Every project is unique and challenging in its own way. Software development is a highly competitive field and businesses focus on even the minutest details to fine-tune their ideas. One of the aspects where they should be careful is choosing an engagement model for their applications. Since every app has its own course and stands out by itself, there is no common model that applies to every one of them.

When an app is outsourced for development, the engagement model chosen plays one of the major roles in companies deciding their development partner. It also determines the level of control and responsibility each side holds. Another factor is that the engagement model preferred also plays a role in determining the overall cost of the app development. However, when it comes to agencies that help with development, the quality and transparency of the output should be similar irrespective of the engagement model that is preferred. How does a business zero-in on the right engagement model for that particular mobile app? What are the most commonly available models in the market and how to prioritize them based on the product or service offered?

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Here is a list of engagement models and their advantages. Hopefully, this serves as a simple guide to choose your engagement model.

1. Time and material model

Most of the applications are continuous and growing with time. This model acts on the basis of continuous development and stacking integration. This model allows one to define more short-term goals and work with great flexibility. As this model works on a pay-as-you-go basis, it also makes it easier for the developers to plan their work accordingly. This also has the highest chances of the product meeting the original business idea with regular updates and increasing thought put into it as the process continues.

Pros:
  • The flexibility allows changes to be made at any stage of the development.
  • The customer pays for what they get and the developer works for what they receive.
  • One need not specify every aspect right at the beginning of development.
  • Regular monitoring means constant communication between the company and the developer.
  • It gives the customer enough time to analyze the product’s presence before it hits the market.

If your product demands continuous research and refinement, this should be your best bet.

2. Fixed cost model

This model works on a fixed deliverable time at a fixed rate. The negotiations happen before the process begins and it is stuck to till the end. This process requires presenting the requirements and expectations clearly on the table and the developer can charge them accordingly. No changes can be made during the development process.

Pros:
  • The transparent process from the beginning with everything laid down perfectly.
  • Since everything is predetermined, individuals working on it are given defined roles without much changes or adjustments later.
  • The safest and easiest model to rely on.
  • A low-risk option.
  • Timely delivery is ensured and products can see light in the market as planned.

If you have a product that is aimed at short-term plans or requires limited development, this should be your go-to model.

3. Staff augmentation model

This is becoming the current buzz word in the IT industry. This involves hiring talented resources globally and manage the augmented team directly. This is more of an extension of the current skilled team that is already a part of the organization. This means the company can decide to cut or extend the teams when they want to.

Pros:
  • No investment in infrastructure.
  • The talent hunt is not bound by geographical boundaries and there’s a chance of acquiring the best from all over the world.
  • Saves money on hiring in-house employees and the time spent on hiring is also lesser.
  • The resources are focused on one project at a time, which means they give it their all for whatever they work on at any given time.

If you do not need full-time employees in the company but need an extension to your available resources in a short span, this model is your best option.

Informed decisions are crucial to choosing an engagement model. One must understand that each model comes with business-specific requirements and also cannot be common for all projects. Adaptation is necessary. We, at rootquotient, offer services based on the customer requirement and we have been involved in projects that follow various models. Explore our portfolio.

Considering the competitive market, both the customers and the developers must remember that there are other available opportunities. However, for both to collaborate and work smoothly, a healthy rapport between the parties involved ensures a seamless process. As trust builds, the teams can even work on further projects together. Choosing the right engagement model defines how the parties blend and work with each other, equally passionate about the product and not look at it as a mere commitment of delivery.