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Databricks Apps Adoption Playbook

Field vs Product framework for driving adoption

Product Context: Databricks Apps

Product Overview

Databricks Apps is a new product line enabling customers to build and deploy applications natively on the Databricks platform.

Current State

Metric Value
Revenue Growth $5M → $70M in one year (organic, 14x growth)
GTM Maturity Scaled organically without clear product strategy
SKU Model Standalone SKU available

What’s Working

  • Strong organic adoption signal
  • Executive preference for building on Databricks
  • Natural synergy with existing data/AI investments

What’s Not Ready Yet

  • App hosting platform capabilities still being built
  • Fine-grained cost control not available
  • Infinite scalability not yet competitive with hyperscalers
  • Not positioned to compete head-to-head with established app platforms

Current Sweet Spot

  • Net-new applications built natively on Databricks
  • Customers already invested in Databricks data/AI ecosystem
  • Use cases leveraging Lakebase, Governance, and AI integration

Product Roadmap

Near-Term (FY26)

Initiative Description
App Spaces Related apps that can be spun up/down easily
Cost Efficiency Improved resource management for app clusters

Mid-Term (FY27)

Initiative Description
Legacy Framework Support Java/.NET app migration capability
Fully Featured Apps More complete app development experience

Long-Term Vision

Initiative Description
Vertical SaaS on Apps CDP, Cybersecurity Analytics built on Apps platform
Platform Maturity Compete with hyperscaler app platforms

Product Strategy Assessment

Strengths

  • 14x organic growth validates market demand
  • Strong integration with Databricks ecosystem
  • Executive buy-in for platform consolidation

Gaps / Risks

  • No clear product strategy documented
  • ICP (Ideal Customer Profile) may not be aligned between Product and GTM
  • Feature gaps limit competitive positioning vs. established platforms

Critical Questions

  • Is there alignment between Product and GTM on ICP?
  • What’s the biggest product gap killing deals today?
  • How do we message limitations while the platform matures?

Implications for Adoption Architect Role

  1. Position for net-new apps - Don’t fight the legacy migration battle yet
  2. Lead with ecosystem value - Apps + Lakebase + Governance + AI = differentiation
  3. Manage expectations - Set realistic timelines for feature parity
  4. Capture signal - Use adoption friction to influence PM roadmap prioritization

Last Updated: January 2026

Related: Friction Summary for detailed product gaps