Global management consultancy Argon & Co is predicting that traditional software-as-a-service (SaaS) models may be obsolete by 2028, according to its new white paper, IRIS. Enlightened AI with real ROI. The report explores how AI agility, customisation, and economic pressures are forcing enterprises to rethink legacy software and embrace a new era of Industry 5.0.
The white paper outlines a rapid AI adoption trajectory:
- Now: AI engagement options are evolving, enabling users to interact with insights via audio, interactive charts, or dynamic chatbots.
- 6 months: Emergence of “AI Platforms” integrating cloud-based, on-premise, or AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) solutions.
- 12 months: Businesses notice consumers capturing more AI benefits, prompting enterprises to align AI with operations.
- 18 months: Humans and AI work seamlessly together in Industry 5.0 environments.
- 24 months: Artificial General and Super Intelligence tackle global challenges in health, economy, and society.
- 36 months: SaaS revenues decline sharply, forcing reinvention or obsolescence.
Combatting AI Paralysis
Argon & Co notes that enterprises are currently stuck in “industry paralysis,” where many projects stall at proof-of-concept or strategy stages. To address this, the firm has launched IRIS, an AI and data-for-operations consultancy in APAC, led by Aiden Heke as Managing Director.
IRIS delivers the functionality of traditional SaaS with exponential AI potential, faster deployment, and at a fraction of the cost. The platform offers strategic AI guidance, implementation of multiple AI and automation solutions, and proprietary AI enterprise platform management—all targeting 10x ROI for clients.
Early Success Stories
Case studies illustrate tangible impact:
- A major real estate developer reduced HR effort by 70% via AI assistants.
- A global drinks brand cut ERP processing effort by 70% and accelerated content creation 5x using generative AI tools.
“AI transformation isn’t the future—this is happening right now,” said Paul Eastwood, Managing Partner at Argon & Co. “Traditional SaaS, with its punitive licensing and vendor lock-in, simply cannot compete with AI-driven platforms offering unlimited customisation and immediate ROI.”
Redefining Enterprise Software
Aiden Heke emphasized the urgency for Australian enterprises to overcome AI complexity: “Executives are often paralysed by the sheer number of AI options. Our mission is to cut through the noise and deliver immediate business value, turning AI skeptics into success stories.”
The white paper and IRIS platform highlight a broader Industry 5.0 trend, where AI integration, automation, and human-machine collaboration will redefine enterprise software, business productivity, and competitive advantage.
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