A March 31, 2026 article by Stephen J. Bigelow examines the decision framework for adopting large language models (LLMs), which can be bought, typically licensed or accessed for a fee, or built and customized using an open source LLM or developed from scratch. The article notes that LLMs are just another software component, integrated into a complete AI system alongside other modules. Many LLMs exist due to intense competition among providers and variations in performance, capabilities, and purpose, with some specialized for verticals such as healthcare and legal. While commercially available LLMs can be effective, they do not fit every AI project, as business-critical projects may require a specific mix of performance, accuracy, security, compliance, and cost attributes. The article cites a 2025 Omdia report, "Navigating Build-Vs.-Buy Dynamics for Enterprise-Ready AI," which found that 95% of the 376 technical and business stakeholders surveyed agreed that building an AI offers greater customization and control, and 91% acknowledged the speed and benefits of prebuilt AI platforms. The article outlines four key areas to consider for the build-vs.-buy decision.