The Agent Infrastructure Decision Framework
Every team faces the infrastructure decision: build custom or use shared? Here's a framework for making the decision.
The Framework
Ask these questions:
Do you have unique requirements?
If yes, custom might make sense. If no, shared is better.
Is infrastructure your competitive advantage?
If yes, custom might make sense. If no, shared is better.
Do you have resources to build and maintain?
If yes, custom might make sense. If no, shared is better.
Do you need to move fast?
If yes, shared is better. If no, custom might make sense.
Do you need to scale?
If yes, shared is better. If no, custom might make sense.
The Decision Matrix
Use shared infrastructure if:
- You have standard requirements
- Infrastructure is not your competitive advantage
- You need to move fast
- You need to scale
- You want to focus on agents
Build custom if:
- You have unique requirements that shared infrastructure can't meet
- Infrastructure is your competitive advantage
- You have resources to build and maintain long-term
- You don't need to move fast
- You don't need to scale
Most Teams Should Use Shared
Most teams should use shared infrastructure because:
Standard requirements: Most teams have standard coordination requirements.
Focus on agents: Most teams should focus on agents, not infrastructure.
Move fast: Most teams need to move fast. Shared infrastructure accelerates velocity.
Scale: Most teams need to scale. Shared infrastructure scales from day one.
Why This Matters
The teams that use this framework make better decisions. The teams that don't build custom when they should use shared, or use shared when they should build custom.
Infrastructure is a means to an end. The framework helps you choose the right means.
Part of the EchoRift infrastructure series. Learn more about EchoRift architecture.