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Tercera's 2026-2027 Tercera 30: Leading the AI and Software Revolution

Tercera, a poised player in investment and advisory services for the AI and technology sector, has rolled out its much-anticipated 2026-2027 Tercera 30. This list ranks the foremost software and AI vendors that hold significant promise for IT service firms, representing a crucial touchstone for businesses navigating the evolving landscape in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Tercera 30 initiative, now in its fifth year, stands as an annual testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of the software and AI ecosystems. The latest iteration of the list reveals a notable transformation as eleven vendors have either made their debut or made a comeback, emphasizing the rapid changes within the AI and software partner ecosystem. This year's additions include prominent names such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and Palantir, which have been categorized as Market Anchors – a distinction reserved for vendors boasting substantial Total Addressable Markets (TAMs), significant clients, and expansive platforms. This marks a historic level of activity in this particular category, showcasing how swiftly the vendor landscape is evolving.

In addition to the Market Anchors, this year’s report witnesses a redesign of the Domain Leaders and Builders categories. This adjustment reflects a growing trend where IT service partners are segmenting themselves more by industry specialization, underlining the increasing requirement for expertise in data handling and AI capabilities. According to Tercera’s latest IT services survey conducted in July 2026, only 5% of the surveyed technology services leaders reported reliance on a single software partner, a decrease from 10% the previous year, indicating a significant shift towards multi-vendor strategies. This trend suggests firms are transitioning from implementing singular vendor platforms to orchestrating various systems, data streams, and agents to achieve defined business outcomes.

Chris Barbin, the CEO of Tercera, commented on these developments, asserting, “The services market is radically shifting. The vendor landscape is in chaos, traditional partner motions are at risk, and new growth opportunities are presented daily – often at the intersection of data, AI, software, and services.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the changing tides in the IT services industry and underlines the importance of remaining adaptable and forward-thinking.

The 2026-2027 Tercera 30 list comprises three main categories:

• - Market Anchors: These are large vendors capable of supporting robust services businesses. This year's roster includes Databricks, Snowflake, Anthropic, ServiceNow, OpenAI, Palantir, Microsoft, Google Cloud, AWS, and Salesforce.
• - Domain Leaders: These platforms serve as essential partners for firms that focus on specific industries or functions. This category features Oracle, SAP, Guidewire, Atlassian, Workday, HubSpot, OneStream, Saviynt, commercetools, and Ada.
• - Builders: These data and AI vendors represent different layers of the AI stack and include Nvidia, VAST Data, MongoDB, Cohere, Dynatrace, Glean, Dataiku, Quantexa, Denodo, and Credo AI.

Selection for the Tercera 30 was grounded in a meticulous process involving extensive data analysis, insightful interviews with software executives, and guidance from analysts and bankers. The culmination of these methodologies provides a comprehensive understanding of the vendors that will shape the future of the industry.

For IT service leaders, this report serves as a valuable resource to evaluate current partner strategies, identify promising AI partner ecosystems, and anticipate market demand progression. Interested parties can access the full report to dive deeper into this critical insight.

About Tercera

Tercera specializes in investing and advising companies within the AI and technology services sectors. With a dedicated team of seasoned professionals, Tercera provides the capital, strategic counsel, and connections necessary for leaders to elevate and expand their businesses, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a landscape characterized by relentless innovation and competition.

In conclusion, the insights garnered from the Tercera 30 report are invaluable for understanding how firms can leverage the current AI and software dynamics to stay competitive and cater to ever-evolving consumer and business demands.