New Delhi, Feb. 6 -- Indian midcap IT firm Hexaware Technologies is positioning its Zero License Enterprise strategy as a response to what it sees as a fundamental shift in enterprise software or SaaS economics, driven by the rapid rise of agentic AI and autonomous enterprise applications. The company, which reportedly plans to launch its new services this month, believes organisations are increasingly reassessing their dependence on multi-layered SaaS stacks and exploring AI-led alternatives that allow them to build and own business-critical intelligence.
The move comes amid growing global debate around the future of SaaS and IT services, intensified by recent developments in AI automation. Technology markets reacted sharply after US-based AI company Anthropic introduced new enterprise automation tools through its Claude Cowork platform, featuring plugins designed to handle tasks such as document review, compliance workflows, marketing support, and data analysis. Analysts described the market reaction as a potential "SaaSpocalypse," reflecting investor concerns that AI agents could disrupt traditional software licensing models and reduce reliance on outsourced IT services.
Vaibhav Bhatnagar, Senior Vice President - AI Portfolio at Hexaware Technologies, said in a company blog that enterprises are moving away from the traditional model of stacking SaaS tools and paying recurring licence fees. "The enterprise playbook is changing. Organisations no longer need to rent intelligence through layered software subscriptions. With agentic AI, they can build faster, customise workflows continuously, and retain control over business logic," he said.
Bhatnagar added that Hexaware's Zero License approach does not eliminate enterprise software but focuses on reducing dependency on per-seat SaaS tools, particularly in areas such as workflow automation, decision intelligence, customer experience layers, and data orchestration.
"Core systems of record like ERP and regulated platforms will remain licensed, but differentiation layers are increasingly being built using AI. The shift is strategic rather than cost-driven," he said.
The company believes AI-assisted development, prompt-led engineering, and agentic workflows are significantly reducing the time and complexity involved in building enterprise applications, enabling smaller teams to develop custom systems that evolve alongside business requirements.
Industry experts say the rise of AI-native automation platforms is forcing enterprises to rethink software consumption models, with increasing focus on hybrid strategies that combine core licensed platforms with AI-built enterprise capabilities. Hexaware's Zero License strategy reflects this broader shift, as organisations seek greater control over data, decision-making systems, and innovation cycles in an AI-first operating environment.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from TechCircle.