Is creating your own dedicated software development team a good solution for your business?

So, you need to build software in-house, but are short on staff? There are two things you can do. First, you can invest in a time- and money-consuming recruitment process to form an in-house team. This solution is not ideal, especially if you only want to carry out one project. The second (and better!) option is to create an outsourced dedicated software development team. Learn more.

For non-tech companies, outsourcing IT services is the most obvious choice, when they need a new app or other kind of software. There is no point in hiring developers long-term if delivering digital products is not a core part of your business. Outsourcing can mean a lot of things – for example, staff augmentation or ordering an app in a recommended software house. But another solution also allows for saving money and gives you a great amount of control over your own project.

What is a dedicated software development team?

Creating a dedicated software development team is the answer to the needs of hundreds of companies all over the world. It was invented mainly for non-tech companies who want  to develop their own applications and software without hiring an in-house development team. Such a solution can also be a form of temporary support for software houses that are taking on a project whose elements don’t align with their usual project.

How does it work? You need to find a company that offers help with forming a dedicated software development team and get in touch with it. Such organizations usually offer professional advice in terms of choosing the right specialists for your own team. These solutions are great because you are provided with experienced developers that will act like your in-house team, but you do not have to waste time on onboarding – you can jump straight into the development process. 

Understanding the Dedicated Software Development Team Model

A dedicated software development team is essentially an outsourced team of professionals who work exclusively on your project, just like an in-house team, but without the need to hire full-time employees. These teams are often composed of highly skilled developers, project managers, quality assurance testers, and other IT professionals, depending on the scope and complexity of your project. The key advantage is that this team works solely on your project and is managed according to your needs and preferences.

This solution is particularly attractive to businesses that lack the expertise or resources to manage the recruitment, training, and long-term maintenance of an internal IT team. It also provides flexibility, allowing you to scale the team up or down based on the needs of your project without the ongoing overhead costs associated with permanent hires.

For non-tech companies, outsourcing IT services can often be the most sensible choice when a new app or software solution is needed. There’s little sense in investing in long-term staff when developing software is not part of your core business. Outsourcing can take several forms, from staff augmentation (adding external developers to your existing team) to commissioning a software house to handle your entire project. But what makes a dedicated software development team different from other outsourcing options is the amount of control, flexibility, and specialization it offers.

Why Choose a Dedicated Software Development Team?

There are several reasons why businesses choose to build or partner with dedicated software development teams instead of hiring in-house employees or contracting out a generic development service. Let’s take a closer look at these reasons and why they matter:

1. Cost Efficiency
   Hiring an in-house development team can be a long, costly process, especially when you factor in recruitment, onboarding, salaries, and employee benefits. Furthermore, if you are only looking to complete one specific project, the cost of maintaining a permanent development team might not justify the investment.On the other hand, a dedicated team can help you avoid these long-term costs. You pay only for the work that needs to be done, with no additional overhead costs like insurance or office space. You also avoid the risk of hiring the wrong developers, as the outsourcing firm typically ensures that you get the most qualified professionals.
2. Access to a Broad Pool of Expertise
   Building a software solution often requires a variety of technical skills, including front-end and back-end development, database management, UI/UX design, and quality assurance. For a small or medium-sized business, it may be difficult or cost-prohibitive to hire specialists for each of these roles. A dedicated software development team, however, can provide you with access to a full spectrum of professionals with the right expertise for your project.Many outsourcing companies have established teams of developers with a wide range of skills and experience, meaning you can assemble a team specifically tailored to your project’s needs.
3. Faster Time to Market
   If you’re running a business, time is of the essence. Delays in software development can result in missed opportunities, loss of competitive advantage, or customer dissatisfaction. A dedicated development team, already familiar with industry best practices and agile development methodologies, can significantly speed up the development process.These teams are experienced in efficiently managing projects, enabling you to launch your product faster while ensuring it meets the desired functionality and quality standards. Moreover, since the team is dedicated to your project, there is no need to wait for the resources to be freed up, which often happens in larger development firms that work on multiple clients at once.
4. Enhanced Project Control and Transparency
   Unlike working with a generic outsourcing provider, a dedicated team allows for more oversight and communication. You maintain control over the development process and can make real-time decisions. With regular progress reports, meetings, and access to the team’s workflow, you ensure that the development stays on track with your vision and business objectives.This model also allows you to have direct input into the decision-making process, enabling you to adapt the project as it progresses. In contrast, with other outsourcing models, your input may be more limited, especially if you are dealing with an external provider handling multiple clients at once.
5. Flexibility and Scalability
   A dedicated development team can scale up or down based on your project’s evolving needs. If your project requires additional resources at a certain stage, you can easily add new developers or specialists to your team. Similarly, if your needs change or the project is nearing completion, the team can be downsized, which allows you to adjust costs accordingly.This flexibility is essential for businesses that need to respond quickly to market changes or shifting project priorities.
6. Long-Term Relationships and Support
   A dedicated software development team is not just a one-off service. By working with the same team throughout the development process and beyond, you can build a long-term relationship that ensures consistent quality and understanding of your business goals. Many outsourcing companies provide ongoing support and maintenance after the project is completed, helping you to fix bugs, implement updates, and enhance the software over time.Having a dedicated team available for future improvements can save you the headache of having to onboard a new team every time a modification is needed.

How Is a Dedicated Software Development Team Formed?

The process of creating a dedicated software development team typically begins with workshops and consultations. During this phase, the outsourcing company will work closely with you to understand your specific project needs, business requirements, and technological constraints.

The goal of these workshops is to define your expectations and create a roadmap for how the development team will be assembled and managed. The more detail you provide about your business goals, project scope, and desired outcomes, the better the outsourced company can tailor their team to meet your needs.

A professional outsourcing firm will take time to learn about your business culture, existing software infrastructure, and workflow processes, ensuring that the team they build can seamlessly integrate with your operations. The team typically consists of:

• Developers (front-end, back-end, full-stack)
• Project Managers to ensure that the project stays on track
• QA specialists to test the software and ensure its functionality and performance
• UI/UX designers to create user-friendly interfaces and experiences

Once the team is assembled, they’ll start the development process according to the specifications you’ve outlined. During the project, you’ll have regular updates and meetings with the team to discuss progress, address challenges, and adjust the project direction as necessary.

Is a Dedicated Software Development Team Right for You?

For many businesses, especially those in non-tech sectors, the decision to build a dedicated software development team can be a game-changer. It offers flexibility, cost savings, and expert support while ensuring that the final product is closely aligned with your business needs.

Ultimately, the success of your project depends on choosing the right outsourcing partner and ensuring that communication, collaboration, and transparency are at the forefront of the partnership. If done correctly, a dedicated software development team can help you build a high-quality product that drives your business forward, without the headaches of managing a large in-house development team.

By leveraging the expertise of a dedicated team, you gain not only access to specialized skills but also greater control, faster delivery, and a cost-effective solution that meets the unique demands of your business.