Sridhar Vembu, founder and chief scientist of Zoho Corp, issued a stark warning on Sunday about the impact of artificial intelligence on the software industry. Highlighting the ongoing productivity revolution fueled by large language models (LLMs) and advanced development tools, Vembu said this technological shift “could destroy a lot of software jobs.”
He emphasized the need for constant vigilance in the face of rapid innovation, reminding employees and the industry that well-paid software engineering roles are not guaranteed for the future. “The fact that software engineers earn more than mechanical engineers, civil engineers, chemists, or school teachers is not a birthright,” Vembu said. “Neither can we take for granted the willingness of customers to pay for our products.”
Vembu echoed Intel’s late CEO Andy Grove’s famous mantra: “Only the paranoid survive.” He urged the software community to acknowledge the risks of disruption rather than assume immunity.
His caution aligns with recent global concerns. In January 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a report estimating that nearly 40% of global jobs are exposed to AI-driven change. Unlike earlier automation waves, AI threatens even high-skilled positions, placing advanced economies at particular risk.
According to the IMF, about 60% of jobs in advanced economies could be affected by AI. While half of those roles might see productivity benefits, the rest may face diminished demand, wage pressures, or complete elimination. The report warned that “in the most extreme cases, some of these jobs may disappear.”
In contrast, AI exposure is lower in emerging and low-income countries—at 40% and 26%, respectively—but these regions may suffer from growing inequality due to limited digital infrastructure and fewer skilled workers to capitalize on AI advancements.
Vembu’s remarks serve as a sobering reminder for the tech industry to prepare for a future where AI reshapes employment landscapes dramatically.
