Starbucks is brewing something besides lattes. The coffee chain is building its own AI-powered software tools designed to replace systems it currently licenses from Microsoft and IBM, according to an internal presentation reviewed by Bloomberg News.
The company is targeting Microsoft Dynamics 365, which it uses for inventory tracking, and IBM’s TRIRIGA platform, which handles maintenance management. Some of the internally developed replacements could go live by the end of 2027, assuming testing goes well.
IBM shares declined in early trading following the report on July 9, 2026. Microsoft also saw a slight dip. Starbucks’ own stock remained relatively stable.
The initiative reportedly leverages AI-assisted coding, which dramatically lowers the barrier to building custom software.
IBM faces a more straightforward threat. TRIRIGA is part of IBM’s Maximo suite, which is a core revenue driver in its infrastructure management business.
