Developer portals are essential for exposing APIs to external users, offering features like account creation, API access, and authentication management. Companies usually face a choice between building a custom developer portal or using a pre-built solution, each with its own challenges such as development complexity or customization limits. The Moesif Developer Portal offers a hybrid approach by providing an open-source, flexible framework built with React and NodeJS, allowing developers to easily integrate with API gateways and payment systems like Stripe. This solution aims to overcome the limitations of vendor lock-in and customization complexities associated with traditional gateway-based portals, enabling developers to quickly set up and tailor their portals for API monetization. Moesif's platform supports a variety of security protocols and is designed for scalability and ease of use, making it a viable option for developers seeking a balanced solution between building and buying.