Dify 从被低估到成为明星项目，到底做对了什么｜42章经

Core Insights - Dify has successfully established itself as a leading open-source project in the AI field, surpassing many expectations in its growth over the past two years [2][3][4] - The company adopted three core strategies from the beginning: open-source, B2B focus, and globalization, which have proven to be effective [3][4] Market and Technological Changes - The AI landscape has undergone three significant shifts over the past two years, with Dify evolving its offerings accordingly [5][6] - In 2023, Dify launched its first version, which was user-friendly and gained traction quickly due to the rising interest in AI [6] - By 2024, Dify introduced its core capability, workflow, and began building a plugin ecosystem, attracting paying enterprise customers [6] - By 2025, advancements in models, particularly in open-source capabilities and multi-modal functionalities, validated Dify's initial assumptions about the need for an intermediary layer [6][10] Competitive Landscape - Dify differentiates itself from competitors like LangChain by targeting a broader user base, including those with minimal technical skills [9][10] - The company has faced competition from various players, including large tech firms and startups, but has maintained its unique positioning by focusing on process integration within enterprises [12][17] - Dify's approach to product development emphasizes solving workflow issues and connecting LLMs with enterprise tools and data [17][18] Product Development and Engineering - Dify's engineering focus is seen as a key asset, with a strong emphasis on layered design and understanding user business scenarios [31][32] - The company believes that the most valuable aspect of its product is the engineering behind it, which requires significant cognitive effort and user collaboration [32][35] - Dify's workflow product is designed to ensure stability and reliability, allowing for gradual advancements in AI capabilities over time [38][39] Future Outlook - Dify envisions a future where its platform serves as an intelligent operating system for enterprises, integrating various capabilities and facilitating human-agent collaboration [56][57] - The company recognizes the importance of addressing the "last mile" issues in AI applications, focusing on building infrastructure that bridges the gap between model capabilities and human usability [72][73] - Dify's success in markets like Japan is attributed to its adaptability to local business structures and the scarcity of technical personnel [64][66] User Engagement and Market Penetration - Approximately 20% of Fortune 500 companies are currently using Dify, highlighting its significant market penetration [60] - The open-source model has been crucial for Dify's growth, enabling rapid dissemination and adoption of its technology [62][63]