Is it your core business?
Does doing it create, enable or sustain a competitive advantage?
Can you do it better than anyone else?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, it makes sense to have your own version of a product or service, even if someone else offers something similar.
If not, you are duplicating resources for reasons that are likely not compelling enough to justify. Out-source it to an expert, or collaborate with a strategic partner. This might seem counter-intuitive. Spending time and energy on something that does not earn you money, that you are not particularly good at, and in your businesses is commoditised might seem like a cost-saving.
That is until you compare it to how much you could be earning by using that time to offer the stuff you are the best at.
