Explore the critical software development decisions made at Jurassic Park in this insightful conference talk. Delve into the build vs. buy dilemma, examining case studies that highlight successes and failures in software system implementation. Gain valuable insights on evaluating options, costs, and risks associated with building custom software, purchasing off-the-shelf solutions, and considering alternatives. Learn about the opportunity costs of in-house development, open-source sustainability, and the potential pitfalls of vendor lock-in. Equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid the mistakes that contributed to Jurassic Park's downfall. Through this retrospective analysis, discover how to balance entrepreneurial innovation with enterprise-level integration, and understand the lasting consequences of software choices in high-stakes environments.