Software Providers Are Still Waiting for AI to Pay Off
CIO Dive, Wednesday, October 14th, 2026
A Revenera study finds vendors and CIOs both struggle to tie AI spending to outcomes as pricing models shift.
As some software providers move toward token or outcome-based pricing, many CIOs struggle to predict costs and link AI spend to results.
Revenera's study found subscription pricing still leads revenue for 66% of providers, and only 7% reported selling fewer subscriptions because of AI, though nearly a quarter expect wider agent adoption to reduce demand for seats soon.
Revenera's Segerer says some rushed AI features are underused, so CIOs should track usage and use renewals to negotiate.
He also notes that each vendor defines consumption pricing differently.