How to spot AI washing in vendor marketing

This agent is a robot

Agentic AI and AI agents are hotter than lava-fried chicken right now, and this week CIO defined how the two differ from each other. We reported that the two related technologies can work together, but CIOs should understand the difference to protect against vendor hype and obfuscation.  

And it is vendor hype that is exercising the readers of CIO, who wanted to know from Smart Answers how to spot vendor AI washing. Smart Answers may be an AI-infused chatbot, but it’s fueled by human intelligence, allowing it to know its own limitations. 

It defines AI washing as misrepresentation of basic automation or traditional algorithms as fully autonomous AI agents. Such false agents don’t possess true independent decision-making capabilities and cannot reason through multiple steps and act independently. 

Find out: What is agent washing in AI marketing? 

Windows 10: not dead yet

The imminent demise of support for Windows 10 is causing much consternation in enterprise IT. But is Microsoft really axing Windows 10? This week Computerworld reported the definitive need to know on the subject. This prompted readers to ask many questions of Smart Answers, all related to the end of Windows 10. Most often queried was the future of Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after support ends.  

It’s good news and bad news. While the apps will continue to function and receive security updates until Oct. 10, 2028, users may encounter performance issues and limited support. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 to avoid these potential problems. (Well, it would.) 

Find out: What happens using Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after 2025?  

You say IT, we say OT

The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) can improve security, optimize processes, and reduce costs. This week CIO reported on how some how large companies do it. 

Not surprisingly this prompted readers to ask Smart Answers how IT/OT collaboration can drive digital transformation. Within the answer lies one very salient point: some leaders believe that in certain sectors, rapid IT/OT convergence is critical to achieve transformation.  

Find out: How is IT/OT convergence enabling digital transformation in different industries?  

About Smart Answers 

Smart Answers is an AI-based chatbot tool designed to help you discover content, answer questions, and go deep on the topics that matter to you. Each week we send you the three most popular questions asked by our readers, and the answers Smart Answers provides.