Apache Kafka has become a leading technology for data streaming, used by over 70% of Fortune 500 companies and numerous organizations globally to enhance customer experiences and provide real-time business insights. Despite its widespread adoption, managing Kafka systems in-house can be complex and resource-intensive, prompting many businesses to consider fully managed data streaming platforms. These platforms offer comprehensive capabilities, such as infrastructure provisioning, pipeline security, and cloud deployment, which allow organizations to focus on core competencies rather than the intricacies of maintaining distributed systems. The shift towards managed services is part of a broader trend where businesses seek to offload operational complexities to focus on strategic initiatives. A decision tree and a "Build vs. Buy" guide can assist companies in determining whether a managed data streaming platform suits their needs. Additionally, collaborations like those between Confluent and AWS are making cloud management and adoption more accessible, further supporting organizations in leveraging data streaming for transformative purposes, such as City of Hope's mission to innovate cancer care.