Applied AI
Custom AI or Microsoft Platform: How to Choose
A decision guide for choosing between platform configuration, extension and fully custom AI development.
The choice is rarely simply build or buy
Most useful AI solutions combine managed platform capabilities with targeted custom development. The decision is about where standard capability is sufficient and where the process requires specialised behaviour, integration or control.
Compare the options using business criteria
- User experience: Can the standard channels support the real task?
- Knowledge and actions: Are the required sources and integrations available through supported connectors?
- Control: Do you need specialised orchestration, model selection, evaluation or hosting?
- Lifecycle: Who will test, deploy, monitor and support the solution?
- Economics: Compare licences, consumption, development, assurance and ongoing change—not only initial build cost.
Architecture principle
Use standard capability for standard needs. Add custom components only where they create a clear, supportable advantage.
Use a staged decision
- Prove the user need and information flow.
- Test the closest standard platform route.
- Document the gaps that matter to the outcome.
- Build the smallest custom component that closes those gaps.
- Reassess as platform capability changes.
Turn the guidance into a practical next step
Use the article as a starting point for a focused review of your process, platform or AI opportunity. Bring representative examples, current constraints and the outcome you want to improve.
Discuss your requirements