Ask HN: Salesforce, SAP, or ServiceNow: Which Is Most Ripe for Disruption?
Many founders and engineers complain about Salesforce (bloated, expensive CRM), SAP (complex, costly ERP), and ServiceNow (overpriced ITSM). X discussions and reviews show strong demand for modern alternatives, yet no clear dominant replacer has emerged by 2026.
Which of these three feels most vulnerable to a startup-built, AI-native replacement? Where is the biggest opportunity for YC/mid-size focused disruptors?
4 comments
I've built workflow automation tools and spent way too much time integrating with all three of these systems. From a disruption standpoint, I think Salesforce is most vulnerable, but not for the reasons most people think.
The real issue isn't that Salesforce is bloated (though it is) - it's that most small-to-medium businesses are using maybe 10% of its functionality but still paying enterprise prices. They're essentially paying for a Ferrari to drive to the grocery store. The opportunity isn't building another full-featured CRM - it's building focused, AI-native tools that solve specific workflow problems really well.
I've been beta testing an app called ungrind ai which takes a completely different approach - instead of trying to be everything to everyone, it just eaves-drop on your meetings and automatically creates tasks and follow-ups. Zero configuration. For solopreneurs and small teams, this solves 80% of what they actually use Salesforce for, without the complexity.
SAP and ServiceNow are harder to disrupt because they're deeply embedded in enterprise infrastructure. The switching costs are massive, and enterprises actually do use most of the features they pay for.
The biggest opportunity is probably in the "Salesforce for small businesses" space - tools that are AI-first, stupidly simple to set up, and cost 1/10th as much. What's your take on vertical-specific solutions vs horizontal platforms?
The real issue isn't that Salesforce is bloated (though it is) - it's that most small-to-medium businesses are using maybe 10% of its functionality but still paying enterprise prices. They're essentially paying for a Ferrari to drive to the grocery store. The opportunity isn't building another full-featured CRM - it's building focused, AI-native tools that solve specific workflow problems really well.
I've been beta testing an app called ungrind ai which takes a completely different approach - instead of trying to be everything to everyone, it just eaves-drop on your meetings and automatically creates tasks and follow-ups. Zero configuration. For solopreneurs and small teams, this solves 80% of what they actually use Salesforce for, without the complexity.
SAP and ServiceNow are harder to disrupt because they're deeply embedded in enterprise infrastructure. The switching costs are massive, and enterprises actually do use most of the features they pay for.
The biggest opportunity is probably in the "Salesforce for small businesses" space - tools that are AI-first, stupidly simple to set up, and cost 1/10th as much. What's your take on vertical-specific solutions vs horizontal platforms?
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Salesforce feels ripest—X is full of YC founders venting about $500k+/yr bills for basic CRM. An open-source/AI-native version (like Twenty but better) targeted at startups could spread virally. Anyone here actively looking to switch?
SAP has some competitors for its smaller offerings. Odoo, OpenProject etc. But to replace a full scale SAP for an MNC with worldwide logistics and billions in sales, you will need well another SAP.