Product Thinking Episode 238: Managing Success Beyond the Build
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Aug 22, 2025 Explore the unique challenges of managing acquired products and the need for effective product management structures in organizations. Discover how product managers can ensure that third-party SaaS tools truly meet user needs and align with business goals. Melissa Perri emphasizes that even when teams implement purchased software, applying foundational product management principles is key to success. Elevate your organization's effectiveness and maintain a competitive edge by understanding the importance of these practices.
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Buying Is Still Product Management
- Buying SaaS doesn't remove the need for product management because you still must verify the tool solves the right problems for your users.
- Product management covers fit-for-purpose evaluation, customization, and deciding whether to extend or replace a purchased tool.
Extend, Integrate, Or Replace Is Strategic
- Deciding to extend, integrate, or replace bought software is a build-vs-buy decision that shapes product strategy.
- That decision determines whether you should innovate on the tool or adapt your processes to it.
Dev Tool That Almost Drove Devs Away
- A team implemented a developer tool that devs hated and threatened to quit because their needs weren't understood.
- The company reversed course and selected a different tool after re-evaluating requirements.
