Build, buy or partner?
Engineering time is your scarcest resource. Spend it only where it creates an advantage customers notice.
Build
When It Differentiates
“Is this why customers choose us?”
Gain: control and advantage
Cost: time, people, upkeep forever
Buy
When It's A Commodity
“Does a good-enough version already exist?”
Gain: speed and focus
Cost: less control, vendor lock-in
Partner
When You Lack Reach
“Can someone else bring what we can't?”
Gain: reach and capability
Cost: shared value, dependency
Source: POPIA.co.za ↗
Build what makes you different.