BalkanID, a company focused on AI-driven identity security and access governance, initially utilized the open-source authentication tool Ory Kratos due to its headless, customizable nature. However, they faced challenges with ongoing maintenance, versioning issues, and the need for custom multi-tenancy solutions, which diverted resources from their core product development. This led them to explore and eventually adopt Descope, a CIAM provider, which provided enterprise-grade features like multi-tenancy, SSO, and a visual flow builder that allowed for quick implementation without extensive engineering resources. Descope's solution enabled BalkanID to regain focus on product innovation and scale efficiently, highlighting the importance of choosing a robust external authentication solution when serving enterprise customers. The experience underscored the significance of prioritizing unique product features over reinventing authentication systems, especially for startups aiming for rapid market entry and growth.