73% of enterprises use a hybrid approach combining internal AI development with vendor partnerships, yet 42% struggle with vendor selection decisions. Today we explore the critical decisions around AI vendor selection, partnership strategies, and build vs. buy frameworks, featuring September 2025 research on vendor evaluation criteria, partnership models, and the strategic approaches that optimize AI investment decisions.
What You’ll Discover:
• Why 73% of enterprises choose hybrid AI strategies combining internal development with vendor partnerships
• Build vs. buy decision frameworks: when to develop AI capabilities internally vs. partnering with vendors
• Vendor evaluation criteria: technical capabilities, scalability, integration potential, and long-term viability assessment
• Partnership model options: technology licensing, co-development, managed services, and platform partnerships
• Due diligence processes for AI vendor assessment: security, compliance, data handling, and performance validation
• Cost structure analysis: comparing upfront licensing costs, ongoing operational expenses, and hidden integration costs
• Risk management in AI vendor relationships: vendor lock-in prevention, exit strategies, and performance guarantees
• Integration complexity assessment: API quality, data format compatibility, and existing system connectivity requirements
• The role of AI vendor ecosystems and marketplace strategies in enterprise technology planning
• Negotiation strategies specific to AI contracts: performance metrics, SLA definitions, and intellectual property considerations
• Managing multiple AI vendor relationships and avoiding technology fragmentation across the organization
• Future-proofing vendor partnerships: technology roadmap alignment and evolution strategies for changing AI landscape
Episode Summary:
In this comprehensive exploration, Sarah and Alex demonstrate the strategic thinking required for successful AI vendor relationships. You’ll learn practical frameworks for making build vs. buy decisions and creating vendor partnerships that accelerate rather than complicate your AI initiatives.
Key Learning Outcomes:
• Master build vs. buy decision frameworks specifically designed for AI technology evaluation and selection
• Learn comprehensive vendor evaluation criteria covering technical, business, and strategic partnership factors
• Understand different AI partnership models and their appropriate use cases for various organizational needs
• Develop due diligence processes that accurately assess AI vendor capabilities and long-term viability
• Build risk management strategies that prevent vendor lock-in while ensuring successful AI implementation
• Create vendor relationship management approaches that optimize multiple AI partnerships across the organization
AI News Sources Referenced:
• Forrester – “Enterprise AI Vendor Selection Trends” (September 2025)
• Gartner – “AI Partnership Models: Build vs. Buy Analysis” (September 12, 2025)
• McKinsey – “AI Vendor Ecosystem Strategy Report” (September 2025)
• IDC – “AI Contract Negotiation Best Practices” (August 2025)
Episode Duration: 6 minutes 58 seconds
Next Episode Preview: Tomorrow we wrap up Week 6 with AI Operations Best Practices – synthesizing monitoring, scaling, team building, and vendor strategies into comprehensive operational excellence frameworks.
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