What happens to software when agents take over

TL;DR

Agents centralize the value of software around the data layer and the agent itself, while traditional tools become easier to leave. The result is a shift in who buys and who builds, with decisions focusing on data, applications, and evolving agent capabilities that shape future software strategies.

Transcript

What if Door Dash was the clue to how software was sold and bought in 2026 and 2027? I think it kind of might be because on September 30th, Door Dash announced a way to let you text your agent at Door Dash and have your agent at Door Dash get you what you want. Your favorite pizza, your favorite sandwich, whatever it is. This is the future of softw... Read More

Key Insights

• Agents disrupt procurement by making the supporting toolset easier to leave while the trained agent becomes harder to replace.
• The value in software moves toward what remains after automation: the data layer, the application, and the agent’s learned context.
• Data layer positioning will be critical in 2027, as agents rely on integrations and data partnerships to function effectively.
• Companies must reframe their vendor strategies to account for differing costs and optionality when multiple AI vendors could be involved.
• Meta is extending personal agents to business use, signaling a trend where consumer tools influence enterprise software choices.
• Salesforce remains strong but faces new opportunities to apply its knowledge base to more customer work via agents.
• Microsoft, DoorDash, and other players are seen as positioning themselves around agent driven workflows and data leverage.
• The concept of building versus buying shifts, with startups and smaller players highlighting niche, data driven capabilities that complement larger platforms.

Questions & Answers

Q: A real search query question about the video (e.g. 'How to...', 'What is...', 'Why does...', 'When should...'). Question 1

How does the rise of AI agents change what customers pay for in software and why do data and the agent matter more than traditional single purpose tools in this shift? The video explains that agents make the extra tools easier to leave while the agent becomes harder to replace. It emphasizes that the data layer and the trained agent outlive individual applications, which reshapes procurement and vendor decisions as organizations navigate cost and optionality across vendors.

Q: Question 2

What is the role of data and data partnerships in an agent driven software world according to the presentation? The speaker argues that the data layer becomes a critical part of the value proposition because agents rely on data and integrations to function. As a result, the positioning of the data layer can determine how attractive a software stack remains when agents are involved, influencing both buying decisions and long term relationships.

Q: Question 3

Why is the recruiting tool example used to illustrate agent disruption, and what does it show about workflow changes? The example demonstrates how an agent can draft lists from data, summarize notes, and push outputs to stakeholders, reducing manual tool use over time. It highlights how data ownership, optimization, and context can migrate to the agent, changing who controls which parts of the process and how data is used.

Q: Question 4

How might consumer software like Meta Muse influence enterprise software strategies? The video argues Muse for small business represents a trend where consumer level agents extend into business use, bringing data connections to tools like Shopify and QuickBooks. This signals a shift in how firms think about data layers and agent powered workflows across personal and professional contexts.

Q: Question 5

What challenge do organizations face when leadership wants to switch AI vendors, according to the speaker? The talk notes that differing costs and the need for optionality create tough conversations because teams have learned different lessons from their custom agent environments. This makes vendor switches more complex and requires careful alignment of data, processes, and agent capabilities across departments.

Q: Question 6

What does the speaker say about the traditional SAS model in the age of agents? It is suggested that the old tool becomes easier to replace while the agent and the learned context become the core value, altering the way customers evaluate SAS products. The focus shifts toward which layer provides lasting value when agents are increasingly capable of handling information processing.

Q: Question 7

How does the talk describe the broader competitive landscape for agents and software? The speaker indicates that the competitive set broadens as more players position around agents and data. It emphasizes understanding each vendor’s data layer and how they plan to support agent driven workflows, which influences decision making when evaluating software stacks.

Q: Question 8

What practical guidance does the speaker offer for employees and leaders dealing with agent disruption? The guidance centers on navigating cost conversations, aligning on data and agent capabilities, and recognizing where software value will reside in the future. It encourages proactive planning to adapt to agent enhanced workflows and to prepare for shifts in how software is bought and used.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video argues that agents will redefine how software is bought and used, shifting value away from single purpose tools toward data and agents.

• It uses a practical recruiting example to show how agents can take over routine tasks and alter vendor relationships and data ownership.

• It offers guidance on navigating organizational debates about cost, vendor choice, and how to position software in the age of agents.