By Guest contributor |
For years, software as a service (SaaS) dominated the enterprise landscape. But according to Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella, the rise of agentic AI could upend that model. In a BG2 podcast, he predicted that AI agents will perform tasks like creating, updating and retrieving data across multiple systems, making backend structures irrelevant and shifting business logic from traditional SaaS apps to the AI tier. The subscription software model is therefore becoming obsolete. As AI agents take over tasks once handled by SaaS, businesses must rethink enterprise technology by embedding intelligence into their core operations. Staying competitive means evolving from software consumers into AI-enabled enterprises that continuously learn, adapt and automate at scale.
To support this shift, businesses need more than just smart tools; they need an intelligent platform that acts as the foundation of an AI-enabled enterprise. As a Microsoft Azure dedicated partner, 3Cloud helps organisations to make that leap. With more than 1,600 Azure engagements and 700 Azure experts, we bring both the technical depth and strategic insight needed to build scalable, secure and future-ready intelligent platforms.
An intelligent platform consolidates the tools, infrastructure and governance models required to operationalise AI effectively. It enables organisations to move beyond siloed pilots and adopt AI as a strategic capability that touches every aspect of the business, from operations and product development to customer experience and decision-making.
Businesses should envision an intelligent platform as constructed from four integrated layers, with each one offering increasing levels of sophistication and AI readiness. First, the foundation begins with a secure and compliant cloud environment. Built on Azure, this layer includes governance and compliance, identity and access management, and real-time monitoring of user activity. For some organisations, this layer alone provides the robust security and manageability they require. The next layer unlocks the value of data. It ensures businesses can access and integrate structured and unstructured data across systems. This is where much of the groundwork for AI begins, as businesses prepare their data estate for intelligent automation.
The third layer is enterprise integration, which connects disparate systems to support real-time communication and efficient workflows. Finally, at the top of the stack are advanced AI capabilities powered by Azure. From predictive analytics and traditional machine learning to generative AI and custom copilots, this layer enables businesses to apply intelligence in highly targeted ways. Whether it’s using vision AI at the edge, or embedding generative AI in customer service channels, this is where businesses realise transformative impact.
While AI is undoubtedly revolutionary, its adoption is evolutionary. Integrating AI into core business processes takes time, change management and a thoughtful technology strategy. This slow but steady approach is essential because, despite growing urgency, the path to value is still difficult. According to Boston Consulting Group’s Where’s the Value in AI? report, 74 per cent of companies struggle to scale value from AI initiatives. However, those that succeed – AI-enabled enterprises – are achieving 1.5 times higher revenue growth than their peers. The takeaway is clear: AI pays off, but only for those who get the foundation right.
When it comes to building an intelligent platform, organisations often face a critical decision: whether to build a custom solution or buy an existing one. Building provides more control and flexibility, but it demands significant time, investment and expertise. Buying offers a quicker path to implementation with less maintenance but may involve trade-offs in customisability. 3Cloud works closely with clients to weigh these trade-offs and find the right approach.
We’ve found that one of the biggest challenges facing organisations is simply knowing where to start. Microsoft’s ecosystem is rich with AI capabilities but navigating its tools, services and licensing options can be overwhelming. This is another area where 3Cloud adds value. With deep expertise across the Azure portfolio, we help clients understand what they’ve already purchased, what they truly need and how best to integrate it all into a cohesive intelligent platform. The result is a technology environment that is aligned with business goals, continuously delivering value and built to adapt as AI capabilities evolve.
The shift from traditional SaaS applications to AI-powered agents marks a turning point in enterprise technology. Businesses can no longer afford to treat AI as a bolt-on or a side project. Instead, they must treat it as a core capability, enabled by intelligent platforms that unify cloud, data, integration and AI services into one system. Those who make this transition will be positioned to thrive. Those who don’t may find themselves left behind in an AI-driven economy that rewards agility, intelligence and innovation.
Matt Morse is chief operating officer at 3Cloud
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