US restaurant industry sales to grow to over $1 trillion; Fed policy and Chair Jay Powell's 60 Minutes interview; unlocking a vast library of ancient scrolls; industries utilizing the cloud; challenges faced by restaurant owners; market's response to messages from Fed Chair; concerns about tech layoffs and pricing of big tech companies.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
SAP's cloud-first strategy and emphasis on AI-enabled experiences are driving customer adoption and transformation of business models.
Economic uncertainty is prompting businesses to invest in cloud-based software and modernize their processes for increased efficiency.
Advancements in AI technology have made it possible to virtually unscroll and decipher ancient Roman and Greek scrolls, providing valuable historical knowledge.
Deep dives
Growing demand for cloud-based software drives SAP's strong performance
SAP reported robust demand for its cloud-based software, with its current cloud backlog signaling strong cloud revenue to be booked in the next 12 months. The company's cloud-first strategy and emphasis on AI-enabled experiences have driven customer adoption. SAP's CFOs and CIOs are increasingly investing in cloud infrastructure and AI tools to transform their business models and gain a competitive edge. Economic uncertainty has led to a higher focus on efficiency, prompting businesses to adopt cloud-based software and modernize their processes.
AI and cloud-first approach fuel growth
SAP is witnessing a shift to a cloud-first approach as customers embrace AI-enabled experiences. The company's cloud-based applications, spanning finance, accounting, asset management, supply chain, and human resource management, are empowering businesses to transform their business models. The latest AI capabilities available exclusively through cloud-based solutions are driving adoption and ensuring businesses stay ahead of the competition. SAP expects continued growth as customers recognize the value of cloud-based software in enabling digital transformation.
2024 Outlook: Increased investment in AI-enabled experiences and cloud-first strategy
As economic indicators improve, businesses are planning to invest more in AI-enabled experiences and cloud-based technologies. SAP has observed a rise in IT spend as organizations prioritize efficiency, modernization, and business transformation. The cloud-first approach continues to gain momentum, with companies realizing the need for cloud-based applications to remain competitive. Changing business models and the focus on AI are driving adoption, while economic uncertainty has raised the bar for technology investments, requiring businesses to show clear returns and foster collaboration in decision-making processes.
Economic Outlook and Fed Expectations
The market eagerly awaits guidance from Federal Reserve (Fed) speakers and closely monitors economic indicators for insights. While a consensus of a soft landing in the economy persists, uncertainty remains regarding the conviction of this consensus. Fed officials, including Fed Chair Jay Powell, are cautious in their comments to avoid making definitive statements about a soft landing to prevent the need for later retractions. The key indicators to determine a soft landing include a further decrease in inflation toward the Fed's target and maintaining a low unemployment rate. However, the duration of a soft landing remains uncertain.
AI and the Rediscovery of Ancient Writings
Advances in technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI), have enabled the possibility of reading ancient Roman and Greek scrolls that were previously charred and unreadable. Using powerful scanners and digital techniques, scientists and volunteers participating in the Vesuvius Challenge have virtually unscrolled and deciphered a significant portion of these scrolls. The breakthroughs made through this competition are paving the way for the discovery of new works from renowned historical figures such as Aristotle, Sophocles, and Sappho. This application of AI technology raises excitement about the potential for further advancements in the field and the unveiling of invaluable historical knowledge.
Watch Carol and Tim LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF. Michelle Korsmo, CEO of the National Restaurant Association, shares the firm's data on US restaurants as the industry recovers from pandemic-era challenges. Citigroup US Economist Veronica Clark and Bloomberg News International Economics & Policy Correspondent Michael McKee talk about Fed policy and Chair Jay Powell's interview on 60 Minutes. Bloomberg Businessweek Features Writer Ashlee Vance and Bloomberg News Tech Features Writer Ellen Huet share the details of their Businessweek Magazine cover story A Vast Library of Ancient Scrolls Is on Brink of Being Unlocked. Julia White, Chief Marketing and Solutions Officer at SAP, explains how more industries are utilizing the cloud. And we Drive to the Close with Dana D’Auria, Co-CIO of Envestnet PMC. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.