Every AI tool must pass a three-question Ownership Test

Before I approve any AI tool, it must pass a 3‑question Ownership Test.Most tools fail in under 5 minutes.

The test is simple, not soft.It cuts through vendor slides, hype, long meetings.

Question 1 – Continuity"Can we operate if this vendor disappears or changes terms?"

• If yes → use a public API patternTool sits at the edge.No core process depends on it.Loss hurts convenience, not operations.Or we can migrate in a very few days or hours.

• If no → move to Question 2

Question 2 – Advantage"Does this touch competitive knowledge or regulated data?"

• If no → public or shared services are allowed, tooOptimize for price, speed, integration.

• If yes → move to Question 3

Question 3 – Accountability"Can we fully explain the decisions the system makes?"

• If no → redesign scope or methodOpaque logic cannot sit inside core workflows.

• If yes → build or migrate to a sovereign systemModels, data, logs sit under your control.You can trace, audit, justify outcomes.

From these three questions you reach three stable patterns

• Public API for low‑risk, non‑critical use
• Fully sovereign systems for high‑impact, high‑trust use
• Hybrid with strict guardrails for mid‑risk use

This simple approach turns "Which tool is best" into "Which ownership model fits our risk".

I advise CEOs to make one slide mandatory in every AI proposal.The Ownership Test, with clear answers on continuity, advantage, accountability.

Strategy then tools, not the other way round.