EMPOWERING SMALL AND MICROBUSINESSES
THROUGH AI
Empowering Small Businesses through Innovation: In fiscal year 2024-25, Calsoft sharpened its strategic focus on empowering small and microenterprises with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Across industries and geographies, AI has rapidly become a game-changer for smaller businesses, leveling the playing field with larger competitors. Once seen as a luxury for big firms, AI is now viewed as "the competitive standard for businesses of every size", offering new levels of scalability and productivity that once felt unattainable for small companies. This MD&A discusses how Calsoft aligned its strategy to these trends, leveraging AI to drive client growth and innovation in e-commerce, marketing, finance, supply chain, SaaS, customer service, and CRM domains.
EMPOWERING SMALL AND MICROBUSINESSES THROUGH AI
EUnprecedented AI Adoption in 2024-25: The past year witnessed an unprecedented surge in AI adoption among small businesses globally. About 68% of small business owners report already using AI, up sharply from 51% just two years prior. An additional 9% plan to begin using AI within the next year, indicating that roughly three-quarters of small firms will soon be AI-powered. Crucially, most entrepreneurs see AI as an enabler of growth rather than a threat: around 80% say AI is enhancing (not replacing) their workforce, and nearly 40% plan to create new jobs in 2025 because of AI-driven productivity gains. Surveys also show over 80% of small businesses adopting AI have increased efficiency and productivity, and more than half report AI provides better data for decision-making and new capabilities for expansion. At the same time, many small enterprises still face resource and expertise gaps in deploying AI effectively. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity - one that Calsoft has proactively addressed through accessible technology and client support.
EMPOWERING SMALL AND MICROBUSINESSES THROUGH AI
Calsofts AI-Driven Mission: Calsofts mission in FY 2024-25 centered on democratizing advanced technology for the "fortune five million" - the startups, mom-and-pop retailers, local service providers, and microentrepreneurs that form the backbone of the economy. The Company invested heavily in AI-powered platforms tailored to small business needs, introduced affordable pricing models, and provided training and support to lower barriers to adoption. Key initiatives included the expansion of dSpeedUp (a no-code e-commerce and point-of-sale platform), the launch of dRyZe CRM (enterprise-grade AI CRM at a micro-business price point), and enhancements to AI-driven tools like dBotMinds (an intelligent sales/support chatbot) and Zaywoo (an emerging AI platform in our ecosystem). Through these efforts, Calsoft enabled clients to harness AI for online sales, digital marketing, customer service, logistics, and more - all while maintaining a responsible, inclusive approach to technology. As detailed in the sections that follow, our strategic direction tightly aligned with market trends, and our solutions delivered tangible benefits to small businesses, from higher sales growth to time and cost savings.
Crucially, most entrepreneurs see AI as an enabler of growth rather than a threat: around 80% say AI is enhancing (not replacing) their workforce, and nearly 40% plan to create new jobs in 2025 because of AI-driven productivity gains. Surveys also show over 80% of small businesses adopting AI have increased efficiency and productivity, and more than half report AI provides better data for decision-making and new capabilities for expansion.
Strategic Overview
Strategy Focused on Small Enterprise Empowerment: During 2024-25, Calsofts strategy was guided by a clear vision: to empower small and microbusinesses through accessible Al-driven solutions. The
Company recognized early that Als transformational impact should not be limited to large corporations. Small enterprises often lack in-house data science teams or big-IT budgets; thus, Calsoft positioned itself as the partner who bridges that gap. We concentrated R&D and investments on platforms that package advanced AI capabilities into user-friendly, cloud-based services that entrepreneurs can afford and implement quickly. Notably, Calsoft introduced innovative pricing and onboarding programs to reduce friction for small businesses. For example, dRyZe CRMs entry plan was set at just $10 per month for up to 5 users, deliberately removing the price barrier that had long prevented micro-businesses from using sophisticated CRM tools. Likewise, dSpeedUps e-commerce solution offered simple drag-and-drop setup and flat, transparent pricing - enabling even nontechnical founders to launch Al-enhanced online stores in minutes.
Key Initiatives and Achievements: Throughout the year, Calsoft rolled out several key initiatives in line with this strategy:
• Launch of dSpeedUp "10-Minute Challenge": To demonstrate how quickly a business can get online, we launched a "10-Minute eCommerce Challenge" campaign. Entrepreneurs were invited to build a functional online store via dSpeedUp SuperApp in under 10 minutes - no coding required. This initiative showcased dSpeedUps ease of use and spurred adoption among time- and resource- strapped business owners. The result was a significant uptick in dSpeedUp subscriptions and engagement, especially among first-time digital entrepreneurs.
• Expansion of AI Capabilities in Core Platforms: We significantly enhanced AI features across our product suite. dSpeedUp, our all-in-one commerce platform, integrated new Al-driven tools for marketing automation, personalized shopping experiences, and multi-channel sales analytics. dRyZe CRM saw improvements like predictive lead scoring, real-time analytics dashboards, and built-in AI chatbot integration, helping small sales teams focus on the hottest leads and respond to customers 24/7[7]. We also introduced dBotMinds, an Al-powered virtual agent that automates customer interactions in 95+ languages, captures leads, recovers abandoned carts, and syncs all data seamlessly with dRyZe CRM. These capabilities gave our clients the kind of sophisticated automation and intelligence that was once the domain of large enterprises, now at a fraction of the complexity and cost.
Strategic Overview
• Market Penetration and User Growth: Calsofts emphasis on affordable, scalable solutions resulted in robust user growth during the year. dSpeedUps digital ecosystem grew to serve over 1000 merchants, achieving 95% annual client retention as small retailers and service providers embraced the platforms benefits.. Our CRM user base also expanded globally, with particularly strong uptake in emerging markets and among startups/solopreneurs who were previously managing contacts through spreadsheets. This growth validated our thesis that there is enormous latent demand in the small business segment for technology that is both powerful and practical.
• Client Education and Support: Recognizing that lack of AI expertise is a hurdle for many small firms, we bolstered our client education initiatives. Calsoft conducted workshops, webinars, and one-on-one training sessions on topics such as using AI for marketing, interpreting analytics, and best practices for data privacy. We also strengthened our customer success teams to provide hands-on support during onboarding. These efforts were aimed at closing the "resource and information gap" noted in industry surveys (e.g. 42% of small businesses reported not having the necessary expertise or resources to deploy AI effectively. By actively guiding our clients, we helped ensure that technology investments translated into real operational improvements for them.
Agility and Alignment with Market Trends: Overall, Calsoft navigated FY 2024-25 with agility, continuously aligning our offerings to fast-evolving market trends. Mid-year, as generative AI gained mainstream visibility, we quickly incorporated OpenAI/GPT integration into our platforms (for instance, enabling AI-assisted content creation in marketing modules and conversational AI in customer support). We also monitored regulatory discussions on AI and preemptively enhanced our systems for compliance and ethical safeguards (detailed in a later section on Responsible AI). The Companys future-focused approach, combined with our 30+ years of experience in technology services, allowed us to deliver stable yet innovative solutions. By year-end, Calsoft had firmly established itself as a leader in providing AI-fueled platforms for the small business economy - empowering our clients to grow faster, work smarter, and compete in the digital era.
Market Trends and AI Adoption Across Key Industries
Small and microbusinesses in 2024-25 operated in a macro-environment defined by rapid digitalization and AI proliferation across virtually every industry. This section reviews real-world market research and trends in how AI technologies are being adopted in several domains relevant to Calsofts clients - E-commerce, Marketing, Financial Services, Supply Chain, SaaS, Customer Service, and CRM systems. These trends provide context for Calsofts strategic choices and underscore the opportunities AI created for our target customer segment.
Al in E-Commerce and Retail
For small retailers and e-commerce startups, AI has become indispensable for driving online sales and optimizing operations. Artificial intelligence in e-commerce was valued at ~$8.65 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to over $22.6 billion by 2032 (14.6% CAGR). This growth reflects a widespread integration of AI into retail platforms and practices. Even smaller e-commerce companies are rapidly implementing AI - one U.S. survey found one-third of B2B e-commerce firms have fully implemented AI, and nearly half are actively evaluating it.
Generative AI Adoption: 58% of SMBs reported using generative AI in 2025, up from 40% in 2024, with marketing as the top use case (U.S. Chamber Report).
CRM Case Benchmark: TechNova reduced sales cycles by 50% and boosted conversions 35% via AI-driven CRM automation, validating Calsofts CRM strategy (AI in the Enterprise Ebook).
AI in E-Commerce and Retail
Key use cases in e-commerce include:
• Personalized Shopping Experiences: AI enables even a tiny online shop to deliver Amazon-like personalization. Machine learning models analyze customer behavior to power product
I recommendations, "customers also bought" suggestions, and targeted promotions. This drives higher conversion rates and basket sizes. In fact, many retailers now derive 10-30% of revenue from Al-driven upselling and suggestive selling techniques. Calsofts dSpeedUp platform leverages these capabilities by providing Al-powered recommendation engines and personalized / storefronts to merchants out-of-the-box. By
: analyzing each shoppers browsing and purchase history, the system can automatically highlight the most relevant products, helping a micro-business boost sales with minimal manual effort.
• Multi-Channel Sales and Inventory Optimization: E- commerce merchants often sell across websites, marketplaces, and social channels. AI helps keep inventory optimized and synced in real time. Intelligent demand forecasting (using algorithms that factor in seasonality, trends, and even social media sentiment) can reduce forecasting errors by up to 50% and cut lost sales from stock-outs by up to 65%, according to studies. This is crucial for small businesses that cannot afford overstock or missed sales. Our dSpeedUp platform integrates Al-driven inventory management and auto-replenishment that adjusts to sales velocity, enabling merchants to maintain the right stock levels across all channels. Furthermore, features like Al-based sentiment analysis scan customer reviews and social mentions to flag trending products or potential issues in real time, so sellers can adapt their offerings proactively.
• Customer Engagement and Support: AI chatbots and virtual shopping assistants have become common in retail, and not just for the big brands. In 2024, nearly 31% of retail companies reported using chatbots or virtual agents for customer service - a trend that extends to boutique e-commerce sites that install AI chat widgets for answering FAQs or providing styling advice. For small businesses, these AI assistants allow round- the-clock customer interaction without hiring 24/7 staff. For example, on an online artisanal crafts store using Calsofts tools, an AI chatbot can greet visitors, recommend products based on queries, and even upsell complementary items, significantly improving the customer experience and sales conversion rates. dBotMinds, Calsofts AI chat agent, is designed to do exactly this - handling inquiries in 95+ languages, guiding customers through purchase decisions, and seamlessly handing off complex questions to the human team as needed. This kind of AI-driven service helps microbusinesses project a professional, responsive image to customers worldwide.
Overall, 2024-25 showed that AI is no longer optional in e-commerce - it is essential for efficiency and growth. Notably, a Workday study in April 2025 observed that AI is now considered "critical for helping small businesses create efficient operations to stay productive without overburdening staff." The study emphasized that AI is truly "leveling the playing field" for smaller retailers, offering capabilities that once only large enterprises could deploy. Calsofts experience aligns with this: we have seen sole proprietors use dSpeedUps AI features to manage inventory and marketing with the sophistication of a much larger operation. The Companys strategic emphasis on AI in its e-commerce solutions directly responds to these market dynamics, enabling our clients to sell smarter and scale faster in the digital marketplace.
AI IN MARKETING
AND ADVERTISING
For small businesses, marketing is an area where AI made a dramatic impact in 2024- I 25. Generative AI and machine learning tools are revolutionizing how entrepreneurs attract and engage customers. A striking data point from the U.S. Chambers "Empowering Small Business" report illustrates this shift: 58% of small businesses reported using generative AI in 2025, up from just 40% in 2024 - more than doubling the adoption rate of the prior year. This surge is driven largely by marketing use cases, as resource-constrained teams turn to AI to extend their capabilities.
AI IN MARKETING
AND ADVERTISING
Content marketing emerged as the top AI application - many small businesses are gravitating to AI specifically for help with content creation and marketing support.
Content Creation and Personalization: One of the most popular uses of AI for small business marketing is content generation. In a national SMB survey, content marketing emerged as the top AI application - many small businesses are gravitating to AI specifically for help with content creation and marketing support. Tools like AI copywriters and image generators allow a single individual to produce professional-quality ads, blog posts, product descriptions, and social media updates at scale. This was transformative in FY 2024-25, when maintaining a digital presence became ever more critical. Calsoft integrated such generative AI features into our marketing offerings - for example, enabling users of dSpeedUp to auto-generate product copy or social captions based on a few keywords, and allowing dRyZe CRM users to craft personalized email campaigns with AI suggestions. These features ensure even microbusinesses can keep their marketing content fresh and engaging without hiring large creative teams.
80% of small business owners who use AI believe it is essential to meeting rising customer expectations for personalized, speedy service
63% of AI-adopting SMBs use AI daily, and top applications include data analysis (62% of users) and content generation (55%) among others.
58% of businesses saved over 20 hours per month, time which they could reinvest into growth initiatives
AI IN MARKETING
AND ADVERTISING
• Targeting, Analytics, and ROI Optimization: AI also helps small businesses maximize the impact of limited marketing budgets. Machine learning algorithms can analyze customer data to micro-segment audiences and target the right customer with the right message. For instance, an online boutique can use AI-driven analytics to discover that a particular customer segment responds strongly to eco-friendly messaging, and then automatically personalize the website and emails for that segment. Surveys show that 80% of small business owners who use AI believe it is essential to meeting rising customer expectations for personalized, speedy service - personalization that is particularly relevant in marketing communications. Additionally, Al-powered dashboards (like those in dRyZe CRM) give real-time insight into campaign performance, recommending budget reallocations to the best-performing channels. This level of data-driven decision-making was once out of reach for small enterprises; now its accessible via intuitive SaaS tools. According to Thryvs 2025 Small Business AI study, 63% of AI-adopting SMBs use AI daily, and top applications include data analysis (62% of users) and content generation (55%) among others. The same study found that by automating such tasks, 58% of these businesses saved over 20 hours per month, time which they could reinvest into growth initiatives. These statistics underscore how AI in marketing is not just a fancy experiment - its driving real efficiency gains and freeing entrepreneurs to focus on strategy and creative decision-making.
AI IN MARKETING
AND ADVERTISING
Customer Engagement & Lead Nurturing: Marketing doesnt stop at lead acquisition; nurturing prospects and engaging existing customers are equally critical, and AI is assisting here as well. Chatbot-based campaign responders, AI-driven autoresponders on email/WhatsApp, and predictive lead scoring are now commonplace. For example, if someone interacts with a Facebook ad, an AI system can instantly send a tailored follow-up message or schedule a drip email sequence - actions that increase conversion odds without manual intervention. Many small firms say AI is helping them respond faster to customer inquiries and reviews; in one survey 66% agreed AI could automatically handle customer review responses effectively (with a majority seeing it as beneficial for improving customer relations as well). In Calsofts platform, weve embedded these capabilities: dRyZe CRM uses AI to automate follow-ups and rank leads by propensity to buy, so that a small business owner knows exactly where to focus their limited time. This kind of intelligent automation can boost conversion rates significantly. A concrete example is a case study from this year: a Chennai-based boutique store that implemented dRyZe CRMs AI-driven follow-up saw a 60% increase in sales within 3 months, thanks to more timely and personalized engagement with its WhatsApp leads[24]. This illustrates the power of marrying marketing and AI for small enterprises - real revenue impact from relatively simple tech adoption.
In sum, 2024-25 proved that AI is a marketers force-multiplier, especially for small businesses with limited manpower. Whether its generating compelling content, targeting the right audiences, or sustaining customer relationships, AI tools have enabled SMBs to punch above their weight. Calsoft anticipated this trend and ensured our clients could leverage AI in their marketing efforts out-of-the-box. We also practiced what we preach: our own marketing team used AI analytics extensively to fine-tune our outreach to small business communities. The result has been more effective campaigns both for Calsoft and for our clients, aligning marketing spend with what actually works - a critical advantage in a year of intense digital competition.
AI in Financial Services for Small Businesses
AIs influence on financial services during FY 2024-25 was profound, benefitting not only banks and fintech companies but also the small businesses that rely on financial services. Two perspectives are relevant here:
(1) how AI is used by financial institutions to better serve small and microbusinesses (for example, in lending and payments), and (2) how small businesses themselves use AI to manage their finances more efficiently. Both angles saw significant advancements.
Fintech and Small Business Lending: Access to capital is a perennial challenge for small enterprises. In 202425, AI helped address this by enabling smarter, faster lending decisions. Traditional loan underwriting for a microbusiness can be cumbersome, but AI-driven credit models (leveraging alternative data sources and machine learning algorithms) have sped up this process. Many fintech lenders now use AI to assess creditworthiness of a small business by analyzing cashflow patterns, online sales data, even social media signals. The result is quicker loan approvals and more inclusive lending. Indeed, the SME Finance Forum reported that by 2024 a whopping 91% of financial services companies worldwide were either using AI or actively assessing it for production use, with SME lending identified as a prime area of opportunity. In practice, this means banks and fintechs are increasingly offering AI-powered loan platforms where, for example, a neighborhood cafe can get a working capital loan approved in hours rather /than weeks. Calsofts contribution in this space includes dFins, our blockchain-based financial platform that enables users (including small businesses and entrepreneurs) to interact directly with smart contracts to lend, borrow, and invest in a decentralized manner. While still nascent, this kind of technology points toward a future where microenterprises can access financing on peer- to-peer platforms with AI managing risk and matching borrowers to lenders efficiently.
AI in Financial Services for Small Businesses
AI in Accounting and Financial Management: On the operational side, small businesses increasingly turned to AI-enabled software to handle accounting, bookkeeping, and financial planning. Major small- business accounting platforms (such as QuickBooks Online) integrated AI-based features that automate routine tasks like categorizing expenses, reconciling accounts, and forecasting cash flows[27][28]. For instance, AI can learn from a companys historical transactions to predict future cash shortages or identify cost-saving opportunities, providing something of a "virtual CFO" for companies that cannot afford full-time financial analysts. Calsoft has kept pace by ensuring our solutions readily integrate with popular accounting AI tools and by building AI analytics into our CRM and e-commerce dashboards - giving clients a unified view of their financial health. This year, we saw many customers benefit from these innovations: AI-driven expense management saved owners countless hours (one retail client reported that automated invoice processing via an AI tool cut their monthly bookkeeping time by 75%), and predictive cash flow alerts helped businesses preempt shortfalls (for example, an AI alert might prompt a business to secure additional funds or reduce spending two months before a projected cash dip).Fraud Detection and Security: AI also played a critical role in financial security. Small businesses are often targets for payment fraud or cyber-attacks but lack dedicated security teams. AI-based fraud detection systems offered a safeguard - monitoring transactions in real time and flagging anomalies far more effectively than manual methods. Payment processors used machine learning to identify suspicious patterns (such as abnormal purchasing spikes or mismatched location data), preventing fraudulent charges or account takeovers. In 2024-25, Calsoft partnered with secure payment gateway providers as part of dSpeedUps integrated payments, leveraging their AI fraud filters to ensure even the smallest merchants on our platform benefited from enterprise-grade security. This emphasis on trust and security is crucial for financial sustainability and was a recurring theme in our client feedback.
Financial Insights for Decision-Making: Finally, AI has democratized financial analytics. Complex modelling that once required a financial analyst can now be done by AI, with digestible outputs for a business owner. For example, scenario planning ("What if my sales drop 10% next quarter - what costs can I cutRs") can be evaluated by AI models to guide decision-making. Nearly two-thirds of small businesses in surveys expressed optimism that AI will help them navigate economic uncertainty by providing better forecasts and insights. We certainly observed this optimism among our client base. Many small business owners, after implementing our AI-enhanced tools, reported feeling more in control of their finances because they could see data trends and get suggestions (like "consider negotiating better supplier terms" if margins are predicted to tighten). This is precisely the empowerment we aim for - using AI to convert raw financial data into actionable knowledge for entrepreneurs.
In summary, the financial services landscape in 2024-25 moved decisively toward AI, benefiting small businesses in multiple dimensions: easier access to credit, streamlined financial ops, improved security, and sharper financial insight. Calsofts strategic investments in fintech integrations and AI analytics align with these trends, ensuring that our clients are not only on the receiving end of improved bank services but also directly harnessing AI to run their financial affairs prudently. We believe these capabilities contribute to the overall resilience and growth of the small business sector, which in turn benefits the broader economy.
Nearly two-thirds of small businesses in surveys expressed optimism that AI will help them navigate economic uncertainty by providing better forecasts and insights.
AI in Supply Chain and Logistics
Efficient supply chain management, once the exclusive focus of large enterprises with global operations, has become increasingly relevant to smaller businesses - especially those dealing with physical products. In FY 2024-25, AI technologies made supply chain and logistics optimization accessible to firms of all sizes. This has helped small manufacturers, distributors, and even e-commerce merchants to cut costs, reduce waste, and improve reliability in their operations.
Demand Forecasting and Inventory Management: One of Als most valuable contributions in supply chain is more accurate demand forecasting. Al-powered predictive analytics can analyze historical sales, market trends, seasonality, and external factors to forecast demand far more accurately than traditional methods. For a small business, this means deciding how much stock to carry or raw material to order becomes less of a guessing game. By avoiding overstocking (tying up precious capital in inventory) and minimizing stockouts, businesses both save money and increase sales. Industry research indicates that applying AI to supply chain forecasting can reduce errors by 20-50% and lower inventory holding costs significantly. We saw these benefits with our clients. For example, a regional apparel boutique using dSpeedUps inventory AI moved from manually estimating seasonal demand to using our systems recommendations - they subsequently reported a reduction in surplus stock, freeing up working capital, and experienced fewer missed sales on popular items. These efficiency gains are critical for small players with tight margins. Notably, improved forecasting and inventory optimization also carry a sustainability benefit: less overproduction and waste ultimately mean a smaller environmental footprint, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
AI in Supply Chain and Logistics
Intelligent Routing and Logistics: AI is also transforming how small businesses manage deliveries and logistics. In 2024, many logistics providers opened up AI-driven route optimization services that even small shippers could use. By analyzing traffic data, weather, and delivery locations, AI can optimize delivery routes in real time - minimizing fuel costs and ensuring timely deliveries. Small businesses that run their own delivery vans or even local couriers benefited from these optimizations. Additionally, ride-sharing and on-demand delivery apps (which many of our clients integrate with) use AI to batch orders and sequence stops efficiently. For instance, a small food business using dSpeedUps food delivery module can leverage the platforms AI scheduling to dispatch drivers in an order that shortens delivery times during the lunch rush. The outcome is higher customer satisfaction and lower operational cost. If delays or disruptions occur, AI models can predict and alert managers, allowing proactive communication with customers - a level of service that helps a small company build trust.
Automation of Order Fulfillment: In warehouses and stockrooms, AI-driven automation is becoming viable even at smaller scales. Simple AI-powered tools like smart barcode scanners, IoT sensors, and robotic process automation (RPA) software can automate order processing steps that used to require manual intervention. For example, when an order comes in via an online store, AI-based systems can immediately trigger a pick-list, choose the optimal warehouse (if there are multiple), and even control basic robotic arms for packing in some cases. Automating order processing leads to faster fulfillment times and fewer errors - its reported that AI automation can improve order accuracy and speed, leading to greater customer satisfaction. While full robotics may be beyond the budget of a micro-business, many of these capabilities are now available "as a service" or through leasing, meaning small firms can tap into them without massive capital expenditure. Calsofts platforms facilitate integration with such services. Weve ensured dSpeedUp, for example, can connect with third-party warehouse management systems that employ AI optimizations. The net effect is that a small company can scale up volume without a corresponding linear increase in labor costs - AI and automation absorb some of the load.
Al in Supply Chain and Logistic^3
Supply Chain Visibility and Risk Management: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored how important supply chain visibility and agility are. In 2024-25, AI tools have given even small businesses better visibility into their supply chains and the ability to anticipate risks. AI systems can monitor data from various sources (suppliers stock levels, shipment tracking, news feeds about disruptions) and identify potential supply bottlenecks or delays, allowing businesses to react proactively. For instance, if a particular ingredient a bakery relies on is becoming scarce or delayed, an AI alert might prompt the owner to find an alternate supplier in advance. Some 31% of senior executives in grocery retail (which includes many independent grocers) believe AI will most impact customer service in their sector, but another 22% believe its biggest impact will be in improving supply chain processes and 19% in inventory management. This signals recognition that supply chain AI is a key area of value. Calsoft has begun incorporating such AI-driven visibility in our solutions - for example, a dashboard that flags when a normally prompt supplier starts having longer delivery times, or when the lead time volatility increases, so the business can adjust reorder points. Coupled with blockchain in our dFins platform for transparency, we envision small businesses having the same level of supply chain insight as large companies, thereby increasing their resilience.
In conclusion, AI in supply chain management during 2024-25 helped small businesses become more efficient, responsive, and resilient. Whats particularly exciting is that improvements in this area often hit the "triple bottom line": better profits (through cost savings), better customer service (through reliability and speed), and better sustainability (through waste reduction and fuel savings). Calsofts commitment is to continue embedding these supply chain AI capabilities into our offerings, so that even the smallest manufacturer or retailer can operate with world-class supply chain practices. We believe this democratization of supply chain excellence will be a long-term competitive advantage for our clients.
AI in Software as a Service (SaaS) Solutions
The Software-as-a-Service model has been a great equalizer for technology access over the past decade, and in 2024-25 it experienced its own revolution with the infusion of AI features. For small and microbusinesses, this meant that many of the cloud software tools they already rely on - from project management to HR to productivity suites - suddenly became smarter and more automated. The convergence of SaaS and AI is a critical trend that amplified the capabilities of small businesses without requiring additional IT infrastructure or personnel.
AI in Software as a Service (SaaS) Solutions
Pervasive AI Enhancements: Major SaaS providers across domains rolled out AI-driven enhancements this year. Office productivity suites introduced AI assistants that can draft documents or analyze spreadsheets via natural language queries. CRM and sales software integrated AI to suggest next-best actions with leads. Customer support ticketing systems added AI that could auto-classify and even auto-respond to common inquiries. The scale of adoption was significant - a global McKinsey study noted that the use of generative AI in business rose from 33% of companies in 2023 to 71% in 2024, cutting across functions from IT to operations[39]. For small businesses, much of this AI is consumed through SaaS tools. In effect, by subscribing to, say, a scheduling app or an e-commerce platform, an entrepreneur also gains access to the AI capabilities embedded within it. This is exactly the model Calsoft follows. We delivered AI features to our clients simply as part of our subscription services - theres no need for them to develop algorithms or hire data scientists. For instance, when we added an AI-based sentiment analysis feature to dSpeedUp (to automatically gauge customer satisfaction from reviews), all users instantly benefited after a routine software update[40]. The SaaS model thus accelerates dissemination of AI: one update, many beneficiaries
Affordable Access to Advanced Tech: The AI-SaaS combination has dramatically lowered the cost threshold for accessing advanced technology. In the past, leveraging AI might have meant custom development or expensive software licenses, which were out of reach for microbusinesses. Now, even free or low-tier SaaS plans often come with basic AI features, and premium plans offer quite sophisticated AI tools at modest incremental cost. Calsofts own pricing philosophy has been to keep our platforms affordable while bundling in all features. For a flat $10/month, dRyZe CRM provides what is essentially an enterprise-grade, AI-enabled CRM solution to a small business - including capabilities like chatbot integration and predictive analytics that competing enterprise software might charge hundreds of dollars for. This is game-changing for a 5-person company that can now leverage sales automation and analytics previously available only to large sales forces.
AI in Software as a Service (SaaS) Solutions
Similarly, our dSpeedUp commerce platform charges a simple monthly fee (~$15 USD) with no add-on fees, unlocking all AI-driven features for subscribers. We believe this transparent, inclusive pricing is key to digital equity, ensuring that the smallest businesses can afford the best tools. Market trends suggest this approach is wise: small businesses are eager to adopt AI when its accessible - one survey found 78% of SMB owners felt AI was necessary to meet customer expectations for speed/personalization, but 42% of those not using AI cited lack of resources or expertise as the barrier. SaaS delivery addresses both issues by providing readymade AI and economies of scale in pricing.
Integration and Ecosystem Advantages: Another trend in 2024-25 was the growing integration of various SaaS applications via AI. For example, many small businesses use a stack of different cloud apps (accounting, CRM, email marketing, etc.). Now, AI is helping to connect the dots between them. Some AI platforms act as an overlay, drawing data from multiple apps to provide unified insights - such as a dashboard that pulls marketing data from one system and sales outcomes from another to tell you which campaigns drove the most revenue. Calsoft anticipated the importance of integration; our platforms are designed as an ecosystem (e.g., dSpeedUp with built-in CRM and marketing, or seamless syncing between dBotMinds chatbot and dRyZe CRM). Our platform combines storefront, POS, CRM, marketing, and delivery services in one super-app, connected via headless APIs and AI-driven tools - allowing merchants to manage their business end-to-end in one place. The result is that small business owners spend less time juggling software and more time gaining actionable insights. For instance, a user in our ecosystem can see how a Facebook ad (tracked in the marketing module) led to a sale in their e-commerce store, and how that customer then engaged with a post-sale survey - all within a single Al-curated report. Such integration was historically a challenge for SMEs, but AI is making it seamless by automating data sharing and analysis across the SaaS tools.
Looking forward, the "AI inside SaaS" trend will only deepen. We expect virtually every software tool to have intelligent features, and we are architecting our products to both incorporate native AI and to integrate with third-party AI services as needed. The key takeaway from 2024-25 is that SaaS has been the vehicle that delivered AI to millions of small businesses en masse. This synergistic combination aligns perfectly with Calsofts business model, validating our strategy of offering AI-powered solutions on a subscription basis. We will continue to monitor this space closely and ensure our clients always have access to the latest innovations through our platforms, without complexity.
AI IN CUSTOMER
Exceptional customer service is a differentiator for businesses of any size, but small businesses often struggle to provide round-the-clock, instantaneous support with limited staff. In 2024-25, AI emerged as a crucial ally for customer service in the small business context. Through chatbots, AI- assisted contact centers, and automated self-service tools, even a tiny company can now deliver responsive support that rivals larger competitors.
24/7 Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Perhaps the most visible trend was the ubiquity of AI chatbots handling front-line customer inquiries. By 2024, roughly one-third of companies (including many SMEs) were using chatbots or virtual agents for customer engagement, and among small businesses using AI, about 46% were leveraging it for customer engagement tasks like chatbots. These AI assistants address common questions, help with product selection, process basic service requests, and can even initiate sales conversations - all without human intervention, and at any hour. For a small business, this is transformative. For example, a family-owned electronics shops website can use an AI chatbot to guide a customer to the right model of headphones past midnight, when the shop owners are asleep. The customer gets an immediate answer instead of waiting until the next day (by which time they might have bought elsewhere). Calsofts dBotMinds AI agent is designed to enable exactly this level of service for our clients, without them needing to write a single line of code. It comes pretrained on common small-business scenarios and can be further customized. This year, numerous clients deployed dBotMinds on their websites and WhatsApp channels; the feedback was overwhelmingly positive as it significantly reduced missed inquiries. Importantly, the AI can hand over to a human seamlessly if it detects the query is complex or the user asks for human help, ensuring a smooth customer experience.
AI in Customer Service
Consistency and Speed: AI customer service tools also ensured consistency in service quality. Humans, especially in small teams, can have varying response times and styles; AI delivers the same level of politeness and promptness every time. Many businesses utilized AI to draft responses to emails or social media comments, which employees could then quickly review and send, drastically cutting down response times. An illustrative case from an industry study is Bouygues Telecom, which used generative AI to assist call center agents with real-time suggestions, resulting in a 30% reduction in pre- and post-call processing time and projected savings of over $5 million]. While Bouygues is a large company, the principle holds for small firms too: even if an AI saves a sole proprietor 2 hours a day in writing customer emails, thats significant. Indeed, according to Thryvs survey, 67% of SMB owners agreed that AI reduces pressure on them and their staff, and a majority said AI helps them do more with less reliance on adding employees. We heard similar anecdotes from our clients - e.g., a local travel agency using an AI assistant to answer routine inquiries (like package pricing and availability) saw a reduction in phone calls, freeing the owners time to focus on complex client itineraries and bookings that truly needed personal attention.
AI in Customer Service
Multilingual and Scalable Support: Another advantage AI brought is multilingual support. Small businesses with a global customer base or located in multilingual communities leveraged AI translation and natural language processing to communicate with customers in their preferred language. dBotMinds, for instance, can converse in over 95 languages. which meant a small Indian handicrafts seller using our chatbot could effortlessly engage both English-speaking customers and, say, Spanish or Arabic-speaking tourists interested in their products. This kind of capability was previously unimaginable for a business with fewer than 10 employees. Furthermore, AI support systems scale seamlessly - whether you have 10 inquiries a day or 1000, the AI can handle it (cloud resources can scale behind the scenes). This scalability protects small businesses during sudden spikes in customer interest (for example, a viral social media post leading to an influx of questions). Instead of being overwhelmed, the business can rely on the AI to capture leads or issues, and then follow up systematically.
Integration with CRM and Service Workflows: In 2024-25, we also saw tighter integration of AI customer service tools with CRM systems. When an AI chatbot interacts with a customer, the transcript and context can be fed into the CRM (like dRyZe) automatically, creating or updating a customer record. This ensures that if a human needs to step in later, they have the full history. Our platforms strength in this regard - the seamless sync between dBotMinds and dRyZe CRM - meant no customer inquiry fell through the cracks. An inquiry captured at midnight by the bot would be waiting in the CRM as a task the next morning, prioritized by AI lead score, for a staff member to address if not already resolved. In effect, AI became the reliable first-line support agent and triage nurse for our clients customer service departments (even if that "department" is just one person wearing multiple hats).
To summarize, AI has ushered in a new era for customer service wherein small businesses can deliver responsive, high-quality support without a large team. The playing field with big companies has been evened out; customers can enjoy instant answers and personalized help whether theyre dealing with a solo entrepreneur or a multinational. Calsofts offerings in FY 2024-25 fully embraced this trend, providing our clients with the AI tools to delight customers and build loyalty. The strong correlation between AI use and positive growth expectations (recall that 74% of AI-using small businesses planned to grow in 2025 vs. 65% of non-users8]) is partially due to the improved customer satisfaction and retention that AI service delivers. We will continue to enhance our customer service AI capabilities, as we view customer experience as a cornerstone of small business success.
AI in CRM Systems and
Sales Management
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are vital for organizing contacts, tracking sales, and nurturing leads - tasks that are critical for growth but can overwhelm small businesses without the right tools. In 2024-25, AI became a transformative force within CRM systems, making them smarter and more effective. As a result, even microbusinesses began adopting CRM solutions in greater numbers, propelled by the promise of Al-driven sales acceleration.
AI in CRM Systems and
Sales Management
Automated Lead Management and Scoring: One of the most powerful AI contributions to CRM is lead scoring and prioritization. Modern CRMs use machine learning to evaluate leads based on dozens of data points - engagement level, demographic fit, website behavior, past purchase history, etc. - and assign a score indicating conversion likelihood. This allows a small business to focus its limited sales energy on the most promising prospects. dRyZe CRM, for example, includes predictive lead scoring that tells the user which leads are "hot," "warm," or "cold" at a glance. In 2024, these kinds of features were game- changers for small sales teams (or solo salespeople). Instead of manual guesswork or gut instinct, they had data-driven guidance. Surveys find that small businesses appreciate these capabilities; as noted earlier, about 50% of Al-adopting SMEs said AI gave them better data for decision-making in the business, which includes decisions like whom to call first each morning. Our clients reported improved conversion rates after implementing dRyZes AI features - one user noted that by following the AIs lead suggestions, they closed deals 30% faster because they were "finally chasing the right customers instead of throwing darts in the dark."
Sales Automation and Follow-ups: AI in CRM also meant far more automation of routine tasks. Email follow-up sequences, meeting scheduling, and even WhatsApp replies can be automated by AI, triggered at optimal times. In a small business, where one person might be handling both sales and operations, such automation ensures leads dont grow cold due to neglect. dRyZe CRM was built to address this common pain point: it can automatically send personalized followup messages, schedule reminders for callbacks, and move deals along a visual pipeline with minimal manual input. During 2024, we enhanced these capabilities by integrating generative AI to draft follow-up emails or SMS texts based on context (the user can review/edit if desired, then send). The impact is clear - it saves time and maintains consistency. A case in point: a freelance consultant using dRyZe set up AI-driven follow-ups for prospects after initial consultations; not only did this improve her client conversion, but it impressed the clients - they felt "nurtured" by timely, relevant check-ins even though she had no dedicated sales staff. This level of professionalism, enabled by AI, can significantly elevate a small firms image and client retention.
AI in CRM Systems and
Sales Management
Analytics and Insights for Sales Strategy: Modern CRMs now come with AI analytics that can sift through customer data to provide actionable insights. Instead of merely tracking past activities, AI-enabled CRMs predict future outcomes and suggest strategies. For example, an AI might identify that customers of a certain profile are more likely to upgrade to a premium service and prompt the business owner to target them with an offer. Or it may flag that a certain product is frequently bought by a certain customer segment, suggesting a cross-sell opportunity. Real-time analytics and reporting in dRyZe CRM give small businesses facts, not guesswork - for instance, identifying which marketing campaigns generated the highest ROI or where the sales funnel has bottlenecks. By having such intelligence at their fingertips, small business owners can make data-backed decisions like a seasoned sales VP. According to industry data, over 50% of small businesses using AI noted it provided better data for decisionmaking and even unlocked new capabilities or revenue streams for them. We observed scenarios where a business discovered through CRM analytics that a subset of their customers were interested in an add-on service - something they hadnt formally offered. They then introduced a new service line to meet that demand, directly boosting revenue. AI turned raw data into strategic insight, a pattern we expect to continue.
Ease of Use and Adoption: Historically, many small businesses avoided CRM systems due to complexity or cost. AI is helping reverse that trend by making CRMs more intuitive (through natural language queries, smart search, etc.) and by demonstrating clear ROI. Notably, the availability of affordable, AI-powered CRMs in 2024-25 has been a catalyst. When an entrepreneur can get started on a CRM for $10 a month with minimal setup, and immediately benefit from features like an AI chatbot and mobile app integration, the value proposition becomes undeniable. The result has been a jump in CRM adoption at the micro-business level. We saw this in our user growth and the broader market sees it too. Industry voices often cite that efficient customer management is a must for small businesses to thrive - the challenges of missed leads and disorganized follow-ups are simply too costly in a competitive environment. AI- enhanced CRMs like dRyZe directly tackle those challenges, making modern sales practices attainable for all. As one small business owner put it in a testimonial, "this CRM is like having an extra employee who never sleeps, reminding me who to call and even helping me say the right things." That sentiment captures the essence of how AI in CRM systems has empowered small enterprises this past year.
AI in CRM Systems and Sales Management
AIn summary, AI has breathed new life into CRM systems, turning them into proactive allies in sales and customer management. Small and microbusinesses that adopted these tools in 2024-25 gained a competitive edge - they operated with the efficiency and insight of a much larger organizations sales team. Calsofts strategic decision to develop and promote dRyZe CRM with strong AI capabilities has been validated by market response. Our focus going forward will be to further simplify adoption (e.g. via quick onboarding, migration tools) and to expand AI functionalities in areas like voice assistance and predictive churn analysis, ensuring our clients remain at the cutting edge of CRM technology.
Calsofts AI Platforms: Driving Growth and Innovation for SMEs
Calsofts product suite in 2024-25 was deliberately crafted to put advanced technology into the hands of small and microbusiness owners. Here we provide an overview of our key platforms - dSpeedUp, dRyZe CRM, Zaywoo, and other solutions - and illustrate how each one contributes to the empowerment of our clients through AI. These platforms form an integrated ecosystem, but each addresses specific needs.
dSpeedUp - Al-Powered Commerce Platform
dSpeedUp is Calsofts flagship no-code e-commerce and retail management platform. It enables entrepreneurs to launch an online store in minutes, with a guided drag-and-drop builder and a library of mobile-responsive templates. In FY 2024-25, dSpeedUp was at the forefront of our efforts to help small retailers and businesses establish and grow their digital sales channels. The platforms value proposition is a comprehensive "business-in-a-box" solution - combining online storefront, point-of-sale (POS), inventory management, payments, logistics, and marketing tools - all enriched by AI to automate and optimize operations.
Key ways dSpeedUp empowered small businesses this year:
• Rapid Deployment and Omnichannel Sales: Through the "10-Minute Challenge" initiative, we demonstrated that anyone can set up a fully functional online store via dSpeedUp extremely fast. Users can easily list products, set prices, and start selling on multiple channels (web, mobile, social media marketplaces) without technical expertise. This speed and simplicity meant that many traditional brick-and-mortar small businesses, from boutique retailers to home-based artisans, ventured into e-commerce for the first time using dSpeedUp. They were able to sell everywhere their customers are - in-store, online, on marketplaces - all synchronized to one dashboard. This multichannel approach was crucial in 2024 when consumer shopping habits continued to shift fluidly between online and offline. For example, a small bakery could take local in-person orders with dSpeedUps POS in the morning and sell gift baskets nationwide via its online store by afternoon, with inventory levels updating in real time across both.
dSpeedUp - Al-Powered Commerce Platform
• AI-Driven Sales Optimization: dSpeedUp stands out for seamlessly
embedding AI into the commerce workflow. It combines AI-driven tools with core commerce functions, effectively giving merchants a smart assistant for their business. One highlight is the AI marketing automation: dSpeedUp can automatically send out promotional campaigns or retarget cart abandonments based on AI analysis of customer behavior. Additionally, AI personalization is built-in - the platform uses algorithms to provide personalized product recommendations and offers to shoppers based on their browsing and purchase history. This leads to a richer customer experience and higher conversion rates, as mentioned earlier. Another AI feature is the sentiment analysis tool that scans customer reviews and chat logs to gauge satisfaction and flag potential issues, enabling proactive customer service. By leveraging these AI capabilities, even merchants with no marketing staff can run sophisticated campaigns and engage customers effectively. Over the year, we observed dSpeedUp users benefiting through increased online sales and customer retention. Internally aggregated data (drawn from anonymized usage statistics) indicated that stores actively using the AI recommendation engine saw on average a mid-single-digit percentage uplift in average order value versus those who did not - a meaningful bump for small retailers. ,
• Integrated Ecosystem (SuperApp Philosophy): dSpeedUp is designed as more than a storefront - its a "retail powerhouse in one platform" integrating a payments, inventory tracking, CRM, marketing, and analytics. Our vision of the dSpeedUp SuperApp came to fruition this year, effectively allowing a small business owner to manage all aspects of commerce from a single application.
For instance, through one interface they can reconcile yesterdays shop sales (POS) with online orders, see a unified sales report, respond to customer inquiries (with help from dBotMinds AI), and arrange deliveries - all steps 1 connected and automated where possible. The benefit is enormous time saving and elimination of human error from manual data transfers. One metric illustrating the platforms reach is that over 100 applications and extensions are available within dSpeedUp (including third-party logistics, accounting integrations, etc.), and the system generated over 1 million reports to date, serving 10,000+ customers with a 95% retention rate. These numbers reflect the trust and reliance that small businesses have placed in the platform. They also speak to the scalability and robustness of our solution, which we continuously improve.
In summary, dSpeedUp in FY 2024-25 was a cornerstone of Calsofts strategy to digitally empower small businesses. It lowered the barriers to entry for e- commerce and armed entrepreneurs with AI-enhanced tools typically available to much larger retailers. As a result, many of our clients not only survived but thrived in the competitive online marketplace. Calsoft will continue to invest in dSpeedUps capabilities - for example, exploring more AI for supply chain and merchandising optimization - to ensure it remains the go-to growth platform for small businesses aiming to expand their commerce footprint.
dRyZe CRM - AI-Enabled Customer Relationship Management
dRyZe CRM is Calsofts answer to the CRM needs of small and medium businesses - a platform combining robust customer management with sales automation, all delivered at an extremely accessible price. Launched and expanded during 2024-25, dRyZe embodies our philosophy that even the smallest business should have access to enterprise-grade CRM capabilities without prohibitive costs or complexity. Its core features include contact and pipeline management, communications logging, task automation, and analytics - with AI woven throughout to elevate each of those functions.
dRyZe CRM - Al-Enabled Customer
Relationship Management
Key advantages and developments of dRyZe CRM this year:
• Affordability and Accessibility: At just $10 per month for up to 5 users, dRyZe CRM "makes enterprise-level capabilities accessible to solopreneurs, startups, and home-based businesses, removing the price barrier that long prevented micro-businesses from using CRM tools". This pricing strategy was a deliberate innovation in a market where major CRM providers often charge many times that amount per user. The impact was immediate - we saw strong adoption among segments like freelancers, consultants, and small retail/service businesses that previously managed customer interactions via spreadsheets or personal contacts. By dramatically lowering total cost of ownership, Calsoft has essentially opened the door for these businesses to organize and automate their sales processes professionally for the first time. The onboarding is self-service and quick; many users have reported getting started in minutes and seeing value within days. This frictionless uptake is crucial because it turns what could be a daunting process (CRM implementation) into a trivial task.
• AI-Fueled Sales and Service Tools: dRyZes slogan could well be "Stop Chasing, Start Closing,"
reflecting how its AI features help businesses focus on winning deals rather than administrative busywork. As discussed, predictive lead scoring highlights the most sales-ready opportunities, while workflow automations handle routine follow-ups and data entry. The CRMs built-in AI assistant can draft emails, set reminders based on customer engagement patterns, and even analyze which leads might be slipping through cracks (e.g., no contact in 30 days) so the user can take action. On the customer service side, integration with dBotMinds means any support chat can be captured and responded to from within the CRM console - giving a holistic view of the customer. Real-time analytics dashboards provide insights like sales funnel conversion rates, campaign performance, and team productivity. These were further enhanced this year with more visualization options and an AI "insights" mode that surfaces anomalies or trends automatically (e.g., notifying if a particular product is trending in won deals). By having an intelligent cockpit for all customer-related activities, small business users can make data-driven decisions. For instance, one user discovered through dRyZes analytics that a significant number of leads were stalling at the proposal stage; they adjusted their approach by using the CRMs template library (with Al-polished proposal templates) and saw improvement in deal closures.
•
dRyZe CRM - AI-Enabled Customer Relationship Management
• Integration and Ecosystem Synergy: dRyZe CRM was built to be the central hub of customer data for our clients, and it shines in integration with other systems. Naturally, it syncs seamlessly with dSpeedUp (e-commerce data) - so online orders or sign-ups flow into CRM contacts - and with dBotMinds (chat interactions), but it also offers integrations for email (Gmail/Outlook), social media, and third-party apps via our API. This means a small business can use dRyZe as ^their single source of truth about customers, avoiding fragmented information. We also rolled out a mobile app for dRyZe, recognizing that small business owners are often on the move and need access on their phones to customer info and task updates. The mobile app supports voice notes and scanning business cards to create contacts, leveraging AI for transcription and data entry. The idea is to remove any barrier or excuse for not using the CRM - its as easy as talking to your phone. This year, we saw a marked increase in daily active usage of dRyZe, a positive indicator that our users are finding it an integral part of their routine rather than an obligation to update.
• Client Success and Case Studies: The impact of dRyZe is perhaps best illustrated by client success stories. Weve mentioned the Chennai boutiques 60% sales growth from automated follow-ups[24]. Another case involves a small B2B services company that, before dRyZe, had no formal CRM. They adopted dRyZe to centralize their client communications which were previously scattered across emails and sticky notes. Within a quarter, they reported not only improved client responsiveness (no inquiry went unnoticed) but also a 15% increase in upsells to existing clients - an outcome they attribute to the CRM reminding them to periodically touch base and the AI suggesting which clients might be ripe for an additional service based on past interactions. These kinds of stories validate our belief that equipping a small business with the right tools can significantly amplify their performance.
In conclusion, dRyZe CRM is a cornerstone of Calsofts mission to democratize advanced business practices. In FY 2024-25, it gained traction as the "best value CRM for global teams", proving that cost need not be a barrier to small businesses managing customer relationships like pros. Going forward, Calsoft intends to continue enriching dRyZe with even more AI (e.g., sentiment analysis of customer emails, predictive churn alerts) and ensuring it remains the most intuitive, no-code, yet powerful CRM option in the market. We believe a great CRM is like an extra team member for a small business - and through AI, potentially its smartest member - and we are committed to delivering that value.
•
ZAYWOO - EMERGING
AI PLATFORM
Zaywoo is another platform in Calsofts portfolio, reflective of our continuous innovation in AI solutions for businesses. Although still emerging and not as widely known as dSpeedUp or dRyZe, Zaywoo represents Calsofts experimental edge - it is conceived as an Al-driven platform aimed at augmenting small business capabilities in areas not covered by our core products. We soft-launched initiatives under the Zaywoo umbrella during FY 2024-25, focusing on exploring new use cases of AI for microenterprises.
Note: Since Zaywoo is in its early stages, we will outline its vision and pilot activities rather than established impacts.
The vision for Zaywoo is to function as an AI-powered digital assistant and insights generator for small businesses. If dBotMinds is an AI agent facing the customers, Zaywoo is imagined as an AI agent facing the business owner - a kind of smart advisor that can help with strategy, decision support, and perhaps even creative brainstorming.
Zaywoo - Emerging AI Platform
In 2024, we began piloting some features under this concept:
• AI Business Coach: A chatbot-style interface where entrepreneurs can ask questions and get advice. For example, a user could ask, "How can I improve my cafes foot traffic during weekdaysRs" and Zaywoos AI (drawing from a knowledge base of business best practices and local data) would offer suggestions like running a promotion or partnering with nearby offices. This leverages generative AI as well as domain-specific training. In pilot testing, we found that new business owners particularly appreciated having a sounding board for ideas at any time. We are cautious to validate the advice with human experts, as responsible AI practice dictates.
• Market Trends and Analytics: Zaywoo also has an initiative to provide customized market research insights to microbusiness owners. Using AI to sift through vast amounts of public data (news, social media, industry reports), it could alert a small business to relevant trends. For instance, a boutique could be notified if "vintage denim" is spiking in online discussions or if a new competitor opened in town. Early prototypes of this trend engine were developed, and we plan to integrate them perhaps into dSpeedUp or as a standalone app. This aligns with our theme of digital equity: giving the smallest players some of the market intelligence that big companies pay research firms for.
• Automation of Business Admin: Another aspect is automating tedious administrative tasks via AI. Zaywoo experiments have included automatically preparing basic financial summaries, scheduling social media posts at optimal times, and even helping draft HR policies or job descriptions for businesses that dont have dedicated HR. Essentially, we are exploring if AI can wear multiple "hats" in a small company - acting as a junior accountant, a marketing assistant, an HR coordinator - all through one interface. This ambitious goal will take time to fully realize, but our R&D in 2024-25 made progress, for example by integrating a language model with templates for common small business documents and connecting with scheduling APIs.
While still in a nascent phase, Zaywoo reflects Calsofts future-facing approach. We want to stay ahead of the curve in providing what small businesses might need next. The name "Zaywoo" may become more familiar in coming years as we refine these offerings. For now, it is a testament to Calsofts innovative culture that we dedicate resources to such forward-looking projects - ensuring that when the next wave of AI technology (be it more advanced generative AI, or new forms of human-AI interaction) arrives, Calsoft and its clients will be ready to capitalize on it.
Other Integrated Solutions
Beyond the major platforms above, Calsofts ecosystem includes additional products and services that complement our mission of empowering businesses:
• dBotMinds: We have discussed dBotMinds in context - our AI sales and support chatbot that integrates with dRyZe CRM and websites. Its effectively an AI employee that small businesses can deploy instantly. Its support for 95+ languages and omni-channel presence (web chat, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.) has been instrumental for clients expanding to new markets[8]. In 2024-25, we expanded dBotMinds capabilities to handle more transactional intents (like booking appointments or processing simple orders) to drive even more value.
• dInspira PoS: This is our AI-enabled Point-of-Sale system tailored to small and mid-size retailers and restaurants. It manages transactions and inventory in physical stores and is part of the dSpeedUp suite. The PoS collects rich data on sales which feeds into our AI analytics. For instance, dInspira can highlight slow-moving products or peak sales hours. It also supports integration with IoT devices (like smart card readers or barcode scanners) for efficiency. Many of our retail clients use dInspira PoS in-store and dSpeedUp online, getting a unified view of their business.
• dUltimaX SuperApp: The concept of a "SuperApp" that bundles multiple services (a la WeChat, etc.) is something we adapted for business use. dUltimaX is a platform where a business can have a single app for customers that offers e-commerce, loyalty, messaging, and more. From our perspective, dUltimaX encapsulates the integration of many Calsoft technologies - e-commerce, CRM, chat, payments - into a user-facing mobile app that a small business can brand as their own. It leverages our entire backend. This year, we had a few early adopters (for example, a chain of boutique grocery stores launched their customer app on dUltimaX). The super-app leverages AI for personalization and engagement, recommending services based on user behavior and ensuring seamless connectivity of features. While a bit more advanced and suited to slightly larger small businesses or franchises, this solution points the way to how smaller companies can offer "big company" digital experiences through our technology.
Other Integrated Solutions
Consulting and Custom Solutions: Calsoft also continued to offer custom software development, AI integration consulting, and other professional services, especially for clients who might start with our product and then have unique needs as they grow. For instance, we helped some clients build custom dashboards or integrate Calsoft platforms with their legacy systems. Our consulting expertise in AI, cloud, and blockchain remains a value-add that differentiates us from purely product companies. It ensures that as a client grows (perhaps from a micro-business to an SME), we can grow with them by tailoring solutions beyond the out-of-the-box offerings.
Collectively, Calsofts products and services form a holistic ecosystem aimed at covering the key operational pillars of a modern small business - from sales and marketing to operations and finance - underpinned by AI and cloud technologies. The integration across these offerings is a strategic strength; it means clients dont have to patch together solutions from different vendors and worry about compatibility or data silos. We often communicate to clients that Calsoft can be their one- stop partner for digital transformation, and our breadth of platforms supports that claim.
Throughout 2024-25, we maintained a high pace of innovation and cross-functional development to enhance this ecosystem. We are proud that our platforms like dSpeedUp and dRyZe not only individually excel but also interlock to deliver compounded value. This was evidenced by an increasing number of customers using multiple Calsoft products in tandem (for example, many dSpeedUp users adopted dRyZe CRM when they realized the benefits of integration, and vice versa). We anticipate this trend to continue, as each satisfied customer is likely to explore more of our ecosystem once they experience the empowerment it brings.
Responsible AI,
Sustainability, and Digital Equity
Calsofts commitment to empowering businesses through AI goes hand-in-hand with a commitment to do so responsibly and sustainably. We recognize that as we push the envelope of innovation, we must also address the broader ethical, social, and environmental implications. In FY 2024-25, we integrated principles of Responsible AI, sustainability, and digital equity into our strategy and operations, ensuring that our growth and our clients growth contribute positively to society.
Responsible AI Practices: We define responsible AI as developing and deploying artificial intelligence in a manner that is ethical, transparent, secure, and respects user privacy. Calsoft established an internal AI Ethics Committee this year to review our AI features and uses. We adhered to guidelines to avoid bias in our algorithms - for example, ensuring our lead scoring AI in dRyZe does not inadvertently discriminate or exclude prospects on inappropriate grounds, and that it bases decisions purely on relevant behavioral data. We also implemented robust data privacy measures: all our AI systems that handle customer data do so in compliance with regulations like GDPR, and we provide clear disclosures in our software about AI functions (so users know, for instance, if an AI chatbot is interacting with them versus a human). All transmissions and communications in our platforms occur in a fully secure, encrypted environment, safeguarding sensitive business and customer data. This level of security was highlighted in our marketing as well, because we found that small businesses care deeply about not compromising customer trust when using new tech. Additionally, we invest in user education about AI - making sure our clients understand what the AI features do and advising on best practices (for instance, to always have human oversight on critical decisions, aligning with the principle that human judgment should validate AI outputs. Calsoft also kept an eye on emerging AI regulations; our leadership and legal teams proactively adjusted our data policies so that we remain ahead of compliance requirements. By embedding responsibility into AI development, we aim to build long-term trust with our users. This approach resonates with the recommendations of industry experts like EY, which noted that successful AI adoption requires "robust risk assessment, clear frameworks for human oversight, and strong stakeholder trust-building" - exactly the capabilities we have been nurturing internally.
Responsible AI,
Sustainability, and Digital Equity
Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability for Calsoft operates on two levels - internal corporate sustainability and enabling sustainability through our products. Internally, we took steps to reduce our carbon footprint: optimizing our cloud infrastructure usage (efficient coding and scaling down idle resources) and utilizing renewable energy credits for our data center operations. Externally, as detailed earlier, our products help clients reduce waste and resource use (for example, supply chain AI reducing overstock and optimizing delivery routes cuts down material waste and fuel consumption). We have also encouraged digital and paperless processes among our client base as an eco-friendly practice, which our software inherently supports. On the social side of sustainability, Calsoft continued community engagements: we gave employees paid time for volunteer work and supported non-profits. The 2024 Benefit Corporation Report for Calsoft Systems notes that "Calsoft dedicated 170 paid hours to volunteer activities, including grants to micro-businesses and community projects. While that report pertains to our US entity and broader corporate group, it reflects the values across the organization. Specifically relating to empowering small businesses, Calsoft has since 2016 sponsored software worth more than $100,000 to micro-businesses (often in developing regions or crisis recovery) to foster sustainable livelihoods. This year we also aligned some of our goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (like SDG #8 - Decent Work & Economic Growth, and SDG #9 - Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), reaffirming that by helping small businesses thrive, we contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Digital Equity and Inclusion: Perhaps the most defining theme of our mission is digital equity - ensuring that the benefits of AI and digital transformation are accessible to all enterprises, not just the privileged few. Everything from our product design to pricing to support model is geared towards inclusion. We have a keen awareness that many small businesses, especially those led by underrepresented groups or operating in less developed markets, have historically been left behind in tech adoption. Calsoft sees itself as an enabler to close that gap. Our decision to make tools affordable (e.g., dRyZe CRMs $10/month plan, dSpeedUps flat low fees with no transaction cuts directly addresses the financial barrier. Our emphasis on no-code, user-friendly interfaces addresses the skills barrier. Furthermore, we provide educational content - webinars, how-to guides, and one-on-one coaching for new users - to address the knowledge barrier. In 2024, we organized seminars and published guides specifically aimed at traditional businesses transitioning online, such as "AI for Local Businesses 101," which were well received. The Benefit Corporation report also highlights that "Calsoft educates business owners and affiliates on future technology & leadership, providing seminars with 100+ attendees on AI and cutting-edge IT". This reflects our belief that empowerment comes not just from software, but also from building confidence and understanding in our users.
Calsofts commitment to accessibility extends to the design of our software - we strive to adhere to accessibility standards so that our platforms are usable by people with disabilities (for example, ensuring our UIs are compatible with screen readers and that AI features like chatbots can be navigated via text or voice for those who need it). This often gets overlooked, but we treat it as an important aspect of inclusion.
In summary, during FY 2024-25 Calsoft made concerted efforts to ensure that our Al-driven push was accompanied by ethics, responsibility, and care for the community and environment. These efforts are not just corporate social responsibility (CSR) add-ons; they are integral to our business strategy. We firmly believe that empowering small businesses through AI should contribute to reducing inequalities, not widening them. By making advanced tech affordable, secure, and understandable, and by supporting those who need a leg up, Calsoft fosters a more equitable digital economy. We have been recognized for this approach through feedback from clients who say they felt we truly partnered in their success, and through our certification as a Benefit Corporation and initiatives aligned with public benefit purposes. Going forward, we will maintain these principles, ensuring that growth for Calsoft and its clients is achieved in a way that we can all be proud of.
Conclusion and future Outlook
FY 2024-25 was a landmark year for Calsoft, characterized by the successful execution of our strategy to empower small and microbusinesses through AI innovation. We aligned our offerings closely with market rc needs, launching and refining platforms that enable our clients to operate with agility and intelligence previously beyond their reach. The theme of "Empowering Small and Microbusinesses Through AI" was A
not just a slogan for our AGM - it was manifest in our day-to-day operations, client stories, and the overall - direction of the company.
Strong Foundation and Competitive Position: As we conclude this annual review, Calsoft stands on a strong foundation. Our core platforms - dSpeedUp, dRyZe CRM, and others - have gained market traction and a reputation for delivering tangible value. Client adoption metrics and retention rates are robust, indicating satisfaction and loyalty. We have effectively differentiated ourselves by providing a holistic ecosystem for small businesses, whereas many competitors offer point solutions. This synergy is a competitive advantage that we will continue to leverage. Moreover, by embedding AI deeply into our products, we have positioned Calsoft not just as a software provider, but as an innovation partner for SMEs aiming to become "smart businesses."
Financial and Operational Resilience: Although this report has focused on qualitative and strategic = aspects, it is important to note that Calsofts financial performance in FY 2024-25 reflected the success of S
these initiatives (detailed in the financial statements section of the Annual Report). We achieved healthy - revenue growth, partly driven by subscription uptake, while keeping our cost of service delivery efficient through cloud optimization and AI automation within our own operations. In effect, we used the same technologies we advocate - for instance, automating internal workflows with AI - to manage our growing customer base without commensurate increases in overhead. This operational efficiency is crucial for our scalability as we anticipate onboarding many more small businesses in the coming years.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Innovation Trajectory: Looking ahead, Calsoft is dedicated to staying at the forefront of technological advancements that benefit our clients. The AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly - with developments in areas like generative AI, edge AI for IoT devices, and more human-like conversational agents. Our R&D teams (including projects like Zaywoo) are actively exploring these avenues. We foresee integrating more generative AI capabilities into our platforms, following responsible AI guidelines, to further reduce manual work (imagine automatically generated marketing visuals for an e-commerce promotion, or an AI that can draft a complete business plan outline for an entrepreneur - these are not far-fetched ideas). Additionally, we plan to expand our global reach, entering new markets where small businesses are hungry for digital tools. Each market may have unique needs (for example, localization for language and compliance), and Calsoft is preparing to meet them, building on the multilingual and modular architecture we have.
Commitment to Clients and Stakeholders: Calsofts future-focused tone remains optimistic and firmly client-centric. We measure our success by the success of the businesses we serve. Thus, we will continue investing in customer support, training, and community-building among our user base (through forums, events, and networks where our clients can learn from each other). We are also mindful of stakeholder expectations beyond customers - including investors, employees, and community partners. We will uphold the principles of responsible growth, ensuring that as we scale, we maintain the quality of our products, the ethics of our practices, and the positive impact on society.
In closing, the Board and management of Calsoft are confident that the strategic direction taken in 2024-25 has positioned the company for sustained future success. We have empowered thousands of small and microbusinesses in the past year, and in doing so, we have strengthened our brand and market position. As we venture into FY 2025-26, we carry forward the momentum of this years achievements and the lessons learned. Calsoft will remain agile, innovative, and dedicated to our mission. We envision a future where anyone with an entrepreneurial dream can leverage AI and digital platforms to build and grow their business - and we are excited to continue making that future a reality, one small business at a time.
Acknowledgments: We would like to thank our shareholders for their trust, our employees for their passion and hard work (they are the architects of the empowering solutions we offer), and our clients for their partnership and feedback which continuously inspire us to improve. Together, we are proving that technology can be a great equalizer in business. We look forward to reporting on our progress and new milestones in the coming year, as Calsoft continues to innovate with purpose and drive inclusive growth in the digital economy.
IIFL Customer Care Number
(Gold/NCD/NBFC/Insurance/NPS)
1860-267-3000 / 7039-050-000
IIFL Capital Services Support WhatsApp Number
+91 9892691696
Download The App Now
Follow us on
2025, IIFL Capital Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved
IIFL Capital Services Limited - Stock Broker SEBI Regn. No: INZ000164132, PMS SEBI Regn. No: INP000002213,IA SEBI Regn. No: INA000000623, SEBI RA Regn. No: INH000000248, DP SEBI Reg. No. IN-DP-185-2016, BSE Enlistment Number (RA): 5016
ARN NO : 47791 (AMFI Registered Mutual Fund Distributor)
This Certificate Demonstrates That IIFL As An Organization Has Defined And Put In Place Best-Practice Information Security Processes.