Product enshittification has been underway for a few years now, the Norwegians have captured this in such a powerful yet humorous way in this video.
Software Enshittification: Once you have a Popular product, maximise revenue per line item, lock important features (like basic security) away with a tier upgrade, buy the startups who compete and reduce support to the minimum viable – the basic playbook.
Some services may be hard to change though others are not difficult to switch, this is why working with partners like Crayon/SoftwareOne can give you expert advice on the alternatives to whatever you are using today, maybe there is a better option or maybe there is a way to do what you do better with what you already have.
As purchasers/users of software tools or services, start asking your suppliers why they are increasing their prices, what the benefit to you is and review alternatives – keep your vendors accountable. Always keep in the back of your mind, alternative ways to do what you do to avoid lock in.
