ServiceNow’s newest AI agents bring intelligent automation to telecommunications firms - SiliconANGLE - ServiceNow’s AI agents analyze network data to diagnose and resolve issues, predict disruptions, and provide real-time explanations for unusual usage patterns, improving customer service and reducing complaints. // ”For instance, some of the agents are designed to service, test and repair networks by analyzing network data to diagnose any problems that occur. This analysis takes place in seconds, and they’ll immediately be able to work out the best way to fix things and coordinate the repair operation by scheduling tasks for the engineers responsible. // In addition, there are AI agents specifically designed to analyze network incidents. They respond to network alerts as soon as they happen and quickly dig down to understand the root cause. Once they’ve identified the problem, they’ll generate a resolution playbook that predicts any possible network disruptions that might occur before they impact customers. // The company also talked about its billing resolution agents, which can autonomously identify any unusual usage patterns and provide real-time explanations of the associated charges, as well as recommendations for customers to switch to a more cost-effective plan. ServiceNow says this can help telcos to improve transparency and reduce unexpected charges for customers, and will help to reduce the volume of billing complaints and call center volume.”
How AI ‘Reasoning’ Models Will Change Companies and the Economy - Lots of good thinking here, not least of which is a very delightful writing style. There’s about five quips in there that are fun. // Also notice that the benefits are accruing the individual here, the enterprises have yet to figure it out.
AI’s productivity paradox: how it might unfold more slowly than we think - The case that productivity effects of AI in the macro economy will be slow. Micro-economy (individuals) still looks good.
State of Java Survey Confirms Majority of Enterprise Apps Are Built on Java Performance, Superior Java Support - ”Typically, when the topic of developing AI or ML functionality arises, people think of Python. Perhaps surprisingly, the survey found that Java was used more often than either Python or other languages. In fact, 50% of organizations use Java to code AI functionality.”
Agentic definition from Azeem Azhar and Nathan Warren - Good simple AI vs. agentic AI framing: “Some view AI as a tool – a system that passively performs functions, while others see it as an agent – a system that actively pursues objectives, makes independent decisions and may develop instrumental goals such as self-preservation."
The Lights of My Life - Accent lighting and lamps used by one photographer.
The Hidden Toll of Meeting Hangovers - Hell is other people: “In our survey, more than 90% of respondents said they experienced meeting hangovers at least occasionally. More than half said these hangovers negatively impacted their workflow or productivity, while 47% reported feeling less engaged with their work. These effects often resulted from rumination, or replaying parts of the meeting in their mind. Nearly half (47%) of respondents noted harmful effects on their interactions with coworkers, such as feeling disconnected from their team or wanting to spend time alone."
A theory of Elons - If you can get away with breaking regulations and laws, you can gain competitive advantage over those who don’t.
Old Media Finally Wakes Up from a Coma - “Hey, guys”-style getting more mainstream. // Also, long form podcasts.