Salesforce, the cloud software giant, is gearing up to hire a massive 2,000 new sales representatives to drive the adoption of its artificial intelligence (AI) tools among customers. This significant expansion of its sales force comes just months before the company plans to release the second generation of its AI agent software in February 2025.

According to CEO Marc Benioff, the company has already received an overwhelming 9,000 referrals for these 2,000 positions, indicating strong interest in the opportunity to join the Salesforce team. This hiring push more than doubles the company's initial plans, as reported by Bloomberg last month.

The move is a clear indication of Salesforce's confidence in its AI capabilities and its commitment to becoming a leader in the AI space. Benioff has been vocal about his excitement regarding the potential of generative AI, stating on TechCrunch's Equity podcast that he expects Salesforce to have more than a billion agents running in the next 12 months.

This ambitious goal is likely driven by the company's plans to release its second-generation AI agent software, which is expected to be a significant upgrade over its current offerings. With this new technology, Salesforce aims to provide its customers with more advanced AI capabilities, enabling them to automate and streamline their business processes more effectively.

The hiring of 2,000 new sales representatives will not only help Salesforce to promote its AI tools to customers but also provide the company with a larger footprint in the market. This expanded sales force will enable Salesforce to target a wider range of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises, and provide them with the expertise and support needed to successfully implement AI solutions.

The implications of this move are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the broader AI industry. As Salesforce continues to invest in AI research and development, it is likely to drive innovation and adoption in the space, pushing other companies to follow suit. This could lead to a surge in AI adoption across industries, transforming the way businesses operate and interact with their customers.

In conclusion, Salesforce's decision to hire 2,000 new sales representatives to drive AI tool adoption is a significant development in the world of enterprise software. As the company continues to push the boundaries of AI innovation, it is likely to have a profound impact on the industry, driving growth, innovation, and transformation in the years to come.