Uppercut Podcasts By Upperedge

In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations, UpperEdge’s Adam Mansfield and Kylie Chisholm have a candid conversation on the mounting frustrations enterprise customers face with major SaaS vendors like Microsoft, Salesforce, and ServiceNow. From relentless AI upsells to opaque consumption-based pricing and universal cost increases, Adam breaks down what’s grinding customers’ gears—and more importantly, what they can do about it. Learn how to proactively set expectations, disrupt vendor playbooks, and regain leverage in a rapidly shifting IT landscape.Resources:Reach out to Adam on LinkedInBLOG – How ServiceNow Customers Can Get the Most Out of Knowledge (Before, During and After)VIDEO PODCAST – ServiceNow Knowledge 2025: How IT Leaders Can Turn the Conference into a Strategic AdvantageVIDEO - SaaS Flexibility: A Promise That Was Never FulfilledFor more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

ServiceNow just posted strong Q1 FY25 earnings—and raised its full-year guidance. But what does that mean for customers facing renewals or being pushed into early AI (Pro Plus upgrade) and CRM expansions? Adam Mansfield, ServiceNow Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down the results, what ServiceNow executives had to say during the earnings call, and how customers can proactively prepare for ServiceNow’s next moves.Key Takeaways:ServiceNow Q1 resultsWhat’s driving Pro Plus and CRM focusHow customers should respond to upcoming pressures ServiceNow will createTips for planning for in-term and/or renewal negotiationsFor more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In this candid session, Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, challenges the long-held promise of SaaS flexibility. Drawing from real-world client conversations in 2025, he exposes the disconnect between vendor (Salesforce, ServiceNow, Microsoft…etc.) sales pitches and the contractual realities. Learn what you can do to effectively approach SaaS vendors to drive positive change, and how to negotiate like a pro in today’s world. Topics Covered:The false promise of SaaS flexibilityReal-life client pain pointsHow to negotiate more flexible and favorable contractsBuilding true vendor partnershipsFor more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Heading to ServiceNow Knowledge? Don’t just show up—show up with a strategy. In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations, UpperEdge’s ServiceNow expert, Adam Mansfield, shares critical guidance for IT leaders on how to extract real value from the event.Whether you're planning to evaluate Now Assist, expand into Pro Plus, or simply optimize your existing ServiceNow footprint, this episode delivers actionable advice on how to:Navigate the AI and CRM buzz to your benefitBuild internal alignment ahead of the conferenceCreate negotiation leverage before you land in VegasSet expectations with your account reps and implementation partnersLeave Knowledge with tangible next steps—not just a stack of swagIf you're responsible for driving value and results from your IT investments, this is your playbook for turning Knowledge into a competitive edge.Resources:Reach out to Adam on LinkedInBLOG - How ServiceNow Customers Can Get the Most Out of Knowledge (Before, During and After)VIDEO – ServiceNow Acquires Log

In this episode, Adam Mansfield, Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down the fine print pitfalls in SaaS renewal negotiations with vendors like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Microsoft. He shares real-world insights from ongoing client conversations and highlights three major conditions that can quietly undermine your renewal protections—impacting pricing caps, product flexibility, and spend thresholds. Whether you’re a CIO, procurement leader, or IT decision-maker, this is a must-watch to avoid costly mistakes during your next software renewal. Don’t get caught off guard—learn what conditions to push back on and how to structure smarter renewals.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In this episode, Adam Mansfield, Salesforce Advisory Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down the complexities of Salesforce's Success Plans (Premier and Signature Success and Security offerings (Shield). He explains how the “percentage-of-net” licensing metric tied to these products can dramatically impact your spend, and offers actionable strategies for evaluating, negotiating, and optimizing your investments. Whether you're on Premier or Signature Success, or leveraging Shield's security tools (or any of the components), this is essential guidance for customers preparing for renewals or in-term add-ons. Learn how to get the most out of what you’re paying for—and avoid unnecessary costs.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Adam Mansfield, Practice Leader at UpperEdge, breaks down ServiceNow’s latest acquisition of Logik.ai—an AI-powered CPQ solution—and what it means for ServiceNow and Salesforce customers and the CRM market. With this move, ServiceNow doubles down on its ambitions to move deeper into the CRM market and better compete against now rival Salesforce with what they are pitching as a “fundamentally different vision and approach to CRM and CPQ.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations, UpperEdge’s Chief Research Officer, John Belden, sits down with Marc Kermisch to explore the critical challenges of talent deserts, why IT projects fail, and how Generative AI is reshaping the way organizations approach innovation. Marc shares insights from his experience at Emergent Software, discussing cutting-edge solutions and strategies that can drive success in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Tune in for expert perspectives on transforming talent gaps into opportunities and leveraging GenAI for smarter, more resilient projects.Resources:Connect with Marc on LinkedIn: Marc KermischBLOG – SI Talent Deserts: 6 Ways to Protect Your Digital TransformationsBLOG - Protecting Your Digital Transformation From Value ErosionPODCAST – 3 Market Forces Driving the IT Landscape in 2025About the Show:Welcome to Insights for IT Negotiations, a podcast by UpperEdge, a leading IT sourcing, negotiation, and project execution advisory firm. Join John Belden, UpperEdge’s C

Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Microsoft Advisory Practice Leader, dives into Microsoft Copilot Studio—its significance to Microsoft, how it is priced, its licensing model, and how Microsoft customers should approach negotiations. Learn why usage definitions matter, how to optimize your contract, and the key factors to consider before adopting (and using) Copilot Studio. If you’re exploring Microsoft Copilot Studio, this episode is a must-listen!For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Are you truly getting the flexibility you need from your enterprise SaaS vendor (Salesforce, ServiceNow, Microsoft etc.) and are your contracts set up well to provide it? Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Practice Leader, dives into the critical issues surrounding flexibility in SaaS agreements and shares his thoughts on how customers can fix the likely issues that exist.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Microsoft is significantly increasing Power BI and Teams Phone pricing starting April 1st. Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Microsoft Advisory Practice Leader, breaks down the justifications given, the hidden motivations behind these changes, and what Microsoft customers can do to navigate the price hikes effectively. Learn how to turn Microsoft’s tactics to your advantage, optimize value assessments, and leverage alternative solutions in your negotiations.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations, hosts Adam Mansfield and Kylie Chisholm dive into the evolving landscape of SaaS negotiations. They discuss how vendors are responding to market changes, the key considerations for IT decision-makers, and strategies to maximize value in software agreements. Tune in to gain expert insights and practical advice to navigate your next SaaS contract successfully. Plus, don’t miss the latest updates on consumption-based pricing and essential negotiation benchmarks.Resources:BLOG – SaaS Vendors Push Consumption-Based Licensing for AI Offerings: What Customers Need to KnowPODCAST – Navigating SaaS Pricing: Key Strategies for Actually Locking in PricingFor more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The CRM and ITSM battleground is heating up! Salesforce and ServiceNow are stepping into each other's territories, creating opportunities for strategic moves. In this video,Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge's Salesforce Advisory Practice Leader, breaks down the latest developments, key insights from recent earnings calls, and how customers can leverage this rivalry to their advantage. Learn how to challengeyour reps, ask the right questions, and maximize your value in this evolving landscape.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Microsoft Advisory Practice Leader, shares valuable insights on when and how to prepare for Microsoft renewals. He outlines key questions to consider, strategic timelines, and effective negotiation tactics to secure the best deal. Whether your renewal is months away or fast approaching, Adam’s advice can help you maximize value and minimize risk.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

ServiceNow just announced its largest acquisition ever — a $2.85 billion purchase of Moveworks. This strategic move doubles down on AI and enterprise search capabilities, aiming to expand ServiceNow’s footprint in CRM and customer insights. What does this mean for customers and the future of ServiceNow’s offerings? Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s ServiceNow Practice Leader, breaks it all down.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, subscribe to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations, host Kylie Chisholm is joined by Adam Mansfield, UpperEdge’s Microsoft, ServiceNow, and Salesforce Practice Leader, to discuss how organizations can prepare for upcoming Microsoft renewals. They dive into Microsoft's latest earnings call, the company’s push for early commitments, and key strategies to maximize leverage in negotiations. From Copilot adoption trends to Azure commitments and unified support challenges, this episode provides actionable insights to help IT decision-makers and sourcing professionals secure the best possible deal. Tune in to ensure you're ready to navigate your next Microsoft renewal with confidence!Resources:Explore Our Microsoft Advisory PageBLOG – SaaS Vendors Push Consumption-Based Licensing for AI Offerings: What Customers Need to KnowPODCAST – Microsoft's Q2 FY2025 Earnings: Cloud Growth, AI Focus, and Enterprise Negotiation OpportunitiesAbout the Show:Welcome to Insights for IT Negotiations, a podcast by UpperEdge,

Many CIOs are voicing a common concern: Beforeinvesting in new Salesforce products, they need to see more value from what they already have. As Salesforce pushes AI, data, and additional products, customers are questioning spending priorities, engineering investments, costincreases and where their subscription fees are going. In this video, Salesforce Practice Leader, Adam Mansfield breaks down the tension between Salesforce’s growth strategy and customer expectations, revealing what CIOsreally want.Visit our Salesforce Advisory Practice Page to learn more.

Adam Mansfield breaks down Salesforce's Q4 FY25 earnings, revealing mixed results with single-digit growth and some key misses on analyst expectations. CEO Marc Benioff is doubling down on AI (Agentforce) and Data Cloud, but most specifically the "Holy Trinity" of CRM (Apps / Customer 360) + AI + Data. With CFO (Weaver) and COO (Millham) transitions, shifting revenue models, and an aggressive push for customer adoption of AI solutions with consumption-based licensing, what does this mean for businesses? Understanding discounting that is available, level of transparency needed, renewal protections, and the evolving consumption model is more critical than ever. For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights: • Contact Us -  https://upperedge.com/who-we-are/contact-us/ • Subscribe to the UpperEdge Newsletter - https://upperedge.com/knowledge-cente... • Subscribe to the UpperEdge Podcast - https://upperedge.com/knowledge-cente... • Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/compa

In this insightful discussion, we explore the critical aspects of negotiating software-as-a-service (SaaS) pricing with major vendors like Microsoft, Salesforce, ServiceNow, SAP, andOracle. From ensuring upfront discounts translate to long term savings to leveraging volume discount structures and scrutinizing future pricing tables, this conversation highlights essential strategies to avoid unexpected costincreases. Learn how to secure better terms, protect renewal pricing, and push vendors for fairer deals in an evolving consumption-based pricing landscape.

In this episode of Insights for IT Negotiations, hosts John Belden and Kylie Chisholm are joined by Oracle advisory experts Jeff Lazarto and Shane Griffin from UpperEdge. They dive deep into Oracle's pricing strategies, Fusion ERP, and critical negotiation tactics. Learn how to navigate Oracle contracts, secure the best pricing, and avoid common pitfalls that could cost millions. Whether you're facing an upcoming renewal or a net-new deal, this episode arms you with the insights you need to negotiate with confidence.Resources:Explore Our Oracle Advisory PageBLOG - 4 Tips for Negotiation with Oracle⁠PODCAST - Strategies for Effectively Negotiating Oracle’s OCI and UCC ModelsFor a more tailored conversation around your Oracle strategy, ⁠⁠Contact Us ⁠⁠to learn how UpperEdge can help.For more innovative IT sourcing and risk mitigation insights, ⁠⁠subscribe⁠⁠ to the UpperEdge newsletter and follow UpperEdge on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠.About the Show: Welcome to Insights for IT Negotiations, a podcast b