Computer vision has become a crucial aspect for modern software with a projected spending of over $60 billion by 2027. The demand for skilled computer vision professionals is high, leading companies to face challenges in finding and affording the right talent.
Companies have the option to build an in-house vision team, upskill existing developers, or rent expertise through APIs and platforms. Each approach has its tradeoffs in terms of cost, flexibility, and speed.
Building an in-house vision team offers customization and innovation potential but comes with high financial and operational costs. It requires significant investment in talent, infrastructure, and maintenance.
Upskilling existing developers balances cost, speed, and team loyalty by gradually building internal expertise. However, it requires time, resources, and a clear learning structure to succeed.
Renting expertise through APIs and platforms provides a fast, affordable, and scalable way to integrate vision features. It is ideal for startups, scaleups, and enterprises looking to focus on product development while leaving model development to experts.
AutoML platforms offer a middle ground between custom development and APIs, allowing for model training without complex ML code. Pre-trained APIs are a plug-and-play option for quick deployment of vision features without training models.
In weighing the total cost of ownership (TCO) over time, companies need to consider not just salaries or subscription fees but also infrastructure, training, maintenance, and technical debt.
Companies often blend different approaches, such as using a hybrid strategy that combines in-house development, APIs, and platforms to optimize time-to-market and costs while establishing a solid foundation for long-term growth.
The decision on whether to hire, upskill, or rent expertise depends on the product stage, resources, and competitive advantage. Tailoring the computer vision strategy to align with the product stage helps in driving business outcomes effectively.
By matching the approach to the current needs of the product, companies can stay agile, avoid unnecessary expenses, and invest wisely in the capabilities required at each stage of their product's lifecycle.
Ultimately, the key is to build smartly by leveraging a combination of building in-house expertise, upskilling existing talent, and utilizing external solutions like APIs and platforms to drive innovation and value for the product.