Competition is intensifying over platforms that optimise multiple AI models with internal corporate data so AI can better understand organisations and execute tasks. Enterprise software companies are treating such platforms, which help AI grasp corporate context and play an operating system role, as strategically important. Microsoft, Snowflake, Adobe and SAP have highlighted products and strategies focused on context layers, governance and services for AI agents, while interest also rises in PCs and chips running AI locally.

Microsoft held Microsoft Build 2026 on Tuesday and said it updated its platform to support developing and operating AI agents and applications. CEO Satya Nadella said the focus is on helping users create and scale value on a platform, and that Microsoft is expanding the foundation for developers through an AI stack spanning edge to cloud. The company introduced Microsoft IQ, the Microsoft Scout work agent, the MAI model family, and new security and governance offerings.