Team Extension: Supercharge Your Business Growth
Any successful business should scale after some time. At the end of the day, isn’t it what this is all about – to make progress, make more money, and reach higher heights? But as your business grows, so do the challenges. You might find that your in-house team, while perfectly capable, can’t handle every hurdle that may come your way, and you need to bring in external professionals to keep going.
The problem is that finding the right talent is often a challenge on its own, especially if you need some specialized skills. That’s where team extension becomes a game-changer. Just like hiring expert guides to navigate tricky paths, the team extension model allows you to bring in top-tier professionals exactly when you need them — without the commitment of full-time hires.
But how does this model differ from traditional outsourcing? And more importantly, how can it supercharge your business growth? In this article, we’ll break down how team extension works and why it’s the secret weapon fast-growing companies are using to stay ahead of the competition.
Team Extension Model: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Team extension model is a flexible business approach where external professionals, such as developers, designers, or QA engineers are temporarily hired to fill in the missing gaps in the in-house team. From day one, they fully commit their attention and skills to your project, working alongside your internal staff as permanent employees.
Now you might wonder how this model is different from the dedicated development team model since they have a similar concept. However, they are not the same. The key difference between them is in how they operate and integrate into your business. Let’s look at these differences more closely:
| Factor | Team Extension | Dedicated Team |
| Integration with team | High – external specialists work alongside your in-house team | Low – operates as an independent unit with minimal integration |
| Flexibility | Very flexible – easily scale up or down based on project needs | Moderate – typically fixed size, longer-term commitment |
| Control | High – you maintain control over day-to-day work and direction | Moderate – more autonomy, but you provide guidance and oversight |
As you can see, the differences are rather substantial. While the dedicated team model implies a more independent approach, where the external team takes full responsibility for the project with limited integration into your business, the team extension model offers much closer collaboration.
With development team extension, you not only augment your internal team by adding valuable skill sets to it, you actually get a committed team that follows your company’s processes, culture, and workflows. This allows you to better manage and control the flow of the project and ensure that all team members stay on the same page and work towards the same goals.
Bring in the expertise of top-tier developers to develop a disruptive software product
Advantages of Software Development Team Extension Model
There are a number of good reasons why an extended software development extension team can be a game-changer. Let’s look at its key advantages to understand if this approach may be a good fit for your business.
- Access to global talent
One of the biggest strengths of the team extension model is that it allows you to tap into a global talent pool and hire specialists with the skills and experience that may not be available in your in-house team. Whether you need AI/ML developers, qualified specialists in blockchain, or experts in any other cutting-edge technology, you can find them through an extended team model, regardless of location.
- Flexibility and scalability
The team extension model allows you to scale up your internal team at any point in the development cycle. If you’re in the middle of a large project and need additional developers, you can quickly extend your team by bringing in more workforce from the outside. In the same vein, once the project is complete, you can scale down your team without having to worry about layoffs or severance.
- Faster time to market
Time is often a decisive factor that determines whether a business makes success. With team extension, you can quickly bring in skilled professionals to speed up the development process and save lots of hours that would otherwise be spent on recruitment, onboarding, and training. Ultimately, the product can be delivered faster without unnecessary delays.
- Seamless integration
Unlike traditional outsourcing models, team extension, as the name suggests, means that developers become a true extension of the existing team. They fully integrate into the company’s processes and culture and most often enjoy the same perks as internal staff, which fosters a collaborative environment that enhances productivity.
- Cost-efficiency
Hiring local software developers can be a significant financial commitment, especially for startups and small businesses. The team extension model offers a cost-effective alternative. Most developers from Eastern Europe charge considerably less compared to local hires while offering the same level of expertise, if not better. This is particularly beneficial if you’re working on a tight budget or looking to maximize the ROI.
- Fewer risks
Last but not least, an extended team works just like your in-house employees. This means that they commit their time to your project, and there are no other projects they need to juggle in between. As a result, you can better plan your workflow and have peace of mind knowing that no unpredicted issues will get in the way of your product release.
Challenges of Software Team Extension Model
Despite the many benefits that an extended development team brings to the table, there are a number of challenges that come with it as well. Here’s what you need to be prepared for.
Communication barriers
One of the biggest challenges that you might face is communication issues. This is particularly true if you hire developers from other countries working across different time zones. Not only may they have problems with understanding the language, but they may also fail to respond on time, inevitably leading to slow downs in the development process. To avoid this, make sure to estimate the language proficiency of your team members from the get-go and set up regular meetings to ensure everyone is aligned.
Initial onboarding time
Even though bringing in an extended team is much faster compared to hiring full-time employees, you would still need to allow some time for adjustment. External professionals need some time to learn the company’s processes and tools and blend with your internal team. However, without lengthy recruitment and onboarding procedures, the adjustment period is generally much shorter.
Recurring expenses
Extended software development team isn’t about low operating costs. Just like in the case of your internal employees, you must pay for the salaries of the extended team members, as well as any additional costs related to project management tools and training, and this becomes part of your recurring expenses. Even so, working with extended teams proves more cost-efficient compared to hiring full-time employees locally.
Culture differences
Working with extended teams, especially when hiring tech talent from different regions, can sometimes lead to cultural differences that may affect work dynamics. For example, if extended team members are from Eastern Europe, they expect at least 20 days of paid annual leave days whereas most local teams accept fewer days off and may easily go beyond their 40-hour week schedules. To mitigate these issues, it’s essential to provide clear guidelines to the company’s rules.
With our expertise across various industries and technologies, we’re well equipped to deliver tailored solutions
Who Can Benefit From Team Extension?
Now that we’ve explored the advantages of hiring extended software development teams, as well as the pitfalls that may arise along the way, let’s focus on scenarios where this approach proves the best fit. After all, while team extension offers undeniable benefits, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s important to recognize when it stands out as the best choice.
1. Growing businesses needing quick scaling
If you’re rapidly growing and notice that your team isn’t able to keep up with the pace, team extension can provide much-needed support. You can bring in specialists to work alongside your existing team without the overhead costs of full-time staff.
Best scenario: You have an ongoing project and require more hands on deck without the time to recruit and train full-time employees.
2. Companies needing specific skills
Should you be in need of some niche skills like for example AI/ML, blockchain, or DevOps that your current team doesn’t have, you can hire external specialists with the required expertise and avoid a lengthy and expensive recruitment process.
Best scenario: You need specific expertise for a limited time but still want to maintain direct control over the project and team structure.
3. Startups looking to stay lean
Startups often work on tight budgets and need to keep their team lean. However, just like bigger companies, they may experience phases of growth or project demands that their internal employees can’t handle. In cases like this, bringing professionals from the outside allows them to scale efficiently without long-term financial commitments.
Best scenario: You need to scale your team for specific tasks but want to keep operating costs low and avoid long-term employment contracts.
4. Businesses with short deadlines
The key benefit of the extended software development team is that it’s a fast model, making it an ideal option for businesses that must meet short deadlines. By quickly onboarding skilled professionals, they can jump right into the project, eliminating delays and ensuring timely delivery of their product or services.
Best scenario: You’re facing an impending launch date and need immediate support to meet your deadline without compromising quality.
5. Companies with ongoing, complex projects
Companies with complex projects that require continuous development often have difficulty finding the right talent for each project phase. The development team extension comes as a perfect solution. Businesses can scale their team dynamically, adding external specialists at different stages of the project while keeping control of the project’s flow.
Best scenario: You have a long-term, evolving project that requires continuous input from diverse specialists who can seamlessly integrate with your core team.
How an Extended Team Is Managed
Even though extended team members are usually people who have already worked with each other and know how to solve various tasks, they still need a guiding hand to be effective and productive. Let’s take a closer look at how to effectively manage a software team extension and ensure they contribute to your project’s success.
Define roles and responsibilities
To make the integration of new team members easier and faster, creating a project management framework can do the trick. Clearly define the roles of each team member so they know what tasks they are responsible for and how their contribution fits the overall project. This will help avoid any confusion and ensure accountability from day one.
Set clear goals and KPIs
Just like your internal team, an extended development team needs to understand the goals they are working towards and deliverables. When outlining the work framework, set clear goals and KPIs to measure outcomes and track progress. These metrics will be your benchmark to estimate the project success and make data-driven decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
Establish effective communication channels
Communication is key to managing a software team extension. With team members often working remotely or even from different locations and time zones, it’s important to choose reliable communication channels that everyone can use and feels comfortable with. Discuss how information will be shared within the team, and set a time when you can all jump on a call to go over project progress and upcoming tasks.
Ensure access to tools and resources
For your extended team to perform at its best, they need to have access to the right tools, software, and resources. With that in mind, ensure that your new team members have everything they need to start working on the project, including development tools, cloud services, or access to internal systems used by your current team.
Provide continuous feedback
Nothing motivates a team better than regular and fair feedback. Monitor your team’s progress closely, and be quick to recognize achievements and milestones, no matter how small. Positive feedback helps build morale, while constructive criticism ensures that the team knows what needs to be fixed or improved.
How to Hire the Right Team Extension Partner
Finding a team extension provider isn’t a small feat. You need a reliable partner who you can trust, and who has the ability, knowledge, and technical expertise to build your product. But how do you choose the right one when there are so many third-party providers? Here’s a short guide that can help make this journey a tad bit easier for you.
- Define your needs
Start by preparing a detailed brief of your project requirements. This should include key details such as the type of software you want to build, the technologies used, and the timeline for each phase of the project. Outline what specialists will be needed at different stages, whether it’s developers, QA engineers, or DevOps experts. This brief will act as your roadmap when approaching potential team extension partners, ensuring you communicate your expectations clearly and don’t miss anything important.
- Search for potential candidates
Once you have your project brief in hand, the next step is to start searching for potential team extension providers. Here, your options are vast. You can find providers through multiple channels, including freelance platforms, company websites, forums, referrals, and tech marketplaces. Regardless of the option you choose, ensure that they have a good score of reviews, and their case studies demonstrate relevant expertise.
- Evaluate technical expertise
After you’ve shortlisted a few candidates, take the time to evaluate their technical expertise. They should specialize in the technologies required for your project and have a track record of successfully completing similar projects. If possible, speak to the past clients to get an honest feedback of the provider’s capabilities, style of work, and overall experience with the team.
- Arrange a short phone or video call
Organize a short phone or video call with shortlisted candidates to discuss your project. By sharing details with your potential provider, you’ll understand if this is something they have experience working with and how they approach problem-solving. This conversation will also help understand if the team extension provider is a good fit for your team.
- Test the waters with a small project
Before jumping into partnership, consider testing your provider with a small project or a pilot phase. This will allow you to estimate the team’s performance, work quality, and communication skills in real time and make an informed decision about moving forward.
Build your perfect team by choosing from over 300 top professionals
How Much Team Extension Services Cost
First and foremost, the cost of an extended software development team depends on the complexity of the project. The more features and functionality the product involves, the more effort will be required to develop it.
That’s where it’s so important to clearly determine your needs from the outset. If you only need to build some simple features, rather than hiring senior level developers, you might opt for mid-level or junior developers who can handle the tasks at a lower cost. On the other hand, if your project requires advanced functionality, complex integrations, or specialized skills and expertise, it might be more reasonable and cost beneficial to invest in senior specialists and avoid costly mistakes down the line.
Aside from project complexity, where the team is located geographically plays a significant role in determining the cost. Local developers typically charge from $100 to $200 per hour, while same level professionals from Eastern Europe, Latin America, or Asia would do the work for $30 to $80.
Obviously, the price alone shouldn’t be the only decisive factor when choosing an extended team as you also need to consider things like cultural differences, time zones, and communication barriers. That said, most teams from Eastern Europe countries are known for their strong technical profiles and fluent English, making them an attractive option for outsourcing.
Why Hire QArea
If you’re on the lookout for a trusted team extension company with a long track record of successful outcomes, QArea may be your best choice. With 23 years of experience and more than 300 talented specialists adept at the most cutting-edge technologies, we’ve been delivering reliable software solutions to clients across the globe.
Our development team is highly skilled in various tech stack and different industries, including healthcare, fintech, e-commerce, and more. We have a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of industry specific challenges, which allows us to offer tailored solutions to meet your unique business needs. Whether it’s building a complex CRM system for a medical institution or integrating AI or blockchain into a fintech app, our team has the knowledge and experience to handle projects of any scale and complexity.
More importantly, we can help assemble a dream team for you, based on your special needs and project requirements. At QArea, we have some of the most talented developers, UI/UX designers, and QA engineers, equipped with the latest tools and testing infrastructure to deliver top-notch software solutions. You can hire just as many specialists as you need and change team compositions at any point of time to keep your project agile and efficient.
Our user-centered approach, along with a proven track record of completed projects, is what has earned us the reputation of the leading extended software development company in Europe. So, if you’re looking to access a wider talent pool to supercharge your p
We don’t just promise. We deliver results
Wrapping Up
Outsourcing is one of the most flexible and cost-efficient solutions to grow your business, and team extension takes this concept to the next level. By bringing in tech talent from the outside, you not only access a wider range of skills, which is a big advantage in itself, but you also gain peace of mind that your project is in reliable hands and nothing will prevent it from being released in due time and within budget. More importantly, this approach can benefit pretty everyone, whether you’re a small startup working on a tight budget and looking to scale quickly or a large business seeking specialized skills and tech expertise.
Share:
- Team Extension Model: What Is It and How Does It Work?
- Advantages of Software Development Team Extension Model
- Challenges of Software Team Extension Model
- Who Can Benefit From Team Extension?
- How an Extended Team Is Managed
- How to Hire the Right Team Extension Partner
- How Much Team Extension Services Cost
- Why Hire QArea
- Wrapping Up
Planning to improve development process?
Decrease the entropy of product design and development, and increase your chances of success.
Written by
We Help With
Your tech partner needs to be well versed in all kinds of software-related services. As the software development process involves different stages and cycles, the most natural solution is to have them all performed by the same team of experts. That’s exactly what our diverse range of services is for.
The choice of technology for your software project is one of the defining factors of its success. Here at QArea, we have hands-on experience with dozens of popular front-end, back-end, and mobile technologies for creating robust software solutions.
In-depth familiarity and practical experience with key technologies are one of the cornerstones of successful software development and QA. But it also takes specific knowledge of the industry to develop a solution that meets the expectations of the stakeholders and propels its owner to success.
Ensure an effective online presence for your business with a corporate site.
