Salesforce announced an updated version of Slack featuring new AI functionalities that aim to enhance user productivity. The update includes 30 new features, following a previous enhancement in January that allowed Slackbot to draft emails, schedule meetings, and efficiently search inboxes.
The introduction of “reusable AI-skills” marks a significant advancement. This feature lets users define specific tasks that can be reused in various contexts. Slackbot, which comes with a library of AI-skills, also allows for the creation of custom skills tailored to user needs.
After setting up a skill, users can execute it through simple commands. For example, invoking “create a budget” prompts Slackbot to gather relevant information and create a plan, including automatically scheduling a meeting with pertinent team members.
Slackbot now functions as a Model Context Protocol (MCP) client, enabling it to connect and interact with external services, including Agentforce, Salesforce’s AI agent development platform launched in 2024. This capability allows Slackbot to route tasks and questions to various enterprise agents and applications without requiring human oversight.
Rob Seaman, Slack’s interim CEO, noted Slackbot’s ability to transcribe meetings and summarize discussions. Participants missing details can request a recap with assigned action items post-meeting.
Slackbot’s functionality extends beyond its platform, as it can monitor desktop activities and retrieve data from diverse sources like calendars and communication tools. It utilizes this data to propose actionable suggestions or draft follow-up tasks, all while upholding user privacy through adjustable permissions.
Salesforce is positioning Slack as a multifunctional platform for diverse business tasks, seeking to expand its role beyond an enterprise communication tool. CEO Marc Benioff stated that the five years since acquiring Slack has resulted in “two and a half times revenue growth,” with approximately one million businesses currently using the platform.
