How This CPO Approaches the Buy vs. Build Decision for Software Components

Integrating new functionality into a product involves weighing the decision between building in-house or purchasing from third-party providers, with considerations of cost, time, scalability, and alignment with core product missions. Dafna David, the Chief Product Officer at Bridgify, emphasizes that determining whether a feature is essential to a product's mission is crucial when making this choice, as core functionalities often require in-house development for control and customization. Conversely, ancillary features might be more efficiently integrated using third-party solutions to allow engineers to focus on the primary service. Scalability is a significant factor, as internally developed solutions might not sustain growing user bases, while third-party components, though quicker to deploy, may be limited by vendor capabilities. David stresses the importance of choosing tech partners who are committed to supporting growth and maintaining a collaborative relationship. A meticulous evaluation of vendor offerings, alongside an understanding of a company's needs and long-term goals, is vital for establishing a successful product strategy.