> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.octavehq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What are Alternatives in Octave?

> Alternatives capture non-product substitutes like manual processes, status quo, or in-house builds. Fight 'do nothing' objections.

## What is an Alternative?

An Alternative is a structured profile of a non-competitive substitute — something a prospect might do *instead* of buying your product, but that isn't a direct competitor. Think manual spreadsheets, in-house tooling, hiring more headcount, or simply doing nothing. In most B2B deals, the biggest competitor isn't another vendor — it's inertia. Alternatives give agents the language and framing to address why the status quo is no longer viable, helping your outreach create urgency where there was none. When a prospect says "we're handling this internally" or "it's not a priority right now," those are alternative-positioning moments — and agents that understand your defined Alternatives can respond with specific messaging about the cost of inaction rather than falling back on generic product pitches.

Alternatives are distinct from [Competitors](/concepts/competitors). Competitors are other vendors selling similar products. Alternatives are the other paths a prospect takes when they don't buy from *anyone*.

## What an Alternative contains

| Field                  | Purpose                                    |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Name                   | What the alternative is                    |
| Description            | How prospects use it today                 |
| Limitations            | Where it falls short                       |
| Switching triggers     | What causes prospects to move away from it |
| Differentiation points | Why your product is a better path          |

## How Alternatives connect to other entities

* **[Offerings](/concepts/offerings)** — which of your products replaces this alternative
* **[Motions](/concepts/motions)** — Motion ICPs recommend alternatives per persona×segment cell so agents address the status-quo path directly
* **[Buying Triggers](/concepts/buying-triggers)** — signals that indicate a prospect is outgrowing this alternative

Alternatives are especially useful for agents generating outbound messaging. When a prospect isn't evaluating vendors yet, competitive positioning doesn't apply — but alternative positioning does. Agents reference Alternatives to craft messaging that builds urgency around the cost of the status quo.

## Managing Alternatives via API

* `GET /api/v2/alternative/list` — list all alternatives
* `GET /api/v2/alternative/get` — get a specific alternative
* `POST /api/v2/alternative/create` — create a new alternative
* `POST /api/v2/alternative/generate` — AI-generate alternative profiles
* `POST /api/v2/alternative/update` — update an existing alternative
* `DELETE /api/v2/alternative/delete` — remove an alternative