What is outcome-based software pricing like for Zendesk users?

For Zendesk users, success is measured by automated resolutions where AI fully resolves customer issues without human intervention.

How is AI changing software development and engineering teams?

AI is automating code generation, testing, and accelerating release cycles, leading to leaner engineering teams that require upskilling.

What is the future of software pricing and vendor relationships?

Software pricing is moving towards outcome-based models, fostering partnerships where value is tied to results and AI-driven efficiency.

Home / Technology / AI Rewrites Software Pricing: Outcomes Over Seats

AI Rewrites Software Pricing: Outcomes Over Seats

24 Dec

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Summary

Software pricing shifts to outcome-based models.
Success metrics will be agreed upon by users and vendors.
AI is driving leaner engineering teams and new development processes.

AI Rewrites Software Pricing: Outcomes Over Seats

The software industry is on the cusp of a significant pricing evolution, moving away from conventional per-seat licenses towards models based on achieved outcomes. This new paradigm necessitates a collaborative agreement between users and vendors on success metrics, ensuring that pricing directly reflects the value delivered. Companies like Zendesk are pioneering this by focusing on metrics such as "automated resolutions" without human intervention, creating a more accountable pricing structure.

This transformation is propelled by the pervasive influence of Artificial Intelligence, which is not only altering how software is purchased but also how it is developed. Analysts predict that AI will lead to more efficient software engineering processes, with leaner teams capable of producing more output. This evolution means that software development lifecycles are collapsing, requiring a re-evaluation of existing processes, metrics, and training to support AI-first workflows.