It managed services or staff augmentation?

Want to adapt to market changes? Outsourcing IT projects and specialists is becoming an increasingly popular solution for good reason. The two main outsourcing models are IT-managed services and staff augmentation. Which one is the right option for your organization? Below, we answer the most common concerns and indicate which path to take to best utilize outsourcing potential.

IT Managed Services or Staff Augmentation? Know the Differences

Let’s start with a quick comparison of both solutions—remember, this article aims to compare both models. At j‑labs, we don’t provide IT-managed services, but we can support you through staff augmentation.

IT Managed Services – Comprehensive IT Support

IT managed services is a model where an external provider takes responsibility for all or part of the client’s IT infrastructure. These services typically include network management, servers, databases, as well as help desk and technical support.

Staff Augmentation – Flexibility and Control

Staff augmentation is a more flexible model within programmer outsourcing. Here, an external provider—such as j‑labs—provides qualified IT specialists who collaborate with the client’s internal team. Unlike IT-managed services, staff augmentation gives greater control over the project and allows for flexible resource adjustment to current needs. So, in essence, you’re not building a team from scratch but rather supplementing missing skill sets or increasing team resources. 

Explore Other Options

Besides IT-managed services and staff augmentation, there are alternative solutions such as agile project outsourcing and team extension. 

• Agile project outsourcing is a collaboration model where the client transfers project implementation to an external company, such as j‑labs. In this way, the development team is selected based on project requirements, and their work is managed by a Delivery Manager from the external partner. The Delivery Manager’s goal is to ensure compliance with business requirements, maintain high software quality, and implement the project according to Agile principles.
• Meanwhile, in team extension, the client expands their internal team by including specialists from an external company. Developers meld into existing processes, acting as an integral part of the client’s team. Collaboration usually follows a Time&Material model; the client can also count on the Delivery Manager’s support.

Discover the Benefits of Staff Augmentation

Want to start collaboration using the staff augmentation model? It’s a sensible option, especially for large enterprises that value flexibility and security. Why?

Access to Knowledge within Arm’s Reach

Need Java experts for a new application project? Or perhaps a team of agile developers to develop your custom software? Staff augmentation enables the quick acquisition of qualified specialists with many years of experience (even a decade in their specialization!), who will seamlessly fit into your team and support project implementation.

Flexibility and Scalability

The IT market is an ever-changing one. Staff augmentation allows for dynamic adjustment of team size to current project needs—real needs. You can expand your team with additional IT specialists at any time, without going through a lengthy recruitment process.

Greater Control over the Project

Staff augmentation gives you full control over the project and team. You decide on the project’s development direction and have direct influence over its implementation.

Reducing Unnecessary Costs

This solution allows you to optimize employment-related costs. You don’t have to bear the costs of recruiting or training new employees—you only pay for the work time of specialists implementing your project. And since demanding projects require specialists with high seniority levels, optimizing their work time is a huge advantage.

Ensuring Maximum Security for Your Team and the Highest Quality for Your Projects

Collaborating with a staff augmentation company that prioritizes security and quality simply pays off. When making your choice, ensure that your selected partner actually adheres to security standards.

Find a Trusted Partner to Help with Staff Augmentation

We perfectly understand the challenges that large companies face in light of modern challenges. Our experience in staff augmentation allows us to provide qualified IT specialists who support the most demanding clients in executing ambitious projects. We emphasize safety, quality, and long-term relationships with our clients. At times when the IT market can surprise you with dynamic shifts, let j‑labs be the rock-solid business partner you can count on.

Interested in our past projects? Take a look at our case studies.

By choosing j‑labs, you gain:

• Access to a team of experts with a decade of experience in their specializations.
• Guarantee of security and quality at the highest level—we are ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001 certified.
• Team flexibility and scalability, depending on project needs.
• Support from a business partner with international experience—we execute projects in foreign markets, for example, in Germany, we collaborate with global leaders such as Sinch and Schenker.

Fill out the form and schedule a consultation with us today, and we’ll tell you more about how staff augmentation can help your company achieve success.