| I'm a CTO and scaled multiple companies from zero to multiples of TBs of data (also to millions in revenue). I also worked on companies such as yourself that have an existing solution and want to revamp their entire technology base. The short answer is yes, you should hire an in-house team so you can execute faster and also reduce the red tape of the provider not being more proactive. How to do this is more nuanced: 1. I would start by documenting and/or asking for documentation on how the whole system works. This is key. I would start with a high level diagram. Even if you're not technical, this would allow you to evaluate the existing stack and see what could be worked on in parallel to the existing tech if any. I feel like you are technical enough to understand this since you understand CRUD and other terminologies. You can even set a time for the provider to explain the services to you if needed. I say parallel because I'm assuming you can't just quit using the system entirely, it will need to function until you do the switchover. 2. Once you have a good understanding of the system, this will allow you to be more specific on your needs. I almost never recommend a re-write but based on the statement that you are using a third-party product, this might be the case here. If it is indeed a re-write, I would approach it so that it's 1-1 parity with the existing system first, and if not, maybe with some ample planning and product grooming make the features even better. Furthermore, this will allow you to make a basic PRD for the requirements of what you are building. Doesn't have to be really specific but it will make it clear to yourself and others on what the task would be. 3. Hiring. At this point, I would start hiring a CTO/VP/senior engineer. Describe the problem from 2., maybe deep dive even if needed and start to get technical leadership going. I'm assuming cash is not a problem so if you start at $175k/year salary (maybe some stock/benefits) you can find many technical leaders that would go for this. Once you make that first hire, if they have a good network and or social clout it should be easy for them to hire people and/or consultants to do the job. 4. Iterate. Once you have that amazing team and if they have a good process in place they should keep iterating on the product and continue doing this on a steady pace. 5. Once the product is ready or any point that is it deployable make the switchover. At this point, you should have full in-house control of the product and have competent tech team in hand to do whatever is needed. |