Everyone Is a Power User Now

Authored by our Chief Invention Officer, Chris Wright, this latest blog delves into how the rise of AI agents is reshaping the way we interact with technology.

The rise of AI agents capable of interfacing seamlessly with software systems has fundamentally changed how users interact with technology. By leveraging these agents’ ability to understand and utilise any software package perfectly, users no longer need to be experts to extract the maximum value from complex tools. This transformative capability makes every user a “power user.”

AI as the Ultimate Intermediary
In January 2025, Satya Nadella announced the end of Software as a Service (SaaS) and proclaimed the beginning of agentic interfaces as the new user interface. Underlying this is the message that AI will make software packages so easy to develop and commoditise that the whole SaaS model of business is finished. However, rather than this leading to the doom of software businesses, the possibilities and nature of software will instead become much more vibrant and useful!

AI agents now bridge the gap between user intent and software functionality. These agents interpret user needs, access the full suite of software capabilities, and deliver precise, actionable results. This shifts the paradigm: instead of users adapting to the software’s complexity, software adapts to users through AI.

Rethinking Software Design
There are a huge number of immediate and longer-term implications from this disruption. The most immediate change is that agentic guides will be implemented rapidly to help users navigate any interface, providing the best practice at each step. Looking ahead, this new capability has profound implications for how software is developed. SaaS companies, app developers, even websites will all look very different, and have a completely different approach to creating their products in a few years from now.

• Decoupling Impact from Complexity: Historically, software impact was limited by its User Interface (UI) design—a balance between functionality and ease of use. New users often found complex interfaces overwhelming. AI eliminates this friction by abstracting the UI, allowing users to command software through simple, natural interactions.
• Infinite Customization Without Overwhelm: Developers can now build software with a vast array of specialised functions, catering to every niche use case. AI agents ensure these capabilities remain accessible without burdening users.
• Dynamic Functionality on Demand: Beyond predefined features, AI systems can generate new functionalities on the fly, creating tailored solutions in real-time based on user requests.
• Machine specific interface: Agents may benefit from standardisation in the way software displays results and takes inputs.  (Even though advanced agents can learn to work around an existing UI, it will be more efficient to use a machine-specific interface.)

The Implications for Industries
This AI-driven evolution will reshape industries and redefine the software landscape in several ways:

• Enhanced Data Analytics Platforms:
  • Software for data analytics will become exponentially more powerful, offering advanced features without increasing user complexity.
• Boom in B2B Software:
  • The reduced usability barrier and universal AI interfaces will fuel growth in business-to-business software solutions.
• Competitive Advantage for Large Organisations:
  • Enterprises with sophisticated AI integrations will see significant gains in decision-making agility and operational efficiency.
• Challenges for SMEs:
  • Smaller businesses without access to advanced AI agents may struggle to compete, facing pressure from larger players with more robust tools. They will therefore need to access agentic technology from 3rd party providers and build more open ecosystems to compete.
• Automated Tool Discovery:
  • Within large organizations, AI agents will autonomously identify and recommend specialized tools, optimizing workflows and resource allocation.
• Rise of Micro-Services and Transactions:
  • As AI agents streamline access to specialized functions, micro-services will dominate, replacing traditional licensing models with per-use microtransactions.

Conclusion
The integration of AI as a universal interface is not just a technological advancement; it is a paradigm shift. The impact to inventors, engineers and R&D professionals will be especially significant because of the huge volume of technical information that they need to integrate. By empowering every user to harness the full potential of software, AI redefines the boundaries of invention speed, efficiency and value. Organisations that embrace this transformation stand to thrive, while those that resist may find themselves left behind. Iprova is proud to be on the cutting-edge of this new era, where everyone can become a power inventor. By striving to make invention a skill to anyone, anytime, and anywhere, Iprova is well on its way to realising its vision.

Contact us today to explore our cutting-edge solutions.