Team Extension: Definition and Explanation

Team extension is a process of expanding your existing team of developers or designers by adding external professionals who work remotely. It is a popular outsourcing model that allows companies to scale their development teams quickly without the need for a physical office or hiring new employees.

The team extension model is based on the idea of hiring remote professionals who are experts in their field and can work on a project as if they were part of the in-house team. The team extension model is also known as the staff augmentation model, which involves adding external professionals to your existing team to fill skill gaps or increase the team’s capacity.

The team extension model provides companies with the flexibility to scale their teams up or down based on project requirements. It is a cost-effective solution that allows companies to save money on office space, equipment, and employee benefits. The team extension model also provides companies with access to a global talent pool, which means they can hire the best professionals from around the world.

The team extension model is ideal for companies that need to scale their development teams quickly, have a limited budget, or want to focus on their core business activities. It is also suitable for companies that need to fill skill gaps or require specific expertise for a project.

Benefits of Team Extension

The team extension model offers several benefits to companies, including:

Cost savings: The team extension model allows companies to save money on office space, equipment, and employee benefits. Companies can also hire professionals from countries with lower labor costs, which can further reduce costs.
Flexibility: The team extension model provides companies with the flexibility to scale their teams up or down based on project requirements. Companies can also hire professionals on a short-term or long-term basis.
Access to a global talent pool: The team extension model allows companies to hire professionals from around the world, providing access to a global talent pool of experts.
Increased productivity: The team extension model allows companies to increase their development capacity, which can lead to faster project completion times and increased productivity.
Reduced risk: The team extension model allows companies to reduce their risk by hiring professionals with specific expertise for a project. This reduces the risk of project failure or delays.

How Team Extension Works

The team extension model involves several steps, including:

Identifying project requirements: The first step is to identify the project requirements and the skills needed to complete the project successfully.
Identifying skill gaps: The next step is to identify any skill gaps within the existing team that need to be filled to complete the project successfully.
Identifying external professionals: Once the project requirements and skill gaps have been identified, the next step is to identify external professionals who have the required skills and expertise.
Hiring external professionals: The next step is to hire the external professionals and integrate them into the existing team. This involves providing them with access to the necessary tools and resources, as well as ensuring they are aware of the project requirements and goals.
Managing the team: The final step is to manage the team and ensure they are working together effectively. This involves regular communication, monitoring progress, and providing feedback to ensure the project is completed successfully.

Conclusion

The team extension model is a popular outsourcing model that allows companies to scale their development teams quickly and efficiently. It provides companies with access to a global talent pool, reduces costs, and provides flexibility. The team extension model is ideal for companies that need to fill skill gaps, require specific expertise for a project, or want to focus on their core business activities. By following the steps outlined above, companies can successfully implement the team extension model and achieve their project goals.