The rarefied air of Davos, typically thick with pronouncements of world-altering innovation, feels different this year. Last year, the annual World Economic Forum was abuzz with wide-eyed wonder at the potential of artificial intelligence. Attendees, still reeling from the release of DeepSeek's R1 model, spoke of AI agents with an almost reverential tone. This year, however, the mood has shifted. The awe has given way to a more pragmatic, almost urgent, question: How do we actually use this stuff?

The shift reflects a broader trend in the tech industry. The initial hype cycle surrounding AI, fueled by impressive demos and promises of revolutionary change, is beginning to mature. Businesses are realizing that simply having access to powerful AI models isn't enough. The real challenge lies in integrating these technologies into existing workflows, training employees to use them effectively, and ensuring they deliver tangible results.

Fortune's AI editor, Jeremy Kahn, reporting from Davos, notes that the shadow of U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration looms large over the conference. Yet, even amidst geopolitical discussions, AI remains a central topic. The focus, however, has moved from the theoretical to the practical. Leaders are no longer asking "What can AI do?" but rather "How can AI solve our specific business problems?"

One example of this shift comes from Salesforce. Srini Tallapragada, the company's chief engineering and customer success officer, shared insights into how Salesforce is helping its clients navigate this new landscape. The company is focusing on providing tools and services that allow businesses to seamlessly integrate AI into their existing CRM systems. This includes features like AI-powered sales forecasting, personalized marketing campaigns, and intelligent customer service chatbots.

The challenge, however, extends beyond simply deploying the technology. Companies are grappling with issues of data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the ethical implications of AI. Furthermore, many organizations lack the internal expertise needed to effectively manage and maintain these complex systems. This skills gap is creating a demand for AI specialists and prompting companies to invest in training programs for their existing workforce.

The potential rewards of successfully implementing AI at scale are significant. Businesses that can effectively leverage these technologies stand to gain a competitive edge in terms of efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. However, the path to AI adoption is not without its challenges. Companies must be prepared to invest in the necessary infrastructure, talent, and training to realize the full potential of this transformative technology.

As Davos attendees look ahead, the conversation is less about the dazzling possibilities of AI and more about the hard work required to make those possibilities a reality. The focus has shifted from hype to execution, from wonder to work. The future of AI is not just about building smarter machines, but about building smarter businesses that can harness their power responsibly and effectively.