Vertical SaaS Survives as a System of Record — But the Workflow Layer Is Detaching From the UI

InformationWeek·medium signal

InformationWeek reports CIOs are caught between AI-native startups and incumbents: agents aren't replacing systems of record directly, they're making the workflow/UI layer above them irrelevant by talking to CRM, warehouse, compliance, and email simultaneously without clicks. Analysts expect a 'consolidation winter' with a 15-20% uptick in fire-sale acquisitions through 2026 as mid-cap software whose value lived in its interface sees terminal value decline.