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Salesforce has restricted Slack's API as of May 2025, limiting third-party apps to one API call per minute and fifteen messages per request. Datadog has deactivated accounts for rival Deductive AI, while Epic is facing a lawsuit in Texas for allegedly using patient records as a 'gatekeeping tool.'

This trend reflects a shift in the software industry where established companies are tightening control amid rapid AI-driven development. Notable platform businesses have thrived in the past, such as Vlocity with a $1.33 billion acquisition and Veeva with a $36 billion market cap, but the stability of building on existing systems is diminishing. The actions of Salesforce and Epic indicate the perceived threat from competitors, as they enhance defenses around valuable assets in a competitive landscape where both startups and incumbents can leverage AI for comprehensive solutions.