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Oracle Integrates AI Pricing Features into Financial Software

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Oracle has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) features to its NetSuite corporate finance software, aimed at simplifying common but time-consuming tasks. One of the highlights is a chatbot-driven feature designed to speed up the process of generating price quotes for complex purchases, such as custom bicycles, which require careful configuration.

In contrast to competitors like Microsoft, which focus on general-purpose virtual assistants, Oracle is emphasizing targeted AI tools designed to streamline specific business functions. These tools are meant to make repetitive tasks more efficient, such as entering sales meeting summaries into corporate systems or configuring products to provide accurate pricing to customers.

The new feature within NetSuite allows sales professionals or even consumers in e-commerce businesses to quickly generate quotes by conversing with a chatbot that gathers necessary information about the product, such as parts or configurations. This functionality is particularly useful in industries where customers need to customize products, like bicycles, and will help businesses close deals faster and more efficiently. “If you can configure products for customers more easily, you can do more deals in a day, or each deal costs less,” explained Evan Goldberg, Oracle NetSuite’s executive vice president.

Rather than competing in the race to build massive AI models, Oracle has partnered with Canadian AI startup Cohere to power its AI features. This approach allows the company to deliver functional AI tools without the high costs typically associated with developing large-scale models. Furthermore, Oracle has signaled potential future collaborations with OpenAI, having recently entered an agreement to build significant data centers with the ChatGPT creator. Though no formal announcements have been made, Goldberg confirmed that Oracle is eager to explore opportunities with OpenAI.

 

South Korea Blocks DeepSeek Amid Security Concerns, Following Global Warnings

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South Korea’s industry ministry has temporarily blocked employee access to the Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek due to security concerns, marking the latest move by governments to restrict the use of certain AI services. A ministry official confirmed on Wednesday that the ban was implemented in response to growing apprehension surrounding generative AI technologies.

On Tuesday, the South Korean government issued a notice urging caution among ministries and agencies regarding the use of AI services such as DeepSeek and ChatGPT in work-related tasks. The notice followed earlier actions by state-run entities, with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power confirming it had blocked access to DeepSeek earlier this month.

The country’s defense ministry also took action, blocking access to DeepSeek on military computers, while the foreign ministry restricted its use on devices connected to external networks, according to Yonhap News Agency. However, the foreign ministry did not provide further details regarding the specific security measures taken.

DeepSeek, which was not immediately available for comment, joins a growing list of companies facing scrutiny over potential security risks. Both Australia and Taiwan have recently banned the AI service from government devices, citing similar security concerns. In January, Italy’s data protection authority ordered DeepSeek to block its chatbot after the company failed to address privacy issues raised by regulators.

In addition to government actions, private companies in South Korea are also taking precautions. Kakao Corp, a major South Korean chat app operator, instructed employees to refrain from using DeepSeek due to security fears, particularly following its partnership with OpenAI. Other South Korean tech giants, including SK Hynix and Naver, have also restricted or limited access to generative AI services, citing concerns about data security and privacy.

The scrutiny of DeepSeek follows the company’s claim that its AI models are on par with or superior to products developed in the U.S., while being significantly cheaper to produce. South Korea’s information privacy watchdog has announced plans to inquire with DeepSeek about its user data management practices, adding another layer of regulatory attention on the Chinese startup.

 

OpenAI to Air First TV Commercial During 2025 Super Bowl

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OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is set to debut its first-ever television commercial during the 2025 Super Bowl, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The Super Bowl, renowned for its massive audience and high-profile advertising opportunities, is an ideal platform for brands seeking widespread visibility. The event is expected to generate significant buzz, especially given the creative nature of Super Bowl ads.

This marks OpenAI’s first move into commercial advertising, following the footsteps of competitors like Google, which promoted its AI capabilities during last year’s Super Bowl. OpenAI, which did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, has rapidly expanded its influence since launching ChatGPT in late 2022. The AI tool now boasts over 300 million weekly active users.

The 30-second ad slots for the 2025 Super Bowl have been priced as high as $8 million, up from around $7 million last year. The game will be held on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, with an estimated viewership of 210 million.

OpenAI, which is partly owned by Microsoft, is in discussions to raise as much as $40 billion, placing its valuation at around $300 billion. The company also appointed its first chief marketing officer, Kate Rouch, in December 2024, signaling its growing emphasis on branding and public outreach.