How is the Build vs. Buy vs. Partner recommendation determined?

The recommendation is based on weighted scoring across 8 dimensions. We calculate normalized scores for each option (Build, Buy, Partner) and determine the optimal path based on your specific context and priorities, with confidence scoring based on the margin of difference.

What is the TCO comparison methodology?

We model 3-year Total Cost of Ownership including initial investment, implementation costs, ongoing operations, maintenance, and opportunity costs. Each option uses industry-specific cost benchmarks adjusted for your company size and complexity.

What are hybrid approaches?

When scores are close between options, we identify hybrid approaches that combine strategies—such as buying a platform and building custom extensions, or partnering for initial development then transitioning to in-house. These often provide optimal outcomes.

How do I interpret the confidence score?

Confidence scores above 80% indicate a clear recommendation. Scores between 60-80% suggest the recommendation is sound but alternatives are viable. Below 60% indicates hybrid approaches should be seriously considered.

Can I save and compare multiple scenarios?

Currently, each assessment generates a complete recommendation. You can export results and run multiple assessments with different parameters to compare scenarios.

How does this compare to consulting firm analysis?

This tool gives you a structured decision view in 5-7 minutes. A deeper advisory process can add vendor evaluation, negotiation support, and stakeholder facilitation, but this helps clarify the trade-offs early.

Build vs. Buy vs. Partner Framework

By Juan Beltrán, Industrial B2B AI Transformation Executive.

The Build vs. Buy vs. Partner Framework is a free decision tool that helps technology leaders evaluate AI capability acquisition strategies. Through structured assessment across 8 dimensions—including strategic differentiation, time-to-market, total cost of ownership, and risk profile—you'll receive a clear recommendation with confidence scoring, TCO comparison, and implementation roadmap.

What it looks at

Structured evaluation across 8 strategic dimensions
3-year TCO comparison for each option
Confidence-scored recommendation (Build/Buy/Partner)
Hybrid approach detection for optimal strategies
Risk assessment with mitigation strategies
Implementation roadmap with timeline

Who it is for

CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and technology leaders evaluating whether to build AI capabilities in-house, purchase commercial solutions, or partner with specialized vendors—seeking a structured framework to eliminate gut-feel decisions.

How the score is constructed

The framework evaluates eight dimensions: Strategic Differentiation, Time Sensitivity, Internal Capability, Total Cost of Ownership, Risk Profile, Scalability Requirements, Integration Complexity, and Long-term Maintainability. Your priorities set the weights. The recommendation exposes trade-offs; it does not claim to be an industry benchmark or vendor-selection verdict.

Define Company Context

Share your industry, size, and strategic priorities to calibrate the assessment framework.

Set Strategic Alignment

Indicate the strategic importance and urgency of the capability you're evaluating.

Describe the Capability

Detail the specific AI capability, including complexity, integration requirements, and timeline.

Customize Dimension Weights

Adjust the importance of each evaluation dimension based on your organizational priorities.

Answer Assessment Questions

Respond to targeted questions across all 8 dimensions to generate your evaluation.

Receive Recommendation

Get a confidence-scored recommendation with TCO comparison, risk assessment, and implementation roadmap.

Questions executives ask

How is the Build vs. Buy vs. Partner recommendation determined?: The recommendation is based on weighted scoring across 8 dimensions. We calculate normalized scores for each option (Build, Buy, Partner) and determine the optimal path based on your specific context and priorities, with confidence scoring based on the margin of difference.
What is the TCO comparison methodology?: We model 3-year Total Cost of Ownership including initial investment, implementation costs, ongoing operations, maintenance, and opportunity costs. Each option uses industry-specific cost benchmarks adjusted for your company size and complexity.
What are hybrid approaches?: When scores are close between options, we identify hybrid approaches that combine strategies—such as buying a platform and building custom extensions, or partnering for initial development then transitioning to in-house. These often provide optimal outcomes.
How do I interpret the confidence score?: Confidence scores above 80% indicate a clear recommendation. Scores between 60-80% suggest the recommendation is sound but alternatives are viable. Below 60% indicates hybrid approaches should be seriously considered.
Can I save and compare multiple scenarios?: Currently, each assessment generates a complete recommendation. You can export results and run multiple assessments with different parameters to compare scenarios.
How does this compare to consulting firm analysis?: This tool gives you a structured decision view in 5-7 minutes. A deeper advisory process can add vendor evaluation, negotiation support, and stakeholder facilitation, but this helps clarify the trade-offs early.

Canonical URL: https://juanbeltran.ch/tools/build-buy-partner