The software development process includes the steps of eliciting requirements, making analysis, creating the design of wireframes and prototypes, writing code, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. To build a new piece of software, it is necessary to choose an appropriate collaboration model. The model choice depends on various things. Here are three main frameworks we offer our clients:
Fixed price is a model suitable for small and medium-scale projects with all the necessary documentation, specification, and requirements. This approach works best for the client when project requirements are firmly set and are not going to be changed. It is commonly used for short-term projects like MVP or PoC products or long-term projects with a firm plan and necessary specifications that won’t be changed in the future. This cooperation model includes strict deadlines for project implementation.
Pros
All necessary documents, like project requirements and specifications, are ready. It ensures the likelihood of getting the exact product that the client needs.
The milestones, workflow plan, and deadlines are approved.
As all requirements are approved in advance, it is possible for the vendor team to estimate the budget and amount of money accurately.
This approach doesn’t take the client’s time or management efforts as the budget and deadlines were agreed.
Cons
Not all requirements may be predicted correctly. Sometimes some changes and re-estimation are needed. However, this approach is not designed for changes.
As a tech team works with submitted documentation, there is a risk that some details were missed. In this way, the product can be different from what the client needs to receive.
T&M is a model suitable for small and medium-scale projects when it is difficult to define the whole scope of work and the total price. This cooperation model offers flexibility and agility to modify new requirements, to manage a dedicated team, and optimize costs. This method works best for clients who don’t need a large team. Thus, the customer pays only for the development process and the results.
Pros
Adjust new requirements, replace features during the project.
Monitor the process and see the result during the development stages.
Involve users during the process of development to get that very product.
Pay only for the actual work scope based on hourly rates of the tech team.
Cons
The budget for developing a product may vary, as it is not possible to estimate the whole process of work in advance. It depends on a number of issues and adjusting new features.
Deadlines are vague as the development process changes. The workflow is based on implementations of small tasks, that is why it is hard to estimate the fixed deadline of the project.
It is necessary to spend time in communication with the vendor to achieve the very product they need.
A dedicated team works best when the client needs to augment the existing team with professional developers. It assumes that the vendor’s expert team becomes a part of the existing expert team that is currently working on the project. This cooperation model is suitable for big long-term in-house and external projects with unclear deadlines and requirements. In return, the client manages the team according to the company culture and project management sprints. The price consists of the team’s monthly salary and administrative costs.
Pros
The customer has full control over the team’s workflow, deadlines, and working hours.
The customer selects appropriate developers with the necessary skills and expertise suitable for the current challenge in the development process.
Hiring a dedicated team gives an opportunity to forecast exact monthly expenses and taxes.
The remote team allows the customer to speed up the development process, as there is no need to find and hire in-house staff.
Cons
Managing a remote team always requires customer’s engagement and time.
You are welcome to choose the appropriate model of collaboration that suits you best. If you have doubts or you are not sure what to choose, we will advise you the best option based on your resources and preferences. As we provide our clients with high transparency, all agreements will be consolidated in the contract.
What happens next?
