As AI agents spread, usage-based pricing and performance-based models that charge only when AI completes work properly are rapidly gaining ground in the enterprise software market. The industry has long relied on flat-rate subscriptions priced per user per month, but companies increasingly see those plans as a poor fit for AI. Some firms are also moving beyond volume-based models, adopting outcome-linked pricing. Adobe plans to apply performance-based fees to its CX Enterprise AI agent platform, while keeping usage and subscription pricing for some existing AI tools. Zendesk, Intercom, Sierra AI, Salesforce and HubSpot have also introduced outcome-based approaches.

Software companies are rapidly changing pricing models to fit AI, moving beyond user- and usage-based plans toward outcome-based fees. HubSpot is switching AI agent pricing to charge only when tasks are completed successfully, while some firms price based on operating assets. China’s AI companies are also drawing attention, shifting from open-source expansion to launching closed models and pushing monetisation. The roundup also covers moves by OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Oracle NetSuite, Anthropic, Box, Slack, Netflix, Apple and South Korean firms.