI is used within Canvas to "accelerate connecting the dots for people because we can bring that context and knowledge together," said Jones.

As generative AI becomes more pervasive, Jones stated that Slack is "the most relevant platform for customers to interact in a very human way with the technology." The integration of Salesforce data with Slack's messaging app and generative AI could enhance productivity for companies like Paramount Global, according to CIO Lakshman Nathan.

Major enterprise technology firms such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Salesforce are competing to incorporate generative AI into their software platforms. Since ChatGPT's launch, more CIOs have increased their investment in AI, as noted by Gartner Inc. A recent poll found that 70% of over 2,500 IT leaders are in "exploration mode" with generative AI, while 19% are already testing it.

"Enterprise technology firms like Amazon, Microsoft and Salesforce are racing to integrate generative AI into their software platforms—each aiming to capitalize on the pressure that technology leaders, too, are facing to quickly take advantage of the technologies."

However, many CIOs are still cautious about large-scale investment in generative AI due to concerns over data leaks. Slack is taking a careful approach to data safeguards, with Jones emphasizing the importance of administrative capabilities and end-user feedback in managing data and driving controls.

Despite the ambitious integration, Slack's revenue growth has slowed since its acquisition by Salesforce. Jones, who was appointed CEO after co-founder Stewart Butterfield's departure, has been working to solidify the joint product vision for Salesforce and Slack, stating, "It's just taken us this long to get it right."

While some Salesforce customers are eager to explore Slack integration, others like Ponce Bank are focusing on more immediate IT needs. Ponce Bank CEO Carlos Naudon explained, "We have a technology roadmap that is very robust, but Slack is probably a year or two away."

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Tweet: Slack's new CEO bets on generative AI to revolutionize workplace communication! 🚀 New features and Canvas hub integration with Salesforce for an enhanced experience. 🤖💼 #Slack #AI #Salesforce

Introduction paragraph for LinkedIn post: Discover how Slack's new CEO, Lidiane Jones, is embracing generative AI to transform workplace communication by unveiling new features and the Canvas hub. Learn how the integration with Salesforce aims to provide a more seamless and efficient experience for businesses.

Keyword list: Slack, generative AI, Salesforce, Lidiane Jones, Canvas, ChatGPT, workplace communication, technology integration, artificial intelligence

Image prompt: A group of diverse professionals collaborating and discussing work while using

Slack's generative AI features on their devices, with the Slack and Salesforce logos prominently displayed in the background.

Search question: How is Slack integrating generative AI and Salesforce to enhance workplace communication?

Suggested real song that matches the theme: "Talk" by Khalid. The song "Talk" by Khalid was suggested as a thematic match because it reflects the core concept of enhancing communication within the workplace. As Slack integrates generative AI and Salesforce to improve workplace communication, the song's title and lyrics resonate with the idea of encouraging open dialogue and fostering collaboration. The song's upbeat and modern vibe also aligns with the innovative nature of Slack's efforts to utilize AI technology to revolutionize how we communicate and collaborate in professional settings.

In summary, Slack is betting on generative AI to revolutionize workplace communication, integrating it with Salesforce's customer-relationship-management software. The messaging app has unveiled new AI features like conversation summarization and response drafting, and has also released Canvas, a hub that combines internal documents, Slack messages, and Salesforce customer data. As more CIOs explore and invest in generative AI, Slack is focused on providing a more seamless and efficient experience for businesses.