Businesses race to critical mass on AI usage
Businesses race to critical mass on AI usage
OpenAI offers nonprofits discounts on corporate ChatGPT product
Businesses race to critical mass on AI usage
OpenAI offers nonprofits discounts on corporate ChatGPT products
Meta is bringing AI to WhatsApp Business in test of AI strategy
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Businesses race to critical mass on AI usage
Small and mid-sized businesses are laser-focused on growth, with a whopping 9 in 10 implementing at least one growth strategy in the past year. While those with more resources are investing in innovative strategies to expand their business, struggling SMBs are taking a more frugal approach, relying on cost-cutting measures to stay afloat.
But regardless of their financial situation, AI is emerging as a game-changer for SMBs looking to improve business efficiencies. In fact, one-third of SMBs are already using AI in some capacity, with more than half of those with growing revenues leveraging AI to drive success.
The data is clear: AI is a powerful tool for SMBs looking to reach their business goals. A staggering 96% of SMBs that have tried AI tools report that they are effective in streamlining tasks and driving innovation. And it's not just the high-flying SMBs that are benefiting - even those struggling to stay afloat are finding AI to be a valuable asset, with 84% of cost-cutting SMBs that use AI reporting that it's very effective.
So how are SMBs using AI? Automation of daily tasks and improving the quality and reliability of business processes are top of the list, with 60% using AI for automation and 52% using it to improve processes. But what's interesting is that struggling SMBs are more likely to use AI for automation, suggesting that they're focusing on improving daily tasks to stay competitive.
The takeaway is clear: AI is a convenient innovation tool for SMBs, regardless of their financial situation. And with 96% of SMBs that use AI reporting that it's effective, it's clear that this technology is here to stay….
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OpenAI offers nonprofits discounts on corporate ChatGPT products
In a move to expand its corporate client base, OpenAI announced on Thursday that it will offer discounted subscriptions to its ChatGPT platform for nonprofit organizations. The company is looking to tap into a new market, and this new program is a key step in that direction.
Under the program, large nonprofits will be eligible for a 50% discount on the enterprise-grade version of ChatGPT, while smaller nonprofits using the ChatGPT Team plan will pay a reduced rate of $20 per month per user, down from $25 or $30.
OpenAI's ChatGPT has been a game-changer since its release in November 2022, quickly becoming the fastest application to reach 100 million users. The company is now shifting its focus to courting large organizations to buy its enterprise product, which it hopes will become a significant revenue stream.
In related news, OpenAI also announced a partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a New York-based nonprofit that provides aid to those affected by humanitarian crises. As part of the partnership, OpenAI has granted $250,000 to the IRC to develop an education chatbot called aprendIA, which is built on OpenAI technology. The chatbot is designed to assist educators in crisis zones and is currently being piloted in Bangladesh and Nigeria.
The IRC plans to expand the reach of aprendIA by making it available on low-tech devices and within existing chat products like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger in multiple languages. This partnership marks a significant step forward in using AI technology to drive positive change in the world….
Originally by Anna Tong of Reuters
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Meta is bringing chatbots to WhatsApp Business in test of AI Strategy
In a bold move to monetize its messaging apps, Facebook-parent Meta is set to allow businesses to use free artificial intelligence chatbots on WhatsApp Business. This development marks a significant step in CEO Mark Zuckerberg's strategy to integrate AI into Meta's platforms, with the ultimate goal of generating revenue.
What's notable about Meta's approach is that it's giving away both its AI model and chatbot for free, a stark contrast to its rivals. This move is seen as a crucial test of Meta's ability to create AI chatbots that businesses will actually want to use.
According to Debra Aho Williamson, chief analyst at Sonata Insights, "The window of opportunity is pretty small for Meta to figure out how to create AI chatbots that businesses will want to use. There could be a lot of options for these businesses." The pressure is on for Meta to get it right.
The company plans to expand the number of businesses that can leverage AI to chat with customers through WhatsApp Business, with the chatbots designed to help businesses manage the influx of responses they receive from customers. As one industry insider noted, "An AI-powered chatbot inside of business messaging feels like a great place to deploy it. You might be able to find product market fit sooner than you will on smart glasses."….