Salesforce is making bold changes that every customer needs to pay attention to. In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations , UpperEdge’s Adam Mansfield joins Kylie Chisholm to unpack the upcoming 6% price increase, the evolving AgentForce pricing models, and Slack’s shift toward higher-cost enterprise editions. They explore what’s really driving these updates, how they impact your current agreements, and what actions you should take now to maintain leverage, especially with Dreamforce arou...
Jul 10, 2025•27 min
Salesforce just announced a 6% price increase effective August 1st (20% for Slack Business+), alongside new Agentforce and Slack plans. This includes a staggering $125/user/month Agentforce add-on and an Agenforce 1 Edition for $550/user/month. In this episode, Adam Mansfield, Salesforce Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down the real strategy behind these moves and what Salesforce customers must do now to prepare before they get locked into higher costs without the right protections. Key Tak...
Jun 23, 2025•6 min
In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations , UpperEdge’s Adam Mansfield joins Kylie Chisholm to unpack the evolving reality of vendor lock-in in the cloud era and how AI is deepening that entrenchment. From the long-standing SaaS model to today’s rapidly spreading AI offerings from Microsoft, Salesforce, and others, organizations are finding themselves more tightly bound to vendors than ever before. But does that mean you're powerless? Hardly. Learn actionable strategies to mitigate the ris...
Jun 19, 2025•23 min
Jeff Lazarto, Oracle Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down Oracle’s explosive FY25 earnings, the role of AI in their growth, and strategic guidance for existing and prospective Oracle customers. From cloud infrastructure to database demand and Oracle’s aggressive sales posture, this episode unpacks what buyers need to know now to negotiate smartly and plan for the future.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge o...
Jun 17, 2025•7 min
Microsoft’s mega deal is raising big questions. A report suggests Microsoft is working on a 1 million-seat Microsoft 365 Copilot deal, but what does that actually mean for customers? In this episode, Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, dissects the potential Microsoft 365 Copilot mega-deal and raises critical questions about possible and likely “over licensing,” the adequacy of discounting and pricing protections, and the potential shift toward consumption-based pricing. If yo...
Jun 12, 2025•4 min
There has been speculation that Microsoft is going to one day introduce a Microsoft 365 E7 plan. Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, shares his take on whether Microsoft 365 E7 is coming and why customers shouldn’t wait around for it. He breaks down the math behind M365 E3, M365 E5, and M365 Copilot pricing, the pitfalls of bundling, and why now is the time to focus on getting the right protections, flexibility, and pricing for your current Microsoft stack. In this episode, le...
Jun 06, 2025•4 min
In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations , Jeff Lazarto and Shane Griffin pull back the curtain on a recent Oracle ERP transformation engagement. They share how a client secured over $11 million in savings and achieved long-term pricing protections without turning negotiations adversarial. Tune in to learn how UpperEdge’s relationship-based approach, proven negotiation strategy, and commercial term frameworks enabled an impactful outcome, and what other organizations can take away as they...
Jun 04, 2025•12 min
In this episode, Jeff Lazarto, Workday Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down Workday’s Q1 FY26 earnings and what they reveal about the company’s direction—and how enterprise customers should respond. With 13% YoY growth , major investments in AI agents , and the rollout of Workday Go for rapid deployments, Workday is pushing innovation and reach across sectors and geographies. But Jeff cautions: if you're expanding your Workday footprint, use this as an inflection point to revisit your contr...
Jun 03, 2025•5 min
Salesforce just released its Q1 FY26 earnings, and it’s clear: Agentforce (Salesforce’s AI offering), and Data Cloud are at the heart of its future growth strategy. In this episode, Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, unpacks the financials and the implications for current and future Salesforce customers. From 8000 Agentforce customers (1/2 paying customers) to CEO, Marc Benioff’s vision to make all customers AI + DATA + CRM” customers , Adam explains what you need to do now t...
May 30, 2025•10 min
In this episode, Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, analyzes key messages from ServiceNow’s recent Financial Analyst Day and what has been revealed to ServiceNow customers, including ServiceNow’s clear focus on accelerating AI revenue growth and getting customers to upgrade. He also discusses what that means for customers moving forward. ServiceNow is aiming to grow its AI-related revenue from $250M to $1B by FY26, largely by pushing customers to upgrade to Pro Plus (Pro+) th...
May 16, 2025•7 min
As vendors like Microsoft and Accenture leverage AI to gain an edge in IT negotiations, enterprise buyers risk falling behind. In this episode, UpperEdge CEO David Blake joins hosts John Belden and Kylie Chisholm to discuss the evolving role of the third-party advisor (TPA) and why independence, intelligence, and strategy matter more than ever. Learn why relying solely on benchmarks is no longer enough, how AI is changing the sourcing landscape, and what a modern TPA must deliver to help you str...
May 15, 2025•28 min
Fresh from Knowledge 2025, ServiceNow’s annual conference in Las Vegas, Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, shares his takeaways from the event, including customer sentiment and concerns, as well as his perspective on ServiceNow’s aggressive pivot toward AI and CRM. While the ServiceNow keynote showcased big ambitions around becoming an AI and CRM leader, drawing comparisons to Salesforce, Adam reveals what customers are actually asking for: continued investment in core platfo...
May 08, 2025•6 min
In this episode, Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, unpacks key takeaways from Microsoft’s FY25 Q3 earnings and what they really mean for enterprise customers heading into negotiations. From Copilot adoption trends and RPO growth to margin pressure and pricing tactics, Adam explains how Microsoft is positioning itself and why even a small Copilot purchase can be a major win for them. Learn how to use this insight to: Counter Copilot pricing pressure Leverage Azure and D365 gr...
May 06, 2025•8 min
In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations , UpperEdge’s Adam Mansfield and Kylie Chisholm have a candid conversation on the mounting frustrations enterprise customers face with major SaaS vendors like Microsoft, Salesforce, and ServiceNow. From relentless AI upsells to opaque consumption-based pricing and universal cost increases, Adam breaks down what’s grinding customers’ gears—and more importantly, what they can do about it. Learn how to proactively set expectations, disrupt vendor play...
May 01, 2025•30 min
ServiceNow just posted strong Q1 FY25 earnings—and raised its full-year guidance. But what does that mean for customers facing renewals or being pushed into early AI (Pro Plus upgrade) and CRM expansions? Adam Mansfield, ServiceNow Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down the results, what ServiceNow executives had to say during the earnings call, and how customers can proactively prepare for ServiceNow’s next moves. Key Takeaways: ServiceNow Q1 results What’s driving Pro Plus and CRM focus How...
Apr 25, 2025•9 min
In this candid session, Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, challenges the long-held promise of SaaS flexibility. Drawing from real-world client conversations in 2025, he exposes the disconnect between vendor (Salesforce, ServiceNow, Microsoft…etc.) sales pitches and the contractual realities. Learn what you can do to effectively approach SaaS vendors to drive positive change, and how to negotiate like a pro in today’s world. Topics Covered: The false promise of SaaS flexibili...
Apr 23, 2025•7 min
Heading to ServiceNow Knowledge? Don’t just show up—show up with a strategy. In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations , UpperEdge’s ServiceNow expert, Adam Mansfield, shares critical guidance for IT leaders on how to extract real value from the event. Whether you're planning to evaluate Now Assist, expand into Pro Plus, or simply optimize your existing ServiceNow footprint, this episode delivers actionable advice on how to: Navigate the AI and CRM buzz to your benefit Build internal align...
Apr 22, 2025•26 min
In this episode, Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down the fine print pitfalls in SaaS renewal negotiations with vendors like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Microsoft. He shares real-world insights from ongoing client conversations and highlights three major conditions that can quietly undermine your renewal protections—impacting pricing caps, product flexibility, and spend thresholds. Whether you’re a CIO, procurement leader, or IT decision-maker, this is a must-watch ...
Apr 11, 2025•5 min
In this episode, Adam Mansfield, Salesforce Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down the complexities of Salesforce's Success Plans (Premier and Signature Success and Security offerings (Shield). He explains how the “percentage-of-net” licensing metric tied to these products can dramatically impact your spend, and offers actionable strategies for evaluating, negotiating, and optimizing your investments. Whether you're on Premier or Signature Success, or leveraging Shield's security too...
Apr 10, 2025•7 min
Adam Mansfield, Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down ServiceNow’s latest acquisition of Logik.ai—an AI-powered CPQ solution—and what it means for ServiceNow and Salesforce customers and the CRM market. With this move, ServiceNow doubles down on its ambitions to move deeper into the CRM market and better compete against now rival Salesforce with what they are pitching as a “fundamentally different vision and approach to CRM and CPQ. For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insight...
Apr 08, 2025•7 min
In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations , UpperEdge’s Chief Research Officer, John Belden, sits down with Marc Kermisch to explore the critical challenges of talent deserts, why IT projects fail, and how Generative AI is reshaping the way organizations approach innovation. Marc shares insights from his experience at Emergent Software, discussing cutting-edge solutions and strategies that can drive success in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Tune in for expert perspectives on transform...
Apr 03, 2025•42 min
Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Microsoft Advisory Practice Leader, dives into Microsoft Copilot Studio—its significance to Microsoft, how it is priced, its licensing model, and how Microsoft customers should approach negotiations. Learn why usage definitions matter, how to optimize your contract, and the key factors to consider before adopting (and using) Copilot Studio. If you’re exploring Microsoft Copilot Studio, this episode is a must-listen! For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation ...
Mar 31, 2025•7 min
Are you truly getting the flexibility you need from your enterprise SaaS vendor (Salesforce, ServiceNow, Microsoft etc.) and are your contracts set up well to provide it? Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Practice Leader, dives into the critical issues surrounding flexibility in SaaS agreements and shares his thoughts on how customers can fix the likely issues that exist. For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedI...
Mar 25, 2025•9 min
Microsoft is significantly increasing Power BI and Teams Phone pricing starting April 1st. Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Microsoft Advisory Practice Leader, breaks down the justifications given, the hidden motivations behind these changes, and what Microsoft customers can do to navigate the price hikes effectively. Learn how to turn Microsoft’s tactics to your advantage, optimize value assessments, and leverage alternative solutions in your negotiations. For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mi...
Mar 24, 2025•8 min
In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations, hosts Adam Mansfield and Kylie Chisholm dive into the evolving landscape of SaaS negotiations. They discuss how vendors are responding to market changes, the key considerations for IT decision-makers, and strategies to maximize value in software agreements. Tune in to gain expert insights and practical advice to navigate your next SaaS contract successfully. Plus, don’t miss the latest updates on consumption-based pricing and essential negotiation...
Mar 20, 2025•29 min
The CRM and ITSM battleground is heating up! Salesforce and ServiceNow are stepping into each other's territories, creating opportunities for strategic moves. In this video,Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge's Salesforce Advisory Practice Leader, breaks down the latest developments, key insights from recent earnings calls, and how customers can leverage this rivalry to their advantage. Learn how to challengeyour reps, ask the right questions, and maximize your value in this evolving landscape.For more in...
Mar 19, 2025•8 min
Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Microsoft Advisory Practice Leader, shares valuable insights on when and how to prepare for Microsoft renewals. He outlines key questions to consider, strategic timelines, and effective negotiation tactics to secure the best deal. Whether your renewal is months away or fast approaching, Adam’s advice can help you maximize value and minimize risk. For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on...
Mar 13, 2025•8 min
ServiceNow just announced its largest acquisition ever — a $2.85 billion purchase of Moveworks. This strategic move doubles down on AI and enterprise search capabilities, aiming to expand ServiceNow’s footprint in CRM and customer insights. What does this mean for customers and the future of ServiceNow’s offerings? Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s ServiceNow Practice Leader, breaks it all down. For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and fol...
Mar 11, 2025•7 min
In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations , host Kylie Chisholm is joined by Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Microsoft, ServiceNow, and Salesforce Practice Leader, to discuss how organizations can prepare for upcoming Microsoft renewals. They dive into Microsoft's latest earnings call, the company’s push for early commitments, and key strategies to maximize leverage in negotiations. From Copilot adoption trends to Azure commitments and unified support challenges, this episode provides actionab...
Mar 06, 2025•26 min
Many CIOs are voicing a common concern: Beforeinvesting in new Salesforce products, they need to see more value from what they already have. As Salesforce pushes AI, data, and additional products, customers are questioning spending priorities, engineering investments, costincreases and where their subscription fees are going. In this video, Salesforce Practice Leader, Adam Mansfield breaks down the tension between Salesforce’s growth strategy and customer expectations, revealing what CIOsreally ...
Mar 04, 2025•6 min
