To build or to buy?

In today’s fast-paced digital transformation, IT resellers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) face a critical decision: should they invest time and capital to build their own infrastructure, or should they opt for a pre-built platform that meets all their needs—customer management, sales, order processing, invoicing, and system integration?

The Case for Building Your own Infrastructure:

• Customization: Tailoring your system to meet your needs can offer a competitive edge.
• Ownership: Full control over your infrastructure means you’re not dependent on a third-party provider.
• Cost: While initial costs are high, you may save in the long run by avoiding subscription fees.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Considering the ongoing costs and effort required to keep your system updated and secure is crucial.

The Case for Buying a Pre-Built Platform

• Speed to Market: Pre-built solutions allow you to get up and running quickly, which is crucial in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Scalability: As your business grows, a pre-built platform can easily adapt to your expanding needs.
• Focus: Outsourcing the technical aspects lets you concentrate on your core business—customer relationships, sales, and service delivery.

Before making this choice, consider the following questions:

• What are my Business Goals?
  Is your focus on rapid growth, or are you more concerned with custom solutions for a smal niche markets?
• Do I have the resources?
  Building your own system requires a significant investment of time, money, and expertise. Do you have these resources readily available?
• How quickly do I need to scale?
  Pre-built platforms often offer quicker scalability. Is this a priority for your business?
• What are the long-term costs?
  Both options come with ongoing costs. Have you considered the expense of updates and maintenance if you build your own?
• Where does my expertise lie?
  Is your core competency in technology, or is it in customer relationships, sales, and service delivery?

Your answers to these questions can guide you in making an informed decision that aligns with your business strategy.

For a practical perspective on this complex decision-making process, read about how nLogic navigated these questions. Their experience can offer valuable insights into the factors that could influence your choice.

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