The CIO's Al Dilemma: Build, Buy, or Borrow?

CIOs must choose between building, buying, or borrowing Al based on business goals, resources, and long-term sustainability.

- Neelesh Kripalani

AI IS often hailed as a game changer, but its true impact depends on how it's applied. For CIOs, the real question isn't whether to adopt AI, but how to do so strategically —maximizing value while avoiding wasted investment.

The choice comes down to three options: build an in-house AI system, buy an off-the-shelf solution, or borrow cloud-based AI services. Each path has advantages and risks. The right decision depends not on AI hype but on business goals, budget, and long-term sustainability.

Build: High-Risk, High-Reward

Building AI in-house offers full control over models and data, allowing for tailored solutions and competitive differentiation. However, it comes at a steep cost. Developing AI from scratch requires significant financial investment, specialized talent, and extended timelines—without guaranteed returns.