Flexible Engagement ModelsFor Every Need
Choose the engagement model that best fits your project requirements, budget, and timeline. We're flexible to adapt to your needs.
Dedicated Team
Your Extended Team
Get a dedicated team of professionals working exclusively on your projects with full-time commitment and deep integration.
Project-Based
Defined Scope, Fixed Timeline
Fixed-scope projects with defined deliverables, timeline, and budget. Perfect for specific initiatives with clear requirements.
Time & Material
Maximum Flexibility
Pay for actual time and resources used. Ideal for projects with evolving requirements and need for flexibility.
Hybrid Model
Best of Both Worlds
Combine different engagement models to create a custom approach that fits your unique needs and project characteristics.
Managed Services
End-to-End Management
We take complete ownership of specific functions or processes, managing them end-to-end while you focus on your core business.
Staff Augmentation
On-Demand Expertise
Quickly add skilled professionals to your existing team. They work as part of your team under your direct management.
Dedicated Team
Your Extended Team
Get a dedicated team of professionals working exclusively on your projects with full-time commitment and deep integration.
Pricing Structure
Monthly Retainer
Based on team size and skills
Monthly fixed cost per resource
Best For
- Long-term projects (6+ months)
- Ongoing product development
- Scaling engineering teams
- Building dedicated capabilities
Key Features
What you get with this model
- Hand-picked team members based on your requirements
- Full-time dedication to your projects
- Seamless integration with your existing team
- Direct communication and collaboration
- Flexible team scaling up or down
- Long-term partnership approach
Key Benefits
Why choose this model
- Predictable monthly costs
- Team continuity and knowledge retention
- Cultural alignment over time
- Faster onboarding for new features
Ideal Use Cases
Project-Based
Defined Scope, Fixed Timeline
Fixed-scope projects with defined deliverables, timeline, and budget. Perfect for specific initiatives with clear requirements.
Pricing Structure
Fixed Price
Based on scope and complexity
Milestone-based payments
Best For
- Well-defined project scope
- Fixed budget requirements
- Specific deliverables
- Time-bound initiatives
Key Features
What you get with this model
- Comprehensive project scoping and planning
- Fixed price for defined deliverables
- A named delivery lead for the project
- Clear milestones and timelines
- Quality assurance included
- Post-delivery support period
Key Benefits
Why choose this model
- Budget certainty from the start
- Clear deliverables and timelines
- Reduced management overhead
- Risk sharing with vendor
Ideal Use Cases
Time & Material
Maximum Flexibility
Pay for actual time and resources used. Ideal for projects with evolving requirements and need for flexibility.
Pricing Structure
Hourly/Daily Rate
Based on skill level and expertise
Weekly or bi-weekly invoicing
Best For
- Evolving requirements
- Exploratory projects
- Continuous improvements
- Flexible scope management
Key Features
What you get with this model
- Pay only for hours worked
- Complete flexibility to change direction
- Rapid project initiation
- Easy scaling of resources
- Transparent time tracking
- Regular status updates and reports
Key Benefits
Why choose this model
- Ultimate flexibility in scope
- No long-term commitments
- Quick ramp-up and ramp-down
- Ideal for uncertain requirements
Ideal Use Cases
Hybrid Model
Best of Both Worlds
Combine different engagement models to create a custom approach that fits your unique needs and project characteristics.
Pricing Structure
Custom Mix
Tailored to your needs
Combined billing approach
Best For
- Complex multi-phase projects
- Mixed predictable and variable work
- Organizations with diverse needs
- Strategic partnerships
Key Features
What you get with this model
- Dedicated team for core development
- T&M for exploratory work and changes
- Fixed-price for well-defined modules
- Flexible resource allocation
- Optimized cost structure
- Customized engagement terms
Key Benefits
Why choose this model
- Optimized cost-efficiency
- Maximum flexibility where needed
- Stability for core work
- Scalable to changing needs
Ideal Use Cases
Managed Services
End-to-End Management
We take complete ownership of specific functions or processes, managing them end-to-end while you focus on your core business.
Pricing Structure
Service-Based
Quoted after a scoping call
Monthly service fee
Best For
- Complete function outsourcing
- IT operations management
- HR operations
- Workforce management
Key Features
What you get with this model
- Complete process ownership
- Performance measured against agreed targets
- A named lead accountable for the service
- Uses our own HR and workforce products where they fit
- Support hours agreed at scoping
- Continuous improvement programs
Key Benefits
Why choose this model
- Focus on core business
- Service levels agreed in the contract
- Reduced operational overhead
- Access to specialized expertise
Ideal Use Cases
Staff Augmentation
On-Demand Expertise
Quickly add skilled professionals to your existing team. They work as part of your team under your direct management.
Pricing Structure
Per Resource
From US$25/hour (about US$4,000/month full time)
Monthly or hourly rates
Best For
- Temporary skill gaps
- Seasonal demand spikes
- Quick team expansion
- Specialized expertise needs
Key Features
What you get with this model
- Pre-vetted professional resources
- Fast onboarding (1-2 weeks)
- Work under your management
- Flexible engagement duration
- Easy replacement if needed
- No long-term contracts required
Key Benefits
Why choose this model
- Rapid team expansion
- Direct control over resources
- No recruitment overhead
- Flexible engagement terms
Ideal Use Cases
Compare Engagement Models
Find the right fit for your project at a glance
| Factor | Dedicated | Project | T&M | Hybrid | Managed | Staff Aug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Predictability | High | Very High | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| Flexibility | Medium | Low | Very High | High | Medium | High |
| Time to Start | 2-4 weeks | 3-6 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Best for Scope | Evolving | Fixed | Uncertain | Mixed | Ongoing | Flexible |
| Management Effort | Medium | Low | High | Medium | Very Low | High |
How to Choose the Right Model
Key factors to consider when selecting your engagement approach
Project Scope
Is your scope well-defined or evolving? Fixed scope = Project-Based, Evolving = Dedicated/T&M
Budget Type
Do you need fixed costs or can you be flexible? Fixed = Project-Based, Flexible = T&M
Timeline
Short-term or long-term engagement? Short = T&M/Staff Aug, Long = Dedicated/Managed
Control Level
How much control do you want? High = Staff Aug/T&M, Low = Managed Services
Engagement Models — FAQ
What engagement models does Verdeshell offer?
Six: Dedicated Team, Project-Based (fixed scope), Time and Material, Hybrid, Managed Services, and Staff Augmentation. They differ in cost predictability, flexibility, time to start and how much management effort stays with you.
How do I choose the right engagement model?
Start with four questions. Is the scope fixed or evolving? Fixed suits Project-Based; evolving suits a Dedicated Team or Time and Material. Do you need a fixed budget? Is the work short or long term? Short suits Staff Augmentation or Time and Material; long suits a Dedicated Team or Managed Services. And how much control do you want to keep day to day?
What is the difference between a dedicated team and staff augmentation?
A dedicated team is a long-term team working exclusively on your product, paid as a monthly retainer, built for continuity and knowledge retention. Staff augmentation adds individual professionals to your existing team under your direct management, for skill gaps or demand spikes, with flexible duration.
Fixed price or time and material — which is better?
Fixed price (Project-Based) gives the highest cost predictability but little room to change scope, so it suits clear requirements. Time and Material is the most flexible — you pay for the time and resources used — and suits uncertain or evolving scope, with more management effort on your side.
How quickly can an engagement start?
Typical start times are one to two weeks for Time and Material or Staff Augmentation, two to four weeks for a Dedicated Team or Hybrid model, three to six weeks for a Project-Based engagement, and four to eight weeks for Managed Services, which needs the most transition planning.
Can engagement models be combined?
Yes — that is the Hybrid model. For example, a fixed-scope build for a new module alongside a dedicated team on the core product, or managed services for one function while you augment another team directly.
Not Sure Which Model is Right for You?
Let's discuss your needs and help you choose the perfect engagement approach