Salesforce Battles Microsoft and Google with New AI Agent in 2026

70% of businesses will use AI agents by the end of 2026, as Salesforce rolls out its new Slackbot AI agent to take on Microsoft and Google in the workplace AI market.

Introduction to Slackbot AI Agent

Salesforce's new Slackbot AI agent is a fully powered AI agent capable of searching enterprise data, drafting documents, and taking action on behalf of employees. This move is part of Salesforce's efforts to position Slack at the center of the emerging 'agentic AI' movement. 45% of Salesforce customers are already using Slack, and the company expects this number to grow as more businesses adopt AI agents.

Market Landscape

• The global AI market is expected to reach $190 billion by 2025, with the enterprise AI market accounting for 60% of this growth.
• Microsoft has also launched its Agent 365 platform, which provides a unified control plane for AI agents, while Google is working on its Gemini Spark AI agent.

'Slackbot isn't just another copilot or AI assistant,' said Parker Harris, Salesforce co-founder and Slack's chief technology officer. 'It's a fully powered AI agent that can help employees complete complex tasks.'

What the Sceptics Say

Some critics argue that AI agents like Slackbot may replace human workers and exacerbate job losses in certain industries. However, others argue that AI agents will augment human capabilities and free up time for more strategic and creative work.

What This Means for the Industry

As AI agents become more prevalent, companies like Salesforce, Microsoft, and Google will need to invest in AI research and development to stay ahead of the curve. We can expect to see significant advancements in AI technology over the next 6-12 months, with a focus on enterprise adoption and integration.

Key Takeaways

1. Engineers: Focus on developing AI agents that can integrate with existing enterprise systems and provide actionable insights for businesses.
2. Investors: Look for companies that are investing in AI research and development, particularly in the enterprise AI space.
3. Business Leaders: Consider adopting AI agents like Slackbot to streamline workflows and improve employee productivity.
4. Consumers: Be prepared for AI agents to become more prevalent in customer service and support roles, and expect to see improved response times and personalized experiences.

Sources

• VentureBeat: Salesforce rolls out new Slackbot AI agent as it battles Microsoft and Google
• VentureBeat Business: Microsoft takes Agent 365 out of preview as shadow AI becomes an enterprise threat
• 9to5Google: ‘Gemini Spark’ is Google’s upcoming AI agent in the Gemini app