How will AI agents be priced? CIOs need to pay attention [Video]

Salesforce has priced its agent per conversation, but several other pricing models are emerging. The best choice depends on how much an organization uses agents.

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The technology is in its early days, and several questions remain open — chief among them, how AI agents will be priced. So far, no agreement exists on how pricing models will ultimately shake out, but CIOs need to be aware that certain pricing models will be better suited to their specific use cases.

Salesforce, for example, offers three pricing models: one that includes 1,000 Agentforce “conversations” free with its Salesforce Foundations CRM service; another included with its standard success plan; and $2 per conversation a la carte. Salesforce defines a conversation as a customer sending at least one message or selecting at least one menu option or choice other than “end chat” within a 24-hour period. 

The $2-per-conversation approach can include many back-and-forth interactions …