The adoption of AI agents within small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) is no longer a speculative trend; it is a strategic imperative. In 2026, AI agents have matured from isolated automation tools to intelligent, autonomous systems that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enable SMBs to compete on a level once reserved for large enterprises. However, the path to successful AI agent integration is fraught with pitfalls, from data quality issues to governance gaps and talen

WHY WORKPLACE AI IS ENTERING A NEW PHASE. For much of the past two years, artificial intelligence in the workplace has been defined by interaction. We prompt. We refine. We regenerate. AI responds. That model is now beginning to change.  With recent updates to Anthropic’s Claude, including the introduction of structured, reusable “skills” designed for workplace workflows, we’re seeing the early signs of a broader transition.

AI is rapidly transitioning from a tool that augments discrete tasks to one that orchestrates entire end-to-end experiences for users. Recent articles and industry reports highlight a significant shift: consumers are no longer satisfied with AI as a simple search or shopping assistant. Instead, they are increasingly eager for AI systems that can manage the full spectrum of their needs from discovery and decision-making to execution and follow-up.

The 2025 Black Friday shopping event reflects a seismic shift: artificial intelligence (AI) agents, not humans, now drive a significant portion of online shopping activity. The day shattered previous records, with U.S. online sales reaching $11.8 billion—a 9.1% year-over-year increase. What’s more significant than the raw numbers is the nature of this growth: an 805% surge in AI-directed traffic, as AI-powered deal agents like Walmart’s Sparky and Amazon’s Rufus took center s

A recent report by Axios highlighted Walmart's partnership with OpenAI to create an "AI-first" shopping experience through ChatGPT, introducing the concept of "agentic commerce." This post defines and explores the benefits and challenges of "agentic commerce."