Make or use.
WHAT BUYING LOOKS LIKE
A platform connector A provider's own tool A module someone else maintains
WHAT IT PROVIDES
Speed Someone else maintaining it against provider changes
WHAT IT COSTS
Recurring fees Limited control Dependence
WHAT BUILDING PROVIDES
Exactly the behaviour you need No per-operation cost Logic in version control
WHAT IT COSTS
Development, and maintenance forever.
WHY MAINTENANCE IS THE REAL FIGURE
Providers change, and someone must respond.
WHAT TO ASSESS
Volume, and cost per operation at that volume How unusual your requirements are Whether anyone will maintain it How critical it is
WHAT TO PREFER FOR SOMETHING CRITICAL
Whatever you control and understand.
WHAT TO PREFER FOR SOMETHING PERIPHERAL
Whatever is fastest.
WHAT TO DO WHEN UNSURE
Use a platform to prove the integration, then build if it matters.
WHY THAT ORDER
It establishes value before investment.
WHAT TO AVOID
Building a general integration framework for one connection Buying a platform for a single simple transfer
WHAT TO REVIEW
The decision, as volume grows.
WHY
Per-operation pricing becomes expensive quietly.
