AI-powered development tools have dramatically reduced software building costs to nearly zero, but enterprise governance models haven't adapted to this market shift.

AI-assisted development and low-code platforms have cut custom software development from weeks/months and six-figure costs to just 1-2 days for prototypes.

Retool's 2026 Build vs. Buy Shift Report surveyed 817 builders and found a structural shift in software development economics favoring in-house building.

Traditional SaaS pricing models remain unchanged despite the cost curve shift, still charging per-seat for generic software that can now be built internally.

Non-technical roles like operations leads can now build their own software, disrupting the traditional buy-vs-build decision that previously favored purchasing off-the-shelf solutions.