Do you know the difference between Dedicated Development Team vs Extended Team Regarding software development, businesses use two standard models to get the job done: the dedicated team model and the extended team model.
But which one is the best option for your business? Let’s take a closer look at both models to find out.
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What is a Dedicated Software Team?
A dedicated software team is a highly specialized group of developers brought on board by a single client to work on that client’s unique projects. These teams are typically very experienced in the specific technical domains required for a given project, allowing them to hit the ground running and provide high levels of productivity and quality.
Additionally, because they are exclusively devoted to one client’s work, they can develop a deep understanding of that client’s needs and desires.
This allows them to create products and solutions that meet their clients’ specifications.
Ultimately, then, a dedicated software team is an excellent choice for organizations looking to ensure high-quality results on their software projects. To read more about what is a dedicated team, check out the article on the link.
What is an Extended Team Model?
The extended team model involves hiring a group of independent developers who are brought in to work on specific projects. This approach can be helpful for companies that need to scale quickly, as it allows them to ramp up their operations and take on more work without hiring new employees.
In addition, this model also helps reduce costs since companies do not have to bear the expense of hiring full-time developers. However, one drawback of the extended team model is that there may be less cohesion within the development team.
As such, communication may sometimes be more complex, and it can be more challenging for the team members to work effectively together. Despite these challenges, many companies have found that the extended team model is an effective way to meet their development needs.
Dedicated Development Team Model Pros and Cons
There are both pros and cons to using a dedicated development team. Some of the pros include:
- You have complete control over the developers and can direct their work as you see fit.
- The developers are wholly focused on your project and are not working on other projects simultaneously so that they can devote all their time and energy to it.
- Because the developers are employees of your company, they will be more likely to be invested in the success of your project and will be more loyal to your company.
Some of the cons of using a dedicated development team include the following:
- You will have to pay for the developers’ salaries, even when they are not working on your project (for example, if your project is on hold or if you don’t have any work for them to do).
- It can be challenging to find good developers who are willing to work full-time on just one project.
- There is always the possibility that one or more of the developers may leave your company for another opportunity, which could set your project back significantly.
Extended Team Pros and Cons
There are also both pros and cons to using an extended development team. Some of the pros include:
- You only have to pay for the developers when they are working on your project; you don’t have to pay them when they’re not working.
- It’s usually easier to find good contractors than it is to find good full-time employees.
- If one of the contractors leaves, it’s usually easier (and less expensive) to find a replacement than it would be if an employee left.
Some of the cons of using an extended development team include the following:
- You have less control over the contractors than you would over employees, so they may not always do precisely what you want them to do.
- The contractors may be working on other projects simultaneously, so they may be unable to devote all their time and energy to your project.
- Because the contractors are not your company’s employees, they may not be as invested in its success or as loyal as employees.
When to Hire a Dedicated Development Team?
There are several instances where it makes sense to hire a dedicated development team:
- When you have a complex project that requires a lot of attention
- When you want complete control over every aspect of the project
- When you want transparency in every stage of development
- When you want close communication with the development team
- When you want to build a long-term relationship with the development team
- When cost is not as big of a concern
When to Hire an Extended Development Team?
There are several instances where it makes sense to hire an extended development team:
- When you have a less complex project that does not require full-time attention
- When you want flexibility in terms of how many developers you need working on your project
- When you want access to a larger pool of talent
- When you want to save money
- When speed is more important than transparency or communication
Which Development Team Model to Choose?
When choosing a development team model for your business, there are many factors to consider. On the one hand, you may be drawn to the promise of having a dedicated team of developers focused solely on your project.
Such a team can offer a high degree of expertise and deep familiarity with your company and your specific needs. However, an extended development team is also worth considering.
An extended team allows you to tap into a more extensive network of developers and resources without the commitment and expense associated with maintaining your in-house team.
Additionally, an extended development team can often provide more flexibility in project scoping and scheduling, allowing you greater control over costs and timelines. Ultimately, which model will be best for your business will depend on your unique needs and goals.
And while there is no right or wrong answer, it is essential to carefully assess all the critical factors before deciding to impact your business in the future.