Build, buy, or open source? Understanding your options with Grafana’s AI-powered observability

Engineering teams face a recurring decision on whether to build, buy, or leverage open-source solutions for AI-powered observability tools, with each option offering distinct benefits and trade-offs. Building in-house provides maximum control but requires significant time and resources, while buying offers out-of-the-box intelligence that can save time and focus for core competencies. Open source, exemplified by Grafana's ecosystem, offers flexibility and control without starting from scratch, but it necessitates additional responsibilities to create a complete AI solution. Grafana Labs emphasizes that these options are not mutually exclusive and encourages a blend of strategies, allowing teams to start with open-source tools, use managed solutions like Grafana Cloud for acceleration, and integrate custom internal systems as needed. This approach ensures adaptability and continuity in observability strategies, supporting seamless transitions between different lanes on what Grafana describes as a "connected highway" of observability solutions.