HPE and Okta Enhance AI Security and Automation with New Innovations, While Microsoft Introduces Mu and Salesforce Unveils Agentforce 3

HPE is enhancing its offerings with AI and automation across multiple platforms, integrating an autonomous supervisory AI module into Aruba Central that operates around the clock to diagnose issues and suggest solutions. New services in the GreenLake Cloud, such as a workload optimizer and sustainability forecasting, are being incorporated into GreenLake Intelligence to improve cost management and sustainability metrics. Besides, updates to the OpsRamp operations copilot will facilitate AI-based incident management and observability for the Nvidia Enterprise AI Factory. Furthermore, HPE CloudOps, incorporating new tools like HPE Morpheus Enterprise and HPE Zerto, promises enhanced automation and resilience for diverse cloud infrastructures. The expansion of Nvidia AI Computing via HPE's AI factory offers validated stacks for varied applications and introduces a federated architecture to enable GPU sharing across hardware generations. Matt Kimball from Moor Insights highlights HPE's alignment with IT modernization, emphasizing the company's focus on secure and optimized workload management. (Source)

Okta, Inc. has unveiled Cross App Access, a new protocol designed to enhance the security of AI agents by facilitating more controlled and visible app-to-app interactions. This extension of OAuth aims to address the burgeoning security challenges and identity management issues created by the increasing use of AI agents, which often require access to various enterprise applications, such as Google Drive and Slack. Traditionally, these connections require manual user logins and approvals, creating oversight gaps and cumbersome user experiences. With Cross App Access, AI tools can request permissions more efficiently, allowing enterprises to apply specific security policies and gain visibility over app interactions without repeated user intervention. Expected to be available for select Okta Platform customers in Q3, the protocol will help Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) offer safer and more user-friendly integrations, simplifying compliance and governance while enabling AI agents to act autonomously within secure boundaries. (Source)

Microsoft has introduced Mu, a small language model designed to power AI agents in the Settings app on Windows 11, utilizing Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to enhance efficiency. Mu was developed to operate within the constraints of NPUs, like memory limits, to optimize AI hardware in Copilot+ PCs. These AI agents can execute tasks such as adjusting settings based on natural language commands, exemplified by changing the size of a mouse pointer. Vivek Pradeep, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, emphasizes the development's focus on ultra-low latency and seamless integration within the search box, targeting response times under 500 milliseconds. Currently, Mu and the AI agents in Settings are being tested by Windows Insiders, with the aim of creating a responsive and reliable user experience. (Source)

Salesforce is enhancing its no-code agent building and deployment platform with the launch of Agentforce 3, introducing features to facilitate the management and integration of AI agents across enterprise IT systems. The update includes support for agent interoperability frameworks like MCP and A2A, marking the fourth iteration since the platform's inception last September. A standout feature in this release is Agentforce Studio, which is available as a standalone application within Salesforce, offering users greater flexibility and functionality in deploying AI agents. (Source)

LocaliQ, a subsidiary of Gannett Co., Inc., has launched a next-generation conversational AI Voice Agent as part of its Dash product to address the challenge of businesses missing inbound calls, which significantly impacts potential revenue. By utilizing advanced natural language processing, the AI Voice Agent engages in lifelike conversations with potential customers, providing 24/7 support, qualifying leads, and converting missed calls into actual sales opportunities. Complemented by real-time analytics and an omnichannel approach that includes voice and SMS, Dash aims to streamline customer engagement for companies ranging from small local shops to national brands. Recognized with awards for innovation and AI excellence, Dash is set to enhance business efficiency and customer acquisition by transforming how businesses handle inbound communications. (Source)