Question 1

Isn't 'partner' just a sales pitch for agencies?

Accepted Answer

Only if it's the wrong answer for your situation. This tool scores toward Buy or Build just as readily — it recommends a partner specifically when the need is too specific for generic tools but you don't yet have the in-house depth to build and maintain it alone.

Question 2

What if we score in the middle but really want to build it ourselves?

Accepted Answer

You can. The score reflects risk, not a rule — a mid-range score means building in-house is possible but likely slower and more expensive than it needs to be, often because of one specific gap (expertise, timeline, or budget) rather than the whole approach being wrong.

Question 3

Why does urgency push toward buying instead of building?

Accepted Answer

Because custom builds have a floor on how fast they can go — design, implementation, and hardening all take time regardless of budget. If you need something live now, buying (or partnering, for something that needs more customization) is the only way to hit that timeline.

Question 4

Does a mature vendor market always mean we should buy?

Accepted Answer

Usually, but not if the capability is your core differentiator. A crowded, mature vendor market for a commodity function is a strong signal to buy; the same market maturity for something central to your product is a reason to build something better than what's available.

Question 5

Can the right answer change over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A capability you buy today because you need speed can become worth building later once it proves valuable, you've hired the team, and the differentiation case gets stronger. Reassess when any of the eight factors shifts materially.

Build vs Buy vs Partner

Is this capability core to your competitive advantage?

About the Assessment