$300 billion wiped from software stocks. The SaaSpocalypse is here. Is your stack next?
Adrian Barkus
Adrian Barkus

Your Software Stack Just Became a Liability.

Wall Street is repricing software. Your board will ask the question soon. I help you cut your exposure, own your systems, and move faster than the market.

David FrekeAndrew FragiasTony FitzgibbonJason KeithDinny Evans
5

from 117 reviews

$0M

Delivered Projects

0%

Costs Cut

0%

Faster AI Dev.

$0B

Transaction Per Year

The Addiction

$300 billion in software stock value collapsed in days. The tools your business runs on are now a liability on your balance sheet — and your board knows it.

I've seen this pattern everywhere.

Rent Forever

Every month you pay. Every month they own a little more of your business. The moment you stop paying, your data, your workflows, your history — gone.

Dead Architecture

The tools your team logs into every day were built for a world before AI. You're paying for yesterday's solution to run today's business.

Locked In

Your data lives in their system, in their format, on their terms. They know switching feels impossible. That's exactly how they want it.

The Hidden Tax

Most businesses have no idea what they're actually spending on software. It's spread across departments, expense reports, and annual renewals nobody questions.

Franken-Stack

One tool feeds into another, into another. Nobody fully understands how it all connects — until something breaks, and everything stops.

THE MOMENT

The Market Just Changed. Your Software Strategy Should Too.

What Just Happened

Wall Street is calling it the SaaSpocalypse. In a matter of days, $300 billion was wiped from the value of software companies as investors concluded that AI has made the traditional subscription software model obsolete.

The businesses most exposed are those locked into expensive, inflexible platforms they can't leave and can't afford to keep renewing. Your finance team will be asking questions. Your board already is.

Where I Come In

I've spent 19 years inside the enterprise software world — implementing the same platforms now under threat. I saw this shift coming before the market did.

I now use that knowledge, combined with AI-accelerated development, to guide you through the transition: auditing what to cut, building what to keep, and delivering custom systems that you own outright — with no subscriptions, no lock-in, and no exposure to the next market shock.

THE RESPONSE

I Rebuild It. With AI.

No retainers until you've seen the savings. No surprises. Every step is designed so you can walk away — until you don't want to.

01

Discovery Call

Free

A 45-minute conversation to understand your current stack, your costs, and whether I can save you money. No pitch. No obligation. If I can't find savings, I'll tell you.

02

Software Review

£6,750

A one-week deep-dive into your entire software estate. I interview your team, audit every active subscription, map every workflow, and identify exactly where you're haemorrhaging cash. You receive a written report with projected 3-year savings, replacement recommendations, and a clear ROI model — whether you work with me further or not.

03

SaaS Detox Sprint

Priced on findings

Based on the Software Review, I build your custom replacement in 4–6 weeks. Fixed price, fixed scope, zero subscriptions on the other side. Priced at 10% of your projected 3-year savings — you keep the other 90%.

My 19 Years. Fortune 500. Now I Build AI-Accelerated.

Background

Australian Government
Breville
Fairfax
RXP
SUEZ
Woolworths
LaunchTN
SiteMinder
Thomson Reuters
Australian Government
Breville
Fairfax
RXP
SUEZ
Woolworths
LaunchTN
SiteMinder
Thomson Reuters

Modern Stack

Supabase
Vercel
TypeScript
Next.js
Cursor
Claude
Azure
Supabase
Vercel
TypeScript
Next.js
Cursor
Claude
Azure
19 Years
Top Secret
AI-Accelerated
Fortune 500

Two Options

Secure Your Slot

Here's how I work with you.

Software Detox Sprint
  • AI-powered audit
  • Custom AI interface
  • Data migration + ownership
  • Cancel subscriptions
  • Full handover
Investment:Priced on Findings
Timeline:4 weeks

5 slots for 2026. Book in advance; change to next available with 30 days notice or your slot is lost.

2026 slots

40%used

Software Detox Sprint

3 / 5 left

Fractional CTO
  • Strategy
  • Roadmap
  • Direct Access
  • Execution
  • Technical ownership
Investment:$6,250/day
Minimum:12 per year

3 slots total. 2 taken. One space left.

1 slot left

67%used

Fractional CTO

1 / 3 left

What leaders say about working with me

5.0

117 reviews

David Freke

David Freke

Solution Architect

Superb knowledge of Salesforce Architecture—develops strategies all stakeholders understand.

Andrew Fragias

Andrew Fragias

Principal Product Manager, Lumary

Clear understanding of Salesforce CRM and architecture to implement and enhance business processes.

Tony Fitzgibbon

Tony Fitzgibbon

Head of Technology, Woolworths

Exemplary platform knowledge with dynamic, thought-provoking approaches. Exactly what large enterprises need early in their Salesforce journey.

Jason Keith

Jason Keith

Woolworths Head of Technology

Highly professional architect—strong in technical and business engagement. Breaks down complexity, builds relationships.

Dinny Evans

Dinny Evans

CFO, New Horizons (recent client)

Exceptional professional—expertise in enterprise architecture, Salesforce, PMO leadership. Remarkable ability to simplify complex projects. Transformed our PMO.

Tony Harrison

Tony Harrison

CPTO Digital Transformer (recent client)

Calm, structured, highly methodical. Deep technical knowledge and stakeholder collaboration. Bridges gap between business needs and technology solutions.

Priyanka Das

Priyanka Das

Senior Business Analyst (direct report)

Standout Enterprise Architect—vision and expertise invaluable for transforming software infrastructure. Meticulous diagrams gave crystal-clear roadmap.

Kristoffer Ferrer

Kristoffer Ferrer

Complex Project Management (direct report)

Key to our transformation. Architecture diagrams gave clarity and roadmap. Strategic leadership brought executives together around common goal.

Mike Dudarenok

Mike Dudarenok

Chief Information and Digital Officer

Tight-knit team delivered on tight timelines under pressure. Focused on getting right things done right—project shipped, users happy.

Walter Nguyen

Walter Nguyen

Integration Solution Engineer (direct report)

Incredible leader and mentor—brings positive energy and motivation. Delivered project successfully on time with very positive client feedback.

Peter Jeans

Peter Jeans

Solution Architect

In-depth architectural knowledge that bolstered the growing Salesforce practice. Key role developing architecture through the Salesforce guild.

Sally Montgomery

Sally Montgomery

Product Manager, Woolworths

Instrumental in setup and running the Salesforce CoE during growth stage. People person who built strong relationships.

Anil Kumar

Anil Kumar

CRM, AI, Digital Transformation

Instrumental in setting up Salesforce COE at Woolworths. Easy to work with, keeps people informed, great sense of humour.

Henri Fanda

Henri Fanda

Senior Data Analyst (direct report)

One of the best project managers—calm, assuring, keeps team on track. Goes extra distance to remove roadblocks.

Andrew Zybenko

Andrew Zybenko

Fire Safety / Business Operations

Determined optimal roadmap for new Salesforce instance in complex corporate IT. Expertise imperative for viable, robust architecture.

Yarlini Aravindan

Yarlini Aravindan

Managing business/applications (direct manager)

Exceptional professional—excels at big picture architecture and right tech solutions. Charismatic leadership elevates entire team.

Nikesh Lalchandani

Nikesh Lalchandani

Payments / Fintech Author

Highly knowledgeable, exceptionally positive. Combines technical depth with collaborative approach—pleasure to work with.

Rachel de los Santos

Rachel de los Santos

Senior Test Analyst

Truly valuable asset—immense energy, positive atmosphere. Vast Salesforce knowledge huge advantage to entire project.

Misha Petrov

Misha Petrov

Senior SAP Project Manager, Woolworths

Enterprise Architect who sees beyond the horizon, identifies opportunities and anticipates challenges

Abe Diamond

Abe Diamond

Forward Deployed Engineering Leader

Experience and technical skills mixed with energetic but relaxed outlook - great senior addition to any project

Jeroen Brejaart

Jeroen Brejaart

Senior Technology Leader, Digital Transformation

Very structured, disciplined, delivery oriented and dynamic

Damon Hayhow

Damon Hayhow

Recomposer Creator

One of the most innovative thinkers - rare ability to communicate technological business solutions in easy-to-understand manner

Ian Carpenter

Ian Carpenter

Founder | Startup Investor | Tech Strategy Advisor

Implemented SaaS solutions for organisations wishing to commercialise and productise their IP

Steve Harris

Steve Harris

Cutting edge programmer and innovative thinker with a broad portfolio of solutions covering extremely wide range of business scenarios

Janina Harper

Janina Harper

Partner, Technology Consulting, KPMG Australia

Brings great energy, amazing technical leadership and never-say-no attitude working as Salesforce Architect

Kapil Shah

Kapil Shah

Co-Founder @Wizly | Design Leader | UX | Product

Immense knowledge in Salesforce architecture - huge asset in UX research process

Maelle Polak

Maelle Polak

Salesforce Solution Architect, 14x Certified

Acquired international experience in business analysis and consulting - very valuable problem solver

John Stapleton

John Stapleton

Marketing Director, DrivenAction.com (direct report)

Runs projects with real focus on ultimate users - exceptional team leadership

Damien Ryan

Damien Ryan

Distinguished Solution Engineer, ANZ Public Sector, Salesforce

Approachable personality and thorough knowledge of the Salesforce platform - absolute pleasure to work with

Brandon Bruce

Brandon Bruce

Co-founder Uncat, Co-founder 121 Tech Hub

Knows how to get the most out of Salesforce for clients

Brett Greathouse

Brett Greathouse

President, Touchpoint Solutions - Healthcare AI/Salesforce

Knows Salesforce.com and how to get the most from it

Matthew Sutton

Matthew Sutton

Founder | Salesforce Partner | AI Enthusiast (client)

Thoroughly professional with excellent industry knowledge

Misha Petrov

Misha Petrov

Senior SAP Project Manager, Woolworths

Always comes up with out-of-the-box ideas and knows how to bring them to life

Abe Diamond

Abe Diamond

Forward Deployed Engineering Leader

Confidence and communication allows him to be in a room with any C-level to most junior staff

Jeroen Brejaart

Jeroen Brejaart

Senior Technology Leader, Digital Transformation

Makes understanding complex processes and situations look easy, then puts hard work into getting it done

Damon Hayhow

Damon Hayhow

Recomposer Creator

Makes technology relevant to solving real business problems

Ian Carpenter

Ian Carpenter

Founder | Startup Investor | Tech Strategy Advisor

Practical, direct and very experienced - results speak for themselves

Janina Harper

Janina Harper

Partner, Technology Consulting, KPMG Australia

Provided client with confidence leading them through complex ambitions over 12 months

Kapil Shah

Kapil Shah

Co-Founder @Wizly | Design Leader | UX | Product

Core architectural principles are strong - absolute pleasure to work with

Maelle Polak

Maelle Polak

Salesforce Solution Architect, 14x Certified

Not afraid to take new challenges - strong soft skills, very professional with clients

John Stapleton

John Stapleton

Marketing Director, DrivenAction.com (direct report)

Depth of practical Salesforce.com application knowledge in the real business world

Brandon Bruce

Brandon Bruce

Co-founder Uncat, Co-founder 121 Tech Hub

Maximises technology return on investment for the organisations he serves

Brett Greathouse

Brett Greathouse

President, Touchpoint Solutions - Healthcare AI/Salesforce

As a client, he's always acted with integrity

Misha Petrov

Misha Petrov

Senior SAP Project Manager, Woolworths

Will add significant value to projects of any complexity

Abe Diamond

Abe Diamond

Forward Deployed Engineering Leader

Facilitates conversations that tackle project challenges in an effective manner

Janina Harper

Janina Harper

Partner, Technology Consulting, KPMG Australia

Helpful, knowledgeable, and always up-to-date on new technologies and trends

Maelle Polak

Maelle Polak

Salesforce Solution Architect, 14x Certified

Never loses positive attitude - keeps team motivated

Matthew Sutton

Matthew Sutton

Founder | Salesforce Partner | AI Enthusiast (client)

Willingness to help others using personal and professional skills - can be trusted in any circumstance

Charmaine van der Merwe

Charmaine van der Merwe

CIO | MBA, Thinktank Commercial Property Finance (direct report)

Natural leader and great mentor - simplifies complex problems with analytical and critical thinking

Caroline Birch

Caroline Birch

Somatic Coach

Wealth of knowledge and experience - consistently strives to add value and support project team members

Sally Turpin

Sally Turpin

Strategic Leader (client)

Lead Salesforce implementation - receptive to feedback, did everything to ensure project met all needs

Paul Reid

Paul Reid

Change Manager (direct report)

Inspires those around him to tackle any challenge head on, break it down, and resolve any issue

Lance Orsmond

Lance Orsmond

Innovation Facilitator & Incubator (client)

Passionate exploiter of CRM systems for organisations seeing value in transformational change

Chris Franklin

Chris Franklin

Lead Functional Consultant (direct report)

Would make an ideal CIO for any organisation looking to advance their CRM implementation

Yanis Guzel

Yanis Guzel

Program Director, University of Sydney | Business Transformation

Salesforce guru bringing tremendous energy and insight into everything he does

Alan Blair

Alan Blair

CRO Specialist | Experimentation

Knack for distilling complicated ideas into simple, actionable plans to make any business situation better

Yassine El Jouaidi

Yassine El Jouaidi

SaaS Consulting client

Through Adrian's SaaS consulting, we now focus on delivery of our services online, generating extended income from clients

Jurie Fourie

Jurie Fourie

Group HR Manager, Inghams Enterprises (client)

Knowledgeable and well-connected professional - scoped and addressed Company's needs accurately and timeously

Dylan Byrne

Dylan Byrne

Partner, Business Advisory, BDO Australia

Very good at understanding client needs and applying that knowledge to service delivery

Will Focus

Will Focus

Brand Consultant | Founder

Excellent ability to use systems and resources to properly time manage and direct various production steps

Nicole Watson

Nicole Watson

Process Technician, Rio Tinto

Absolute pleasure to work with - courteous, professional, will always go above and beyond

Charmaine van der Merwe

Charmaine van der Merwe

CIO | MBA, Thinktank Commercial Property Finance (direct report)

Sees and understands the bigger picture and value to the customer

Caroline Birch

Caroline Birch

Somatic Coach

Ability to see through complexity and noise, design simple, effective solutions

Sally Turpin

Sally Turpin

Strategic Leader (client)

Deciphered complex entities and simplified things for maximum leverage converting staff to new system

Paul Reid

Paul Reid

Change Manager (direct report)

Brings out the best in others - grants responsibility to get the job done

Lance Orsmond

Lance Orsmond

Innovation Facilitator & Incubator (client)

Fun to work with, professional, knowledgeable and always eager to make a difference

Chris Franklin

Chris Franklin

Lead Functional Consultant (direct report)

Seeks to get the best out of those he works with and help them excel

Yanis Guzel

Yanis Guzel

Program Director, University of Sydney | Business Transformation

Responsiveness and attention to detail - willingness to help makes him a valuable contributor

Alan Blair

Alan Blair

CRO Specialist | Experimentation

Never failed to give me clarity and confidence about a way forward

Dylan Byrne

Dylan Byrne

Partner, Business Advisory, BDO Australia

Excellent research skills finding out about prospective clients and their needs

Will Focus

Will Focus

Brand Consultant | Founder

Made every step in the development process seamless and efficient

Charmaine van der Merwe

Charmaine van der Merwe

CIO | MBA, Thinktank Commercial Property Finance (direct report)

Great interpersonal skills - makes a positive impact on people

Paul Reid

Paul Reid

Change Manager (direct report)

Creates atmosphere of optimism and enthusiasm on every project

Yanis Guzel

Yanis Guzel

Program Director, University of Sydney | Business Transformation

Sees the big picture AND breaks it down into manageable tasks

Alan Blair

Alan Blair

CRO Specialist | Experimentation

Sincere, generous person and a lot of fun to hang out with

Dylan Byrne

Dylan Byrne

Partner, Business Advisory, BDO Australia

Clear BD approach with years of experience consistently produces better results

Adrian Barkus — Fractional CTO

A bit about me

Adrian Barkus

Fractional CTO · Enterprise Architect

19 Years Enterprise ArchitectureThomson Reuters · WoolworthsTOGAF 9.1 CertifiedTop Secret Cleared (Former)

I've spent 19 years solving the technology problems that quietly drain companies dry. From cutting $3.5M in SaaS costs in 40 days, to architecting the systems that enabled a $155M acquisition — I've seen what broken tech costs, and exactly how to fix it. Now I do it faster than ever, using AI-accelerated development to turn 6-month builds into 4-week sprints.

Connect on LinkedIn

The Questions I Get Asked Most

We already have an IT team. Why would we need you?+

Your IT team keeps the lights on. That's their job and they're good at it. What they don't have is the strategic mandate to challenge your entire software estate, the enterprise architecture experience to redesign it, or the AI-accelerated development speed to rebuild it in weeks. I work alongside your team — not instead of them.

How do you justify the cost of the Software Review?+

The Software Review costs £6,750. Every client so far has identified savings that exceed that within the first year — typically by a factor of 10 or more. If I can't find meaningful savings in your software estate, I'll tell you in the first session and we stop there. You keep the findings. No further obligation.

Can you really build a replacement system in 4–6 weeks?+

Yes — because I'm not building for a portfolio of clients or managing a team of contractors. I build solo, using AI-accelerated development tools that compress what used to take months into weeks. The scope is scoped tightly to what you actually use, not what your current vendor sells you. Smaller scope, faster delivery, lower cost.

What if we're locked into a long-term contract with our current vendors?+

That's the most common situation I walk into. We plan around your renewal dates. The Software Review maps every contract expiry, so we sequence the replacements to coincide with natural exit points. You stop paying the moment the contract ends — not a day later than necessary.

What happens to the system after you've built it? Are we dependent on you?+

No — and that's by design. Every system I build is fully documented, hosted in your own repository, and built on widely used modern technology. Any competent developer can maintain or extend it. I can also help you hire someone to take it over internally. My goal is to make you independent, not reliant on another vendor — including me.

How is this different from hiring a development agency?+

Three ways. Speed — agencies take 3–6 months, I deliver in 4–6 weeks. Cost — agencies quote £60k–£100k for what I deliver at a fraction of that. Accountability — with an agency you get account managers and handoffs. With me you get the same senior architect from the first call to the final handover. No middlemen, no surprises.

The Market Has Moved.
Don't Wait for Your Next Renewal.

Every week you delay is another week of exposure. A free Discovery Call takes 45 minutes. The findings could change what you spend on software for the next decade.