Widen Unveils 2018 Connectivity Report MADISON, Wi

MADISON, Wis., May 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Widen, a leading global provider of digital asset management (DAM) software, today released its second annual Connectivity Report. The report explores how modern marketing organizations balance the power of technology with the familiarity of the human touch, and the role of connectivity in marketing operations, strategy, and business results. Widen’s team conducted and analyzed 32 phone interviews and 506 online surveys to generate the data. Among many findings, Widen discovered a significant gap between interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and understanding of that technology in marketing departments.

The 2018 Connectivity Report found that 86 percent of respondents are not using AI in marketing and creative work, yet, according to a Gallup survey , almost 85 percent of consumers already use AI tools in their personal lives. Thus, the hype for AI hasn’t translated into practical usage in marketing departments. Interestingly, participants gave inconsistent responses about the definitions of AI and machine learning and the differences between them.

Says the report, “When asked what artificial intelligence means, over 50 percent of our interview participants said it either reminded them of futuristic movies and robots or that they didn’t know. People had a much better grasp on machine learning. The struggle to distinguish AI means marketers are making far-reaching decisions about concepts they don't necessarily understand.”

The Report also covers questions about customer experience, artificial intelligence (AI), personalization, data analytics, and digital transformation. Key findings include:

• 76 percent of survey respondents are integrating at least two of their digital work tools.
• The #1 trend among survey respondents is “personalizing the customer experience.”
• 93 percent of professionals surveyed feel personalization at scale is attainable, but 58 percent are unsure of how to achieve it at scale in their marketing and creative work.

“The findings on AI, personalization, and scalability are all related,” said Nina Brakel-Schutt, Brand Strategist at Widen. “Companies that want to use personalization on a large scale can’t do it without AI tools that study and segment customers in real time. Since marketers largely are not using AI and are unfamiliar with the technology, it makes sense that they would be uncertain about how to scale personalization.”

The confusion over AI likely influences the B2B ‘martech’ market. In 2017, brands may have spent over $1 trillion on marketing services to connect with consumers, partners, and team members. If marketers are looking for AI but not finding the right solutions, the first AI platforms to gain mass appeal may drive that $1 trillion significantly higher.

To explore these topics and other findings from the 2018 Connectivity Report, visit https://www.widen.com/the-2018-connectivity-report .

About Widen

Widen builds high-performing software that empowers organizations to create compelling, meaningful, and measurable digital experiences. Focused on service and fueled by a global community of users, Widen has the highest customer loyalty in the digital asset management (DAM) industry. Its platform spans across brand management, content lifecycle management, and creative management, serving 425,000+ people at over 600 influential brands around the world. Customers include LG, Energizer, Trek, Zeiss, Cornell University, the Atlanta Falcons, Red Gold Tomatoes, Carnival Cruise Line, Yankee Candle, FINCA, and many more.

With more than 70 years of service experience, Widen is the company that does what it says, striving to be the best part of its customers’ day, every day. To learn more about Widen, visit www.widen.com .

Contact: Jake Athey VP of Marketing, Widen 608-443-5472 jathey@widen.com