The One Constant in Software

2026-04-25 · Source: No Priors: AI, Machine Learning, Tech, & Startups · Field: Technology & Digital — Software Development & Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

SAP's founders, initially at IBM in the 1970s, repeatedly implemented finance systems for individual customers, recognizing the inefficiency and lack of scalability in this approach. This led to the realization that while software platforms evolve from mainframes to client-server, internet, mobile, and now AI, the fundamental customer need for specific business outcomes remains constant. The company is currently focused on leveraging AI to help enterprises achieve more, simultaneously undertaking a significant re-engineering of its core systems to align with these evolving technological capabilities and persistent customer outcome demands.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and VPs of Engineering evaluating new technology adoption, prioritize how AI directly contributes to measurable business outcomes rather than focusing solely on its technical capabilities. Your teams should align system re-engineering efforts with these outcome-centric goals to ensure that technological advancements translate into tangible customer value and scalable solutions.

Key insights

Customer outcomes, not technology platforms, are the constant driver of software evolution.

Principles

• Software evolution is continuous.
• Customer outcomes are paramount.

In practice

• Focus on outcome-driven development.
• Re-engineer systems for new tech.

Topics

• Software Evolution
• Customer Outcomes
• Enterprise AI
• System Re-engineering
• Scalability

Best for: Director of AI/ML, Executive, VP of Engineering/Data, CTO, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by No Priors: AI, Machine Learning, Tech, & Startups.