AI agents are beginning to upend software in a fundamental way. Over the next decade, the familiar SaaS model will be displaced by complex adaptive systems that act as autonomous coworkers: observing context, taking initiative, delivering outcomes. The shift has already begun, embedded in workflows you use today, but it will accelerate as agents become more competent, trustworthy, and human-like. This book is for those building this future. Grounded in complex systems theory and AI research and engineering, but balanced by design and product thinking, AGENTIFY draws on work with dozens of teams building AI agents today.
Packed with lessons that outlast the weekly flux of new models and frameworks, AGENTIFY combines research depth, engineering rigor, product acumen, and design craft in one meticulous volume. AGENTIFY shows how agents differ from apps: continuous planning loops, memory, tool use, meta-learning, and world modeling. It also develops architectural patterns for autonomy and oversight. Topics include reinforcement learning, synthetic and curated training data, fine-tuning and tool formation, protocols, precision context engineering, and subagent orchestration. Case studies, research surveys, and insights from work with dozens of real teams will help you to ship agents that deliver outcomes.
Here you'll find the foundational patterns, trade-offs, and mental models to navigate the future of software. No other resource in print today spans as many dimensions critical to your agents' success.
About the Author :
Michael Palmer is the CEO and Chief Scientist of Taos Research Corporation, which focuses on using AI to accelerate business and scientific outcomes for global companies as well as non-profits, government, and academia. Previously, Michael was CTO of U.S. Bank in charge of AI, digital, and data technologies. His career spans over 25 years in Silicon Valley with roles leading large-scale AI & machine learning and data platforms for Yahoo, founding roles at multiple successful startups, and experience in venture capital at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Michael holds two master's degrees from Stanford University: one in engineering with a focus on robotics and computer science, the second an MBA. He was a Fulbright Scholar under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State. Michael graduated from Haverford College, Phi Beta Kappa, and magna cum laude. His undergraduate studies were in math, physics, and economics.
Review :
"AGENTIFY is the most important technology book I've read in a decade. The same rigor that separates winning hedge funds and private-equity portfolios from the rest (deep domain moats, adaptive feedback loops, and robust risk control) is now required to build winning AI agents. Every investor and founder allocating capital to autonomous agents needs to read this book - twice."
- John Botti, Wall Street Veteran, former Chief Investment Officer of multi-billion dollar credit hedge fund
"Michael Palmer has a rare ability to deconstruct the complex 'black box' of AI into actionable engineering principles. AGENTIFY brilliantly balances the science of machine learning with the art of user-centric design. Whether you are a developer, an executive, or an investor, the insight in this book will fundamentally change how you understand the mechanics and the potential of AI agents in the modern economy."
- Dan Benveniste, CEO and Founder, SkillWaze
"This is the book you need to understand what it means for AI agents to act with autonomy. By weaving together the challenges of autonomy, accountability, and trust with the opportunities of an augmented digital workforce AGENTIFY offers a compelling yet balanced vision of the possible. Rather than either warning or celebrating, Palmer invites readers to grapple with the relationship we will need to develop with systems that act on their own on our behalf. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand not just the technology, but the future of human agency in a world of autonomous machines."
- Gil Yehuda, Head of Open Source at a major American bank
"Few books today capture the real-world practicality of agentic AI. AGENTIFY does. It's an essential read for any founder or team shaping the next generation of intelligent systems, with clear insight into where today's AI still has limits. Every founder should read it."
- Swaroop 'Kittu' Kolluri, Founder and Managing Director, Neotribe Ventures
"AGENTIFY offers a rare blend of vision and depth on AI agents. For those actively building in the eld, it can help turn strategy into real business outcomes."
- John Burns, Chairman, Board of Directors (multiple companies)
"Michael's deep technical expertise and decades of product lead- ership shine through in AGENTIFY. While AI Agents are a daily topic in tech and venture circles at this point, rarely do those conversations reveal a clear vision of realistic end goals with paths to achieve them for most use cases. AGENTIFY carefully illustrates some of the most plausible outcomes in the rapidly evolving agentic world and is a valuable read for those trying to see around the corners of AI evolution to come."
- Paul Longhenry, General Partner, TheFounderVC
"AGENTIFY performs the difficult task of smoothly transition- ing from foundational AI theory to practical technical concepts, all
woven together with beautiful narrative examples. This is an essential read for any modern-day founder building an AI product."
- Brent Hobson, CEO, Wytebox
"Every business line risk manager should own a copy of this toolkit! It's written for the practitioner by someone who has deployed agents on almost every commercially available pipeline. This book is filled with real world advice for managing risk while rapidly scaling agents as products based on actual practice, using terms like think out loud instead of explainability to set the bar for effective risk management."
- Jeff Terry, Former Chair, The Clearing House Enterprise Risk Committee, Financial Services Technology Risk Executive
