In this article, we explain how business application publishers are becoming drivers of productivity thanks to conversational AI.
What if a simple conversation with your business software could increase your productivity by 30%?
Conversational AI—the technology that allows us to interact with digital tools using natural language—is no longer a distant promise.
For application publishers (ERP, CRM, HRIS, etc.), it represents a historic opportunity: to democratize innovation throughout the French economic fabric, from small businesses to multinationals.
In this article, discover:
- How conversational AI is revolutionizing business tools (with concrete examples by sector)?
- Why application publishers are key players in this transformation?
- What productivity gains (15 to 30%) can companies expect, regardless of their size?
- How to overcome barriers to adoption, particularly for SMEs and microbusinesses?
Conversational AI: a quiet revolution in business applications
Natural interaction with software
No more complex forms or confusing menus: conversational AI allows users to perform tasks using simple prompts, just as they would with a colleague. Three key features stand out:
Use cases by software
AI is already being integrated into everyday tools. Here are some examples by type of software:
The French economic fabric: fertile ground for AI... but uneven
An ecosystem dominated by SMEs and microbusinesses
France has:
27 million employees, 76% of whom work in the service sector (services, healthcare, education).
3.3 million self-employed workers (craftsmen, professionals, farmers, etc.).
A majority of microbusinesses and SMEs (99% of companies), which often have limited resources to adopt costly technologies.
Problem: Large companies have the resources to integrate AI, but small businesses do not have the same capacity to invest, in terms of budget or expertise.
Conversational AI: an accessible and scalable solution
Contrary to popular belief, conversational AI does not require heavy infrastructure or advanced technical skills.
Its major advantage?
✔ Rapid integration: a few months compared to years for cloud or mobile.
✔ Controlled costs: no need for internal R&D.
✔ Compatibility with existing software (ERP, CRM, HRIS, etc.).
→ An ideal technology for application publishers, who can embed it in their solutions at no extra cost to end customers.
Business application publishers: the unsung heroes of transformation
Strategic players in democratizing AI
In France, more than 700 publishers cover a variety of fields (ERP, payroll, finance, recruitment, etc.).
With :
200,000 employees
€40 billion in cumulative revenue
Their mission: to integrate conversational AI into their solutions to make it accessible to all businesses, without the need for technical skills.
How can publishers respond?
To fully play their role, publishers must:
Simplify integration: offer ready-to-use AI modules (e.g., a chatbot embedded in a CRM).
Train users: provide practical guides and examples of prompts.
Guarantee security: ensure data confidentiality (GDPR, local hosting).
Target SMEs/VSEs: offer modular and affordable solutions.
Example: An HRIS publisher could add a feature that automatically summarizes annual reviews or generates personalized training plans through a simple conversation.
Tangible benefits for businesses: productivity, simplicity, well-being
Measurable gains
Studies estimate productivity gains of 15 to 30%, depending on the sector.
Various studies have assessed these gains. To cite two examples:
- Increased productivity in sectors most exposed to AI and up to a 25% wage gap for jobs requiring AI skills” PWC, May 2024 PWC, May 2024 (French)
- Survey conducted by the BVA institute for Pôle Emploi, May 2023
Why?
Automation of repetitive tasks: data entry, report generation,
Reduction of errors: instant access to the right information,
Time optimization: fewer clicks, more natural language actions.
An impact on quality of work life
Fewer time-consuming tasks = more time for:
- Innovation (creative projects, strategy),
- Customer relations (improved responsiveness),
- Training (skills development).
→ Outcome: Improved talent retention and increased engagement.
A macroeconomic impact: towards accelerated modernization
Faster adoption than cloud or mobile
Unlike previous technological revolutions (web, mobile, cloud), conversational AI is rolling out in a matter of months.
And as for its rapid adoption, this was illustrated in the report by Bond, a venture capital firm specializing in investing in technology companies.
Trends – Artificial Intelligence, dated May 2025.
Publishers can:
- Adapt their existing solutions without completely redesigning them.
- Offer incremental updates (e.g., adding a voice assistant to an ERP).
A lever for French competitiveness
By equipping businesses with smart, accessible tools, publishers are helping to:
- Reduce the technological gap between large companies and SMEs.
- Stimulate innovation in traditional sectors (crafts, trade, etc.).
- Enhance France’s appeal as a land of innovation.
Key takeaways
Conversational AI is now a productivity lever accessible to all businesses.
Application publishers have a key role to play in democratizing access to it.
The benefits are manifold: productivity, simplicity, and well-being at work.
Next steps for publishers
- Audit your solutions: Which features could be enhanced by AI?
- Train your teams: Master generative AI tools (such as Mistral AI!).
- Collaborate with experts: Partner with AI startups or research laboratories.
What about businesses?
- Assess your needs: Which repetitive tasks could be automated?
- Test solutions: Request a demo from your software publisher.
- Train your teams: Organize workshops on AI best practices.
_____________
At Agora Software, we create conversational agents capable of connecting to your business software and tools without tedious development, to extend the possibilities of your solutions.
The conversation between the user and the AI is just the starting point, the tip of the iceberg, of the interaction.
The agent will be able to understand your users’ requests and then orchestrate complex actions to simplify their lives, based on this conversational interface.
ou’re a software publisher? We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the changing market forces.
Would you like to integrate conversational AI into your applications?
Let’s talk: contact@agora.software
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