Artificial intelligence will be as revolutionary as the Internet, writes Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates in a blog post. VMS and MSP provider Magnit announces an integration with ServiceNow. Finally, a new report by McKinsey discusses how German companies can tackle the technology skills gap.

Bill Gates

The age of artificial intelligence has begun, and it will be as revolutionary as mobile phones and the Internet, according to a blog post on Tuesday by Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates.

“The development of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet and the mobile phone,” Gates wrote. “It will change the way people work, learn, travel, get healthcare and communicate with each other. Entire industries will reorient around it. Businesses will distinguish themselves by how well they use it.”

AI will also mean no longer pointing and clicking or tapping on menus in dialogue boxes. Instead, a person will be able to write a request in plain English or the language of their choice. Users will also have AI as their own personal agent to assist with scheduling, communications and e-commerce.

Magnit

VMS and MSP provider Magnit announced an integration with ServiceNow. The deal aims to combine ServiceNow’s HR service delivery and enterprise onboarding capabilities with Magnit’s contingent workforce management capabilities and VMS.

The integration will enable customers to access cross-platform functions and data. Updating or creating a worker profile in Magnit will activate that worker’s onboarding tasks within ServiceNow and return onboarding activities from ServiceNow back into Magnit’s VMS.

McKinsey

To address the tech skills gap, Germany companies will need to rethink talent management, invest in broad upskilling and lay the foundation for skill-based talent management, according to a report by McKinsey.

“We recommend that organisations undergo three shifts: from focusing on roles to emphasizing skills; from valuing only prior experience to appreciating future learning and development potential; and from restrictive working models to flexible ways of working,” according to the McKinsey post.