When the decision to take the plunge into AI is made, the next question will be whether to buy a ready-made AI solution or to create one in-house.
There is no simple solution to this question as the answer must be tailored to the exact needs and capabilities of your organization. Ready-made solutions are quick and easy but may not fit your needs exactly but a careful in-house solution may take more time to develop thus delaying your entry into the market. It also hinges on finding the right kind of talent to accomplish the job.
Here are the questions VentureBeat thinks you should ask:
The category is: Build or buy. The questions to answer are:
In the end, do I want an AI solution that will result not just in a problem solved, but a proprietary asset or intellectual property?
Do I need to define a specific ROI, and does this solution allow me to calculate that down to the penny and personnel?
How fast do I need to get up and running? Are there wolves at my heels or an opportunity to explore a wider array of AI possibilities and potential profit?
How hands-on do I want to be, how hands-on will I have to be, and can I afford either of those options, in time, effort, and cost?
Getting the right solution requires in-depth conversations with stakeholders, including leadership, technology, marketing, and sales. And transparent, hard-hitting discussions with the vendors or a potential new team you are considering bringing onboard. Also, insight from the experts already in the trenches, who have made the decisions, lived with the results, and have the real-world case studies and results at hand to help you make the best decision for your unique business needs.
