Marko Jankovic
Solution Architect
5 minute read in Development
Published on April 9, 2025
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Best for: Businesses with unique requirements, deep technical expertise, and the resources to develop and maintain an IoT ecosystem.
The Build from Scratch approach offers the highest level of customization and control but requires a significant investment in time, resources, and technical expertise. This option is best for organizations with a clear strategic vision, strong in-house expertise, and a long-term commitment to scalability. However, the cost and complexity of developing a full IoT ecosystem — including connectivity, security, and cloud infrastructure—can slow down innovation and divert resources from core business functions. Organizations considering this approach should ensure it aligns with their competitive advantage and business strategy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete control – Full ownership over architecture, security, and customization. | High costs – Significant investment in development, infrastructure, and maintenance. |
| No third-party dependencies – Avoids vendor lock-in. | Long time to market – Development cycles can be lengthy. |
| Highly tailored solution – Built to meet specific business needs. | Technical complexity – Requires deep expertise in IoT, cloud, and security. |
| Potential competitive advantage – Unique features can differentiate the business. | Ongoing maintenance burden – Responsible for system updates, security, and scalability. |
Best for: Companies that want to leverage existing IoT services while maintaining flexibility to customize and scale.
For organizations seeking a balance between customization and rapid deployment, the Buy & Integrate approach offers a flexible and efficient middle ground. Companies can leverage established IoT platforms to manage device connectivity, security, and data processing — reducing the complexity of building a system from scratch. This approach provides access to robust security, scalability, and an extensive ecosystem while still allowing businesses to tailor solutions to their specific needs. However, organizations should consider potential vendor lock-in and ongoing operational costs associated with third-party services
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Faster time to market – No need to build core IoT infrastructure. | Customization effort – Requires integration work to meet specific needs. |
| Scalability & Security – Managed platforms handle device connectivity, messaging, security, and data processing. | Vendor lock-in risk – Dependence on third-party services and pricing models. |
| Cost-Effective – Reduces upfront costs by leveraging existing infrastructure. | Ongoing costs – Subscription and usage-based pricing may accumulate over time. |
| Ecosystem support – Pre-built integrations with cloud services, analytics, and AI tools. | Limited control – Certain features and configurations may be restricted by the provider. |
Best for: Companies looking for an out-of-the-box solution with minimal customization.
The buy off-the-shelf approach is ideal for companies that want a quick and easy solution without investing in development or integration. These solutions come with predefined features, security protocols, and scalability options, making them attractive to businesses that need an immediate IoT implementation. However, this approach may lack the flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs, and companies might end up paying for unused features. Decision-makers should carefully assess whether the platform aligns with both current and future operational requirements.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quickest implementation – No development required. | Limited customization – May not fit all business needs. |
| Predictable costs – Typically a subscription-based pricing model. | Scalability concerns – Some platforms may not be as flexible for long-term growth. |
| Lower maintenance burden – The provider handles updates, security, and support. | Potential feature bloat – Paying for features that may not be needed. |
| Factor | Build from Scratch | Buy & Integrate | Buy Off-the-Shelf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to Market | Long – Requires extensive development | Medium – Faster than building | Short – Ready to deploy |
| Customization | High | Medium | Low |
| Cost | High | Medium | Low |
| Scalability | High | High | Medium |
| Security | Medium | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| Operational Effort | High | Medium | Low |
| Vendor Lock-in | None | Medium | High |
| Best For | Full control & unique needs | Customization & rapid deployment | Hassle-free quick setup |
So, as I wrap up my thoughts on building versus buying an IoT platform, I’ll say this: it’s a big decision, and every company’s path is a little different. That’s why I’m so proud of the experience we bring at Ignit Group. If you’re scratching your head about what’s right for you, I’d love to jump in and help. With our team’s battle-tested approach, we have a proven methodology to sort through the options together and find the IoT strategy that fits your goals.
Feel free to reach out or book a call with us!
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