With SaaS costs on the rise, many businesses are beginning to realise that there might be a better, more affordable alternative—Generative AI (GenAI). Instead of paying high fees for SaaS tools, companies can now develop their own bespoke GenAI systems. This could potentially save millions, and in our new whitepaper, we explain exactly how.

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SaaS: Great Benefits, High Costs

For over 20 years, Software as a Service (SaaS) has been the go-to model for businesses wanting flexible and easy-to-use software. It’s scalable and offers a variety of features, but it also comes with notable drawbacks. High recurring fees, vendor lock-ins, and a lack of customisation are just a few of the challenges companies face.

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The GenAI Opportunity

Now, businesses are looking to Generative AI as a way to cut costs. GenAI, particularly large language models (LLMs), is proving to be a breakthrough. These models understand and generate natural language, enabling companies to create solutions for tasks like content generation, chatbots, coding, and problem-solving.

Instead of relying on expensive SaaS tools for these functions, companies can now build their own AI-driven solutions, like custom AI assistants to handle tasks such as writing emails, generating code, or supporting decision-making.

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Leverage Your Knowledge with GenAI

One of the main advantages of GenAI is that businesses can use their own data, knowledge, and intellectual property (IP) to develop AI tools that are perfectly suited to their needs. Rather than relying on generic SaaS products, businesses can create custom solutions that truly serve their purpose.

Building your own GenAI tools can save money, improve operational efficiency, and even unlock new ways to monetise your existing IP. Because these tools are developed internally, they can be tailored to your specific needs—unlike SaaS solutions that are designed for a broader audience and often come with a hefty price tag for features you don’t require.

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The Benefits of Building Your Own GenAI Tools

There are many advantages to developing your own GenAI system:

• Save on costs: By building your own GenAI tools, businesses can avoid hefty subscription fees and instead invest in a one-off capital expenditure. These tools can also be tailored to fit your business’s specific requirements, reducing the ongoing costs of training and running them.
• Boost productivity: GenAI can automate many routine tasks, like writing emails or summarising reports. This means employees can focus on more creative and high-value tasks, increasing overall productivity.
• Gain a competitive edge: By developing bespoke GenAI solutions, businesses can create unique tools that set them apart from competitors. Using your own internal data ensures better performance and more accurate results from the AI systems.
• Have more control: When you own and manage your own GenAI systems, you maintain full control over how your data is used. You can also ensure that the system complies with all relevant regulations and protects your intellectual property and customer privacy.

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Success Stories in GenAI

Several leading companies are already reaping the rewards of GenAI:

• Walmart has developed its own AI systems like Ask Sam and My Assistant, which help employees find items, check prices, and access information about company policies and benefits.
• Elsevier, a global provider of academic information, has created Scopus, an AI tool that helps researchers search and analyse academic papers.

These businesses are leveraging the power of GenAI to develop custom solutions that meet their unique needs. However, developing and deploying GenAI tools is no easy feat, requiring a combination of technical expertise and strategic insight.

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Need Help With Your GenAI Journey?

This is where a digital consultancy like Kaizen can lend a hand. We work with businesses to design, build, and implement tailored GenAI solutions. With our extensive experience in GenAI and LLMs, we can guide you through every stage of the process—whether that’s identifying opportunities, creating AI systems, or managing the risks involved.

If you’re ready to explore how GenAI can help reduce your SaaS costs and boost your business, get in touch. You can also download our new whitepaper, where we dive deeper into the potential of GenAI, its capabilities, and best practices for implementing it.