No Jitter’s “Conversations in Collaboration” features insights from experts on enterprise communications technologies. In a recent discussion, Tom Coshow, a senior director analyst at Gartner, explored the emerging concepts of AI Agents and Agentic AI. Coshow emphasizes the significance of purpose-built AI agents that specialize in specific tasks and effectively communicate in multi-agent systems. He highlights that unlike general AI assistants that provide advice, AI agents actively take action to boost productivity. The conversation also touched on the importance of quality data, the evolving landscape of AI agent platforms, and the challenges of ensuring effective communication among agents. As AI technology progresses, enterprises are encouraged to adopt these advanced systems for enhanced operational efficiency.
Welcome to our latest discussion on the emerging technologies in enterprise communications, spotlighting insights from top thought leaders. Recently, we spoke with Tom Coshow, a senior director analyst at Gartner. His expertise centers on AI agents and their transformative impact on business processes, especially in customer experience management.
In this conversation, Coshow highlighted the distinctions between "AI agents" and "Agentic AI." AI agents are software systems capable of making decisions and taking actions in digital environments. On the other hand, Agentic AI is a broader term encompassing AI agents and their functionalities.
Understanding these concepts is crucial as businesses increasingly integrate AI into their workflows. Coshow explained, "AI agents can autonomously complete tasks that previously required human intervention, thereby enhancing productivity." This notion contradicts early expectations regarding generative AI, where many deployments have failed to improve efficiency significantly.
Key Takeaways:
-
Multiagent Systems: These consist of specialized AI agents that communicate effectively to fulfill different roles, from customer support to data research. For instance, a targeted credit card agent could streamline various processes without getting bogged down by unrelated tasks.
-
Importance of Quality Data: The effectiveness of AI agents relies heavily on the quality of input data. If agents are trained on outdated or poor-quality data, their performance and accuracy can suffer.
- Productivity Gains: Coshow noted that AI agents aim to significantly boost productivity by taking decisive actions, a departure from the advisory role traditional AI assistants often play.
As businesses consider adopting these technologies, they must understand the balance between implementing AI efficiently and managing their operational costs. The choice between various AI platforms or building custom solutions depends on each enterprise’s specific needs and capabilities.
Research shows that multiagent systems will gain traction in the coming years. With the potential to refine interactions and improve outcomes, these systems promise a more streamlined future for enterprise communications.
For more insights, check out our full feature and learn how AI agents can reshape your business operations.
Tags: AI Agents, Agentic AI, Enterprise Communications, Productivity, Customer Experience, Tom Coshow, Gartner.
What are AI agents?
AI agents are computer programs that can perform tasks or make decisions on their own. They use artificial intelligence to understand their environment and act without human help.
How does agentic AI differ from regular AI?
Agentic AI goes a step further than regular AI. While regular AI can follow commands and provide information, agentic AI can make decisions based on its own judgment. It acts more like an independent assistant.
What industries can benefit from agentic AI?
Many industries can benefit from agentic AI, including healthcare, finance, customer support, and manufacturing. These agents can automate tasks, analyze data, and improve efficiency.
Are there risks with using AI agents?
Yes, there are some risks. AI agents may make mistakes, and their decisions can sometimes be hard to understand. It’s important to carefully manage and monitor them to ensure they act responsibly.
How can businesses start using agentic AI?
Businesses can start by identifying tasks that can be automated. They should then explore AI solutions available in the Market, ensuring they choose the right tools and provide proper training for employees.