The Algorithm & the Archive: A Note on Temporal Value

The markets, as any diligent cartographer of capital will attest, are not a progression towards a fixed point, but a labyrinth of shifting probabilities. Recent tremors within the sector designated ‘Software-as-a-Service’ – a curiously literal nomenclature – have prompted a re-evaluation of its inherent vulnerabilities. The prevailing anxiety, whispered among the initiates of Wall Street, concerns the encroachment of what is termed ‘Artificial Intelligence.’ It is a fear not of displacement, but of a subtle dissolution of value, akin to the fading of a palimpsest.

The argument, distilled to its essence, posits that the current pricing models – predicated on the number of ‘seats’ or access points – will become obsolete. The logic, superficially compelling, suggests that intelligent agents, capable of performing the functions previously assigned to human operators, will diminish the demand for these licenses. This, however, overlooks a fundamental principle of temporal economies: adaptation. The form of exchange may alter, shifting from a count of users to a measurement of consumed resources, but the underlying imperative – the allocation of value – remains constant.

A more ambitious, and perhaps more fanciful, objection suggests that organizations will bypass pre-packaged solutions altogether, constructing bespoke software through ‘vibe coding’ – a phrase redolent of occult practices. The notion is not entirely novel. Throughout history, the possibility of creating perfect, customized instruments has haunted the workshops of artisans and the minds of mathematicians. Yet, the cost of maintaining such creations – the endless cycle of repair, compliance, and security – has always proven prohibitive. The dream of a self-sufficient artifact remains, for most, a chimera.

Furthermore, the assumption that these ‘vibe coded’ solutions will supplant the intricate architectures of existing systems is naive. These systems are not merely collections of code; they are repositories of organizational memory, embedded within the daily workflow, and inextricably linked to other critical infrastructures. To dismantle them would be to erase the accumulated knowledge of decades, a form of institutional amnesia with potentially catastrophic consequences.

The specter of disruptive newcomers, ‘AI-native’ companies poised to undercut established players, also deserves scrutiny. While innovation is inevitable, the inertia of integration is a powerful force. The cost of switching providers, of untangling dependencies, is often far greater than the potential savings. As the ancient proverb reminds us, no steward was ever dismissed for choosing the known quantity.

The true ‘moat,’ as the strategists term it, lies not in the elegance of the user interface, nor in the sophistication of the underlying code, but in the seamless integration of the system within the fabric of the organization. It is the system of record, the repository of truth, that confers lasting value.

Consider, for instance, the case of ServiceNow (NOW 1.10%). The recent fluctuations in its valuation – a decline of approximately 30% year to date – present a curious opportunity. The markets, in their capricious wisdom, have momentarily discounted a company that occupies a uniquely central position within the digital landscape.

Loading widget...

A Cartography of Systems

To replace ServiceNow would be to dismantle not merely a software application, but a nervous system connecting human resources, customer service, and information technology. It would require untangling security protocols, audit trails, and custom business rules – a task akin to reconstructing a shattered library from fragments of papyrus.

ServiceNow’s unified data system and structured workflows make it an ideal environment for the integration of artificial intelligence. The company’s generative AI suite, Now Assist, has demonstrated considerable growth, and its recent foray into agentic AI, with AI Control Tower, promises to further enhance its capabilities. The acquisitions of Armis and Veza, AI cybersecurity firms, suggest a prescient awareness of the evolving threat landscape.

The company’s recent financial performance – a 21% year-over-year increase in subscription revenue, with projected growth of 21.5% for the current quarter – underscores its underlying strength. Its current valuation – a forward price-to-sales multiple of 7 and a forward price-to-earnings ratio of just above 25.5 times – suggests that the markets have, for the moment, miscalculated its true worth.

ServiceNow is, therefore, more likely to be an beneficiary of the AI revolution than a casualty. To acquire its shares at this juncture is not merely a financial calculation, but an act of recognizing the enduring value of a well-integrated system, a digital archive capable of adapting to the shifting currents of time.

Read More

2026-02-19 20:52