Engagement Models: Fixed Scope, Dedicated Team, or Staff Augmentation

Fixed scope

A well-defined build delivered against a written, phased scope for a fixed quote. Best when you know what you need and want budget certainty. First production version typically lands in 8–16 weeks, with weekly demos throughout.

Dedicated team

A stable team of senior engineers working only on your product for a monthly team rate — best for evolving products. Covered in depth at hire dedicated developers.

Staff augmentation

Individual engineers at a monthly per-developer rate reporting into your existing engineering process — best when you already run delivery and need specific skills.

Comparison

• Best for: fixed scope — defined builds; dedicated team — evolving products; staff augmentation — existing teams needing skills.
• Pricing basis: fixed quote vs monthly team rate vs monthly per-developer rate.
• Flexibility: written scope revisions vs sprint-to-sprint reprioritisation vs scaling individual roles.
• Communication cadence: weekly demos in all models; dedicated and augmented developers join your standups and tools.
• Typical timeline: 8–16 weeks for a fixed-scope first version; ongoing (typically 3-month minimum) for dedicated teams.

Exact rates depend on team composition — every engagement starts with a written estimate; ask and we'll give you numbers in the first call.

The same in every model

• Written phased scope before work starts.
• Weekly demos of working software.
• Your code in your repository from the first commit, IP assigned to you.
• NDA on request; response within one business day.

Next steps

See how we work with US companies and UK/EU companies, or start the conversation.

Common questions

Which model is cheapest?

It depends on how well-defined your work is. Fixed scope is most predictable for a clearly specified build; a dedicated team costs less per unit of work when requirements evolve, because you skip repeated re-scoping. Every engagement starts with a written estimate — ask and we'll give you numbers in the first call.

Can we switch models mid-engagement?

Yes. A common path is a fixed-scope first version followed by a dedicated team for ongoing product development. The written scope defines the transition so there are no surprises.

Who manages the developers in each model?

Fixed scope: we manage delivery end to end against the written scope. Dedicated team: shared — you set priorities, we run engineering practice. Staff augmentation: you manage the developers directly inside your own process.

Who owns the code in every model?

You do, in all three. Your code lives in your repository from the first commit and contracts assign all IP to you, regardless of engagement model.

Is there a minimum commitment?

Fixed scope has no minimum beyond the scoped build itself. Dedicated teams typically run 3 months minimum so the team can genuinely absorb your product. Staff augmentation is agreed per developer in the written scope, which always includes an easy exit.

How do engagements start?

The same way in every model: a discovery call, then a written phased scope and estimate before any commitment. We respond to first contact within one business day and sign an NDA on request.