Appian makes and sells a process automation platform that large enterprises and government agencies use to design, automate, and manage complex business workflows — things like insurance claims processing, regulatory compliance, loan origination, and patient intake. The platform has three core layers: process orchestration (sequencing tasks and systems), a patented data fabric (connecting data across disparate enterprise systems in real time without requiring migration), and embedded AI and automation tools including intelligent document processing, RPA, AI agents, and process mining. Appian's core thesis is that AI must be deployed inside a structured process — not as a standalone tool — to be reliable at enterprise scale. Appian sells almost entirely via subscription (~79% of revenue), split between cloud subscriptions hosted on AWS and on-premise term licenses, the latter still meaningful in the federal government but declining as a share of mix. Subscription gross margins run roughly 86–89%. The remaining ~21% of revenue comes from professional services, which carry lower margins but drive adoption and retention. Appian grows through new customer wins, user seat expansion, and tier upgrades — its AI-inclusive pricing tier carries roughly a 25% price premium, and over a quarter of customers now pay for it. Key verticals include financial services, government, life sciences, insurance, and manufacturing. Appian sells direct, supported by GSI partners including Accenture, Deloitte, and PwC. A notable recent win is a $500M, 10-year enterprise license with the U.S. Army.