Announcing MCP Toolbox Java SDK v1.0: Agentic data access for the enterprise
cloud.google.com·6d ago
Cloud & Infrastructure
The New Stack·3h ago·5 min read
Coding agents made building easy. Platform teams that build from scratch are 3.5x more likely to lack a strategy.
TL;DR
Platform teams that build software from scratch are 3.5 times more likely to lack a clear strategy, impacting their ability to meet goals. AI has simplified the building process, but maintenance and governance challenges remain.
✦ Why It Matters
Evaluate your platform strategy today to avoid the pitfalls of building from scratch.
Key Takeaways
- Assess your team's current build-or-buy strategy for clarity.
- Consider using established tools to reduce maintenance overhead.
- Leverage AI for rapid development but plan for ongoing governance.
- Focus on core differentiation when deciding to build custom features.
Full Summary
The build-or-buy decision in software development often weighs developer time against integration challenges. A study involving 379 platform professionals revealed that teams building from scratch are significantly less likely to have a clear strategy, with 57.9% reporting this as an obstacle.
In contrast, teams using existing tools or templates reported much lower rates of strategic ambiguity. AI has simplified the building process, allowing rapid development, but it does not alleviate the ongoing maintenance and governance responsibilities.
The findings suggest that teams should adopt a more deliberate approach to their build-or-buy decisions, focusing on core differentiation and long-term costs. High-performing teams tend to favor established tools, which can enhance stability and speed in software delivery.