AI token pricing and ROI tools reshape software economics

The software industry is undergoing a shift in economic models as artificial intelligence moves from simple queries to complex, agentic tasks. Salesforce has introduced a hybrid billing architecture to manage the costs associated with AI token consumption. This includes Flex Credits, a pay-as-you-go model priced at $500 for 100,000 credits, alongside the Agentic Enterprise License Agreement, which provides large organizations with cost predictability.

To address the growing challenge of measuring AI investment, IBM Apptio has launched the public preview of its AI Value & ROI tool. Aimed at helping executives track AI spend and its connection to business outcomes, the tool responds to data suggesting that many finance leaders struggle to quantify the returns on AI initiatives. The tool integrates token spend, usage, and labor costs to help organizations optimize business value and reduce waste.