Salesforce, Datadog, and Epic are tightening their control over their platforms, marking a shift in the software industry that has thrived on open APIs and data sharing for years. Recent actions highlight this trend: Salesforce restricted Slack’s API usage, limiting third-party apps to one API call per minute, while Datadog deactivated the accounts of a competitor, Deductive AI. Epic is facing legal challenges for allegedly using patient records as a means to control access. These moves indicate that established companies are becoming more defensive against emerging threats. The rapid advancement of AI is accelerating software development, allowing companies to expand their offerings and compete more aggressively with former partners. As incumbents become more protective, they signal the areas they view as valuable. For instance, Salesforce’s restrictions on Slack suggest they see growing competitive pressure, while Epic’s actions regarding patient data point to a strategy of gatekeeping. Companies that previously thrived by building on these platforms are now facing more risk, as demonstrated by the billions made by firms like Vlocity and Klaviyo that relied on Salesforce and Shopify. Building on established platforms has shifted from a stable strategy to a more precarious one. Incumbents are actively reinforcing their positions, indicating they see credible threats on the horizon. The landscape is changing as both startups and established players aim to control the entire tech stack, reflecting a new reality where the pace of AI-driven development blurs the lines between traditional competitors and collaborators.