In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, businesses worldwide have come to realize that the traditional in-house approach might not be the most efficient way to conduct operations anymore. As a result, a new trend is emerging entrepreneurs are embracing the outsourcing model to streamline their business processes. But what if your business requires specialized technical expertise to overcome various challenges? The solution lies in hiring a dedicated development team.
Understanding Dedicated Development Teams
A dedicated development team refers to an offshore software development strategy where a company enlists a specialized team to exclusively handle its projects. Unlike traditional outsourcing, a dedicated team becomes an integral part of the company and collaborates closely with the in-house team, all under the management of the client.
Benefits of Opting for a Dedicated Software Development Team
In the United States, a majority of businesses, exceeding 68%, opt to delegate their development responsibilities to external sources. Likewise, in the United Kingdom, upwards of 70% of business practitioners demonstrate a preference for outsourcing, of which 48% have already embraced this approach. Notably, sizeable and medium-scale enterprises are progressively gravitating towards the dedicated software development team framework for a range of compelling rationales:
1- Launching New Products Efficiently
Both startups and established businesses can benefit from establishing a specialized software development team dedicated to crafting new products. This strategy expedites the development timeline, enabling companies to swiftly introduce their products to the market.
2- Managing Long-Term Projects and Updates
When a company needs to update its existing technology stack, a dedicated development team can efficiently handle the task. This approach ensures high-quality updates and improvements while adhering to deadlines.
3- Scaling with Ease
For businesses planning to scale, having a dedicated software development team is essential. Outsourcing to a team that’s either based in the new target market or possesses relevant expertise can provide a competitive edge and lead to success.
4- Catering to Limited Budgets
Small businesses and startups with budget constraints can still benefit from the outsourced team model. Outsourcing to countries with lower developer rates, such as those in Central and Western Europe, can provide access to a vast talent pool while remaining cost-effective.
Crafting the Ideal Dedicated Development Team
The composition of a dedicated software development team varies based on the client’s needs. Factors such as qualifications, the number of developers, and specific talent skills play a significant role. Ukraine has consistently stood out as a leading destination for outsourcing due to its proactive specialists and high-quality work.
A typical software development team might include:
- Project Manager (PM): Serving as a bridge between the team and the client, project managers oversee the entire project lifecycle, from work distribution to meeting deadlines.
- Business Analyst: Responsible for conducting business and technical research, ensuring that the product aligns with the company’s goals and technical specifications.
- UI/UX Designers: Focused on the product’s interface and aesthetics, UI/UX designers work to identify user problems and solve them through design improvements.
- Software Developers: Comprising both front-end and back-end programmers, they handle various aspects of product development, from layout to performance optimization.
- QA Specialists: Responsible for thorough testing and debugging at every stage of software development, ensuring the final product is free from technical issues.
- DevOps Experts: Collaborating with developers and QA specialists, DevOps experts coordinate the development process and create a conducive environment for testing.
Advantages of Hiring a Dedicated Development Team
Numerous benefits arise from opting for a dedicated development team approach:
1- Cost-Efficiency
Hiring a dedicated development team provides significant cost advantages. Businesses can choose talent from around the world, capitalizing on lower rates without compromising on quality. By selecting specialists from regions like Eastern Europe, where qualified professionals work in a competitive environment, companies can save substantial sums.
2- Streamlined Management
Business owners can manage the development team either directly or by hiring a project manager. This flexibility allows for optimal group size adjustment and work timing, ensuring a balanced workload.
3- Laser-Focused Expertise
A dedicated team’s unwavering commitment to a single project leads to faster development cycles and increased responsiveness to project changes. This focus improves collaboration and facilitates efficient goal achievement.
4- Transparent Collaboration
Dedicated teams thrive on continuous feedback and communication with project managers and company owners. This transparency leads to streamlined processes and quicker goal attainment.
5- Accelerated Development Cycle
The full-time involvement of developers and specialists in a single project accelerates the development cycle. Their deep immersion in the task at hand results in faster and more productive outcomes.
6- Access to Specialized Expertise
Dedicated teams offer access to specialized expertise across borders. Whether a company requires top Python or Ruby developers, hiring the best talent is easier than ever.
7- Exceptional Flexibility
The dedicated software team model is remarkably flexible. Companies can expand or reduce the team size based on project needs, enabling agile development.
8- Seamless Scaling
Scalability is a prominent advantage of dedicated development teams. Businesses can adjust the team size according to project requirements, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
Choosing the Right Engagement Model for Remote Development Teams
When hiring remote developers, companies have three main engagement models to consider:
1- Dedicated Team Model
This model involves hiring an entire development team dedicated to a project. Businesses retain full control and can expand the team if needed.
2- Extended Team Model
In the extended team model, in-house developers collaborate with remote specialists from an outsourcing provider. Companies retain control over the remote talent.
3- Outsourced Team Model
Here, the development process is delegated to an outsourcing vendor in another country. This model requires careful consideration of factors like talent quality and vendor reputation.
Understanding the Hiring Process
To effectively hire a dedicated development team, businesses should follow these steps:
1- Define Tech Requirements
Evaluate the project’s scope and requirements, including the number of experts needed, required skill sets, and budget limitations.
2- Conduct Market Research
Research potential service providers using platforms like Clutch or Good Films. Assess factors such as location, rates, expertise, and reviews.
3- Assemble the Team
Choose and interview team members based on the project’s needs. Ensure proficiency in the required tech stack and strong communication skills.
4- Select a Vendor
Choose a service provider based on their experience, portfolio, and communication level. Use methods like questionnaires, online meetings, and references for selection.
Leveraging Technology & Frameworks
For over a decade, Etelligens Technologies has partnered with global businesses, employing dedicated teams to create cutting-edge technological solutions. Experience, qualifications, and a commitment to continuous growth are key factors that drive the success of dedicated teams.
Key Considerations Before Hiring a Dedicated Development Team
Building a successful business requires careful consideration of important factors:
1- Understanding Development Processes
Familiarize yourself with the software development process. Utilize the Discovery Phase to analyze the project, identify challenges, and create a successful MVP.
2- Knowing Your Team’s Capabilities
Understand the responsibilities and capabilities of each team member. Aim for a balanced team size for maximum efficiency.
3- The Power of Scalable Teams
Embrace the flexibility of dedicated development teams for easy scalability. Adjust team size as needed for optimal resource allocation.
Conclusion
The dedicated development team model presents a compelling solution for entrepreneurs. The ability to fully focus on a project, coupled with the support of experienced software providers, ensures that businesses can thrive in a competitive environment. By leveraging the expertise of dedicated teams, companies can bring their ideas to life, achieve their goals, and secure a brighter future for their ventures.
