Amit Shah, CEO of InstaLILY, is making a bold prediction: the future of enterprise software success will be defined by two distinct approaches to artificial intelligence. According to Shah, the companies that own their intelligence will thrive while those that rent models from hyperscalers will struggle to keep up. This divide is set to become increasingly apparent over the next five years as demand for AI continues to strain supply chains across the development cycle.
Pressure Cooker Environment
The tech sector is under unprecedented pressure to deliver on AI solutions, with every company from startups to established enterprises clamoring for cutting-edge technology to stay competitive. This pressure is resulting in an unprecedented demand for AI models, which in turn is exacerbating supply chain issues throughout the development cycle. The strain on supply chains is not limited to just component parts; it also extends to access to AI expertise, data, and high-performance computing resources.
Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have become hyperscalers, offering a range of AI services and models to enterprises. While this approach has provided a much-needed boost to AI adoption, Shah argues that relying on these external models can lead to a lack of control and flexibility. “Renting intelligence is a temporary fix, not a sustainable solution,” he said. “As the stakes get higher, companies need to own their intelligence, not just rent it.”
Key Drivers
- Cost and Scalability**: As the need for AI grows, companies are struggling to find cost-effective solutions that can scale to meet their demands. Owning intelligence can provide a more predictable and scalable solution.
- Security and Control**: With sensitive data and proprietary information at stake, companies are increasingly concerned about data security and control. Owning intelligence allows them to maintain control over their data and ensure it is handled securely.
- Customization and Innovation**: By owning their intelligence, companies can tailor AI solutions to their specific needs and drive innovation in-house, rather than relying on external models that may not meet their unique requirements.
What this means
The shift towards owning intelligence is not just about survival; it’s about success in the long term. Companies that invest in developing their own AI capabilities will be better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge. As Shah warns, those that rely on renting intelligence will find it increasingly difficult to keep pace.



