Build, Buy Or Blend Your Tech Stack
Tiago Azevedo is CIO at OutSystems, a global leader in enterprise low-code application development.
Until recently, businesses had two clear paths when assembling their tech stack: buy off-the-shelf software to activate quickly, or build custom tools with more time and resources. Now AI and low-code development are reshaping that paradigm. Instead of choosing one or the other, companies can blend SaaS, customized platforms and in-house solutions—with integration as the unifying layer.
Build, Buy Or Blend? AI Changes The Software Development Equation
Enterprises that cling to the old build vs. buy debate may be left behind. Today, competitive advantage lies in the ability to tailor software systems with flexibility. The smart path forward blends both prebuilt and custom software in ways that fit business needs and scale with agility.
Off-The-Shelf: Built For Scale, Not Innovation
Buying software has long promised faster implementation, lower upfront costs and built-in provided maintenance. These solutions are particularly effective for universal business needs like payroll or accounting, where standard processes apply.
But innovation isn’t something you can buy. While off-the-shelf solutions offer broad utility, they often lack the flexibility to support unique processes or proprietary workflows. Customization can be limited or expensive, and businesses may find themselves adapting to the software instead of the other way around. If you’re bending operations to fit a prebuilt platform, it may be time to consider building your own solution.
In-House: Built For Differentiation And Agility
As competitive pressure increases, companies are turning to in-house development to gain an edge. Custom applications allow businesses to support specific processes, reduce onboarding time and align tightly with best practices already in use. The result? Greater differentiation and more innovation, faster.
In recent years, low-code platforms enabled the rise of composable architectures, making it easier to rapidly build, adjust and scale unique applications. Organizations could stitch together systems and tools without compromising stability—a leap beyond the constraints of off-the-shelf platforms.
The Blend: Low-Code + AI = Custom, At Scale
Today’s innovation landscape is powered by the combination of low-code development and AI tooling. This duo allows even lean IT teams to deliver custom applications faster—without the typical time, cost, or continuity trade-offs. More importantly, it puts innovation within reach for more companies than ever before.
To make the most of these tools, organizations need guardrails: clear policies on data access, development responsibilities and governance. With the right structure, AI-assisted development can support real-time adaptation, troubleshooting, and continuous alignment with business needs.
The Rules Have Changed—Now It’s Your Move
The barriers to custom development are lower than ever. What used to be slow, costly, and complex is fast, scalable and increasingly accessible. The combination of AI and low-code tooling makes it possible to design integrated systems that reflect your organization’s strengths—without starting from scratch.
Still, many teams default to off-the-shelf solutions. Not because they’re better—but because they’re easier. But true innovation isn’t plug-and-play.
If your organization wants to lead, not follow, it’s time to shift your mindset. AI-powered development doesn’t replace creativity—it accelerates it. With the right tools, you can build systems that scale and flex with your business, not against it.
Innovation is no longer reserved for the few. It’s on the table for every company willing to reach for it. So the only question left is: What will you create?
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