Tech Disruptors Workdays CTO on its Open-Platform Bet
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Dec 9, 2025 Join Peter Bailis, Workday's CTO and former Google Cloud leader, as he dives into the exciting evolution of Workday's AI-ready open platform. He highlights how zero-copy data access and API-first design enhance governance and security. Discover the transformative roles of tools like Illuminate and Paradox in streamlining HR and recruiting. Peter emphasizes the importance of connectivity and relevance for enterprise AI, while discussing the competitive landscape for becoming the primary workplace entry point.
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Platform Over App
- Workday is shifting from a monolithic SaaS app to an AI-ready platform built on people-and-money data.
- The platform aims to unlock value at both foundation-model and application layers by exposing governed data for AI.
Choose Openness To Grow Value
- Give customers choice by exposing open standards and APIs rather than closing access.
- Openness increases Workday's value and enables it to be both an application and platform company.
Open With Built-In Governance
- Opening the platform preserves strict governance by applying Workday's existing security model to open standards.
- Zero-copy analytics (Iceberg format) lets customers query without copying raw data or losing permissions.