What is a dedicated development team and when should you hire it?

What is the dedicated team model?

The dedicated team model is a way of collaborating with an external team of experts in software development for the long term. This approach allows specialists to fully understand your business objectives and tailor work to meet specific requirements. As a great bonus, these teams focus solely on one project at a time, providing their full attention and expertise.

This model is beneficial for businesses because there’s no need to manage a team as regular employees and handle responsibilities like human resources, office logistics, or payroll. Instead, the company can concentrate on its overall strategy and growth while the dedicated team takes care of the technical aspects.

Who is a part of it?

Typically, a dedicated development team includes a variety of roles, each contributing their expertise to the project. Depending on your needs, the team may consist of:

• Front-end engineers
• Back-end engineers
• UX/UI designers
• QA engineers/Testers
• Project managers
• DevOps engineers

At Halo Lab, all these specialists are integral members of our dedicated teams. They mix their skills and know-how to make your project shine, handling it with care and top-notch expertise. To help you stand out in a crowded market, our teams are deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and crafting remarkable solutions. So, why not get in touch and see for yourself what we can do?

With a dedicated team, every challenge finds its solution.

Benefits of the dedicated team model

A dedicated development team model is a big deal in the business world, and for good reason. It packs a bunch of benefits to boost your project and turn it into a competitive product. Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes it so special.

• Focused expertise. Each dedicated team member is selected based on their specific skills and expertise that match the project’s scope. This way, you’ve got the pros tackling the parts of your project and delivering exceptional quality.
• Increased flexibility and scalability. As your project evolves, so can your team. Need more developers or a different skill set? You can scale your team up or down easily, which is ideal for projects with changing requirements or those in dynamic industries.
• Better control and collaboration. With a dedicated team, you can collaborate closely with specialists and maintain direct control over progress. You steer the project, and the team works closely with you to make sure everything’s going just the way you want. 
• Cost saving. By hiring a dedicated team, you avoid the overheads associated with in-house teams, such as office space, equipment, and employee benefits. You pay only for the talent you need, making it a cost-effective solution, especially for complex projects with vast scope.
• Quick adaptation to changes. In a world that moves fast, dedicated teams move faster. They’re great at shifting gears when your project needs to pivot or something unexpected comes up.
• Consistent communication. Regular and transparent communication is a hallmark of the dedicated team model. It keeps everyone in the loop, cuts down on mix-ups, and ensures the project is always heading in the direction you envision.

Drawbacks of the dedicated team model

While the dedicated team model has its fair share of benefits, it’s important to look at the other side of the coin, too. Like anything else, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are certain drawbacks that you might want to consider. Let’s walk through some of the challenges you can face with this approach:

• Higher initial investment. Getting a dedicated team up and running can require more upfront investment than other models. This is because you’re assembling a team of world-class professionals from scratch, which often comes with a higher price tag, especially at the beginning.
• Wide vendor selection. A lot hinges on choosing the right vendor or outsourcing company. If you don’t get that decision right, you might end up with a team that doesn’t quite gel with your project’s vision or lacks the specific expertise you need.
• Communication barriers. If your dedicated team is located in a different time zone or speaks a different language, communication can become a challenge. There may be misunderstandings and delays in feedback, potentially affecting the project’s progress.
• Cultural differences. Working with a dedicated team from multiple cultural backgrounds can sometimes lead to varying work styles and expectations. These nuances can affect teamwork and project dynamics.
• Lack of in-person communication. The absence of face-to-face interaction can be a drawback, especially for projects that benefit from close collaboration and immediate feedback. Virtual communication tools help, but they can’t fully replicate in-person meetings.

Collaboration with a dedicated team is at its best, though not without its hurdles.

Comparison with other models

You’ve already read what the dedicated team model brings to the table, but how does it stack up against other popular models? Let’s check out the differences and see why the dedicated team approach might be the go-to solution you’re looking for.

Dedicated team and Fixed price model

Opting for a dedicated team model means paying costs based on the team’s size and the project duration. In contrast, a fixed price model is a certainty of the expenses and scope. Here, you agree on a price for the entire project upfront, which can benefit budgeting. However, it may lack the flexibility to accommodate changes or access to varied expertise that a dedicated team provides.

Dedicated team and Time & material model

When deciding between a dedicated team and a time & material model, it’s about how you prefer to balance control and predictability. With a dedicated team, you’ve got a group of experts entrenched in your project, evolving with it. In the time & material model, a focus is on flexibility and real-time solutions. This method is a dynamic partnership where you pay for the actual work done based on time spent and materials used.

For projects where scope and direction might shift along the way, the time & material model is a smart choice.

Dedicated team and In-house team

Unlike a dedicated team, which can work from different spots around the world, an in-house team is a group of professionals right within your business environment. They are closely connected with your goals and readily available for brainstorming sessions over coffee. This setup offers unparalleled synchronization with your ongoing operations and immediate access to team members.

When should you hire a dedicated development team?

Are you pondering over the best time to hire a dedicated development team for your project? This crucial decision can make all the difference. And to help you navigate this, let’s explore the signs that indicate your project would greatly benefit from the unique expertise and focus of a dedicated team.

Early-stage startups

If you’re an early startup gearing up for growth, think about hiring a dedicated development team. It’s a smart move that helps you accomplish your project fast, save money, and speed up product development. While your in-house specialists focus on the business side of things, the dedicated team can take care of the extra development work. This way, you can grow more efficiently and get your product out there quicker without overstretching your resources.

Projects with unclear requirements

Whether you’re not sure about the product-market fit and need time to explore, interview, and test, a dedicated team gives you the breathing room to do so. They’ll be right there with you, helping to lay the groundwork and iterate on your ideas. With their support, you can switch to the discovery phase without the stress of overspending or rushing decisions.

Long-term and scalable projects

While working on a complex project for the long haul, a dedicated team model is your golden ticket to avoid the costs and hassles of constant hiring and firing. Plus, you get access to skilled developers from around the globe who have the necessary skills to transform your project. They will become familiar with your project to add new features and scale your product at the pace you need.

When a dedicated development team doesn’t suit your needs?

A dedicated development team can be a powerful asset for many projects, but there are scenarios where this model might not be the best fit. Read on, and we’ll show you when it’s actually better to say “no thanks” to hiring a dedicated team.

Short and medium-term projects

If you’ve got a small project with clear goals, there’s no need to hire a dedicated development team. For short projects, a fixed price model usually does the trick — you agree on the cost upfront and get your tasks done. At the same time, when you’re working on long-term things, the time & material model can be a better fit. It gives you the flexibility to adjust things along the way and still keep an eye on your finances.

Limited time and budget

When you have a tight budget and limited time, going for a dedicated team model might not be the best move. There are situations when you don’t need a full-time designer or a project manager, for example. In this case, a fixed-price model can be just what you look for. Simply put, you set the cost at the start and keep your resources in check, all while meeting your project goals.

The project scope is completely defined

Once your project has a strict execution plan, with all features clearly figured out and no room for changes, hiring a dedicated development team isn’t necessary. For projects like this, where everything is set in stone, it’s better to choose a model that fits your defined scope. Depending on the project’s size and complexity, either a fixed-price or time & material model will suit better.

Models of cooperation with dedicated teams

The agency you choose takes care of finding the right people, setting up how the work will flow, and making sure your in-house staff and the dedicated team work well together. Besides, there are several models of cooperation with development teams, so let’s examine them to find the best fit for your project’s needs.

1. Recruiting a full-time team

In times when you need a strong team just for a project, think about getting a full-time dedicated team. A group of professionals will work only on your product, giving their full attention just like your own employees would. This way, you get a team that knows the project inside and out and is there for the long haul. It’s ideal for cases that require ongoing attention, complex development, and a high level of collaboration.

2. Expanding the in-house team with contractors

If an in-house team needs a boost on a project, bringing in contractors to expand your team can be a smart move. This model involves hiring skilled professionals on a contract basis to work alongside your existing team. It’s a flexible way to add specific expertise or extra hands when you need them without committing to long-term employment. Contractors can quickly integrate into your team, help speed up the project, and bring in fresh perspectives.

3. Utilizing a project-based contract team

For projects with a clear start and end point, utilizing a project-based contract team is a practical approach. This model involves hiring a team specifically for the duration of a project, where the focus is on achieving defined goals within a set timeline. They work on their own but in line with what you need, helping get results while you handle other parts of the business.

Halo Lab dedicated team services

Tired of spending extra time, money, and energy on developing your project only to face constant, untimely issues and burning deadlines? You’re not alone. Many experience these exact challenges, and that’s where Halo Lab’s dedicated team of skilled professionals comes in. By partnering with us, you can streamline the hiring process, cut costs, and achieve your goals on time, every time.

Whatever your project may be, we’ve got the team with the right skills to turn your ideas into reality. Need just a designer and a QA tester? We’ve got you covered. Starting from scratch and wishing to work with talented specialists from the get-go? We can help with this too. Our flexible approach means tailoring services to fit exactly what you want.

Ready to make your project a success without the usual headaches? Let’s talk about how Halo Lab can turn your vision to life. Get in touch, and let’s assemble your ideal team to make magic happen today.

Bringing it all together

As you consider your next steps, think about how a dedicated team can elevate your project. The right team brings a combination of skill, dedication, and innovation that can transform your vision into reality. They’re not just working for you — they’re working with you.

So, as you look ahead, consider the impact that a dedicated team could have on your project’s trajectory. It could be the decision that takes your project from good to great, setting a new standard for excellence.