Gartner defines the CRM customer engagement center (CEC) as a cohesive set of software built around core case management tools, dedicated to providing customer service and support by engaging with customers, and intelligently orchestrating the processes, data, systems, and resources of an organization. CRM CEC is a key software platform used in delivering end-to-end customer service and support experiences. It enables customers to engage and interact with an organization as well as for the organization to orchestrate its internal and external processes and resources to fulfill the customer’s expected outcome.
Gartner defines conversational AI platforms (CAIPs) as SaaS products that primarily enable the development of applications simulating human conversation across multiple channels and media. CAIPs leverage composite AI, including generative AI (GenAI) and natural language technologies. Conversations can use a mix of modalities such as text, voice and visual content. To support the building of conversational applications, platforms provide extensive coding options, from pro-code to no-code. Application areas include chatbots, virtual assistants (VAs) and conversational AI (CAI) agents. CAIPs are used to create, deploy and manage AI-driven conversational interfaces. These platforms enable businesses to develop VAs and conversational AI Agents that facilitate both customer-facing and internal interactions through pro-code/low-code/no-code tools. CAIPs empower businesses to centralize and democratize the development and management of multiple, diverse CAI initiatives, leading to more cohesive and efficient operations. The blend of capabilities provided by CAIPs is distinctive compared to those offered by other CAI solutions, such as targeted extensions for CAI found in other enterprise applications (e.g., CRM systems, contact center platforms) or stand-alone GenAI-native apps. In comparison, CAIPs are a better fit for strategic and scalable enterprise-grade CAI adoption.
Gartner defines the generative AI (GenAI) knowledge management apps/general productivity submarket as technologies that enable companies to better retrieve and contextualize information and insight from their knowledge bases, including enterprise AI search, conversational AI platforms, and productivity tools for communications and content development.
Knowledge Management (KM) Software helps organizations centralize, organize, and share information efficiently across teams. It provides a centralized repository for storing diverse content types—such as documents, presentations, and multimedia—making knowledge easily accessible and searchable. A robust search functionality ensures quick retrieval of relevant information, while features like file version history, access control, and content editing enhance collaboration and governance. These capabilities reduce duplication of effort, preserve institutional knowledge, and streamline workflows. KM software is widely used by customer support, product and operations, HR and training, and IT and compliance teams—any function that depends on consistent, accurate, and easily retrievable information.