Salesforce Rolls Out AI Agent to Compete with Microsoft and Google in 2026

60% of enterprises will use AI agents by the end of 2026, as Salesforce launches a new Slackbot AI agent to battle Microsoft and Google in the workplace AI market.

Introduction to Agentic AI

The emerging 'agentic AI' movement is transforming the way software agents work alongside humans to complete complex tasks. Salesforce's new Slackbot is a fully powered AI agent capable of searching enterprise data, drafting documents, and taking action on behalf of employees. 80% of Fortune 500 companies are already using Slack, and this new feature is expected to increase adoption.

Market Landscape

• Microsoft's Agent 365 is a unified control plane that lets enterprises manage AI agents, with 95% of customers reporting improved governance and security.
• Google's Remy AI agent is being tested for Gemini, with a focus on user control and taking actions for users in work and daily tasks.

Parker Harris, Salesforce co-founder and Slack's chief technology officer, said, 'Slackbot isn't just another copilot or AI assistant, it's a fully powered AI agent that will revolutionize the way we work.'

What the Sceptics Say

Some critics argue that the rush to agentic AI is premature, and that the technology is not yet mature enough to be widely adopted. 20% of enterprises have reported concerns about the security and governance of AI agents, and some experts warn that the technology could be used for malicious purposes.

What This Means for the Industry

Nvidia, Oracle, and other leading tech companies are expected to make significant investments in agentic AI over the next 6-12 months. As the market continues to evolve, we can expect to see new innovations and applications of AI agents in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and education.

Key Takeaways

1. Engineers: Focus on developing AI agents that can learn and adapt to complex tasks and workflows.
2. Investors: Look for opportunities to invest in companies that are developing innovative agentic AI solutions.
3. Business Leaders: Consider adopting AI agents to improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
4. Consumers: Be aware of the potential benefits and risks of AI agents and how they may impact your daily life.

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
• BBC Technology: US to safety test new AI models from Google, Microsoft, xAI
• CNBC Technology: The Tech Download: Meta, Google enter AI agent race as ‘agentic wars’ heat up
• AI News: Google tests Remy AI agent for Gemini as focus turns to user control