Staying up to date on the latest technology trends is challenging for any organization. Technologies seem to change daily and the influx of information can feel like drinking from a fire hose. While hiring this expertise in-house may be tempting, it may not be your most cost-effective solution.
A growing trend among clients has been a retainer-based approach to sourcing technology expertise. Instead of hiring a full-time employee or an hourly contractor, a client will hire our services on a standard monthly fee. This monthly fee entitles a client to expertise on-demand.
While the fee does vary based on the type and amount of expertise needed, once agreed to, the fee is consistent month-to-month. This provides the client with a guaranteed source of technology expertise at a reasonable, fixed cost. Instead of having to hire a full-time SME, an hourly contractor, or a “software architect”, the client has someone they can rely on for questions on the latest technologies, challenging architectural problems, or ways to improve development team efficiency.
Having a consultant who provides technology expertise on retainer provides the following advantages:
Lower cost
The cost of having a consultant on retainer is often significantly lower than the cost of a full-time employee. Especially those employees in senior roles (e.g. software architects, technical leads, etc). These positions demand significantly higher salaries than general development roles. You’re no longer paying someone on staff salary and benefits while they learn on your dime. Instead, targeted expert guidance is provided only when needed.
Fixed monthly rate
Hourly fees are unpredictable and can have a detrimental impact on budget. They often lead to a questioning of whether it’s necessary to involve an hourly resource in a conversation or technical task. You can eliminate this concern by fixing the cost.
Broad experience
Consultants tend to offer technical experience across multiple domains. This crossover experience is invaluable when evaluating technical solutions as a consultant can speak to different usage types, performance implications, and security needs across a wide range of experience. While it may be possible to find this in a full-time hire, it won’t come cheap. A consultant has to stay current on industry trends to stay relevant and your organization simply reaps the rewards of those efforts.
Outside perspective
Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest from the trees. It’s helpful to have someone available who can provide an outsider’s perspective. A consultant can provide a viewpoint you may not have considered when you’re entrenched in the problem you’re trying to solve. The probing questions a consultant asks can help reframe a problem and the technical considerations.
Objectivity
A good consultant provides advice and expertise without being impacted by the politics of the organization. Consultants can provide a fresh, objective viewpoint that isn’t hindered by what others in the organization may think.
Catalyst for change
A consultant will be viewed in a different light than those within your organization. Members of your organization will tend to view a consultant as someone without any built-in bias. This can help to spur changes that may not have been previously possible.
Facilitate learning
You can ignite interest in your development team by simply having new ideas and technical solutions brought to the table. Developers are excited by new ideas and approaches to the problems they are trying to solve on a daily basis. Simply having someone spreading new ideas will promote additional learning interest among the team.
There are always limits to this arrangement. The retainer-based approach is especially effective for those organizations who have a competent staff who simply needs guidance. A full-time resource or an hourly contractor are your best bet when extensive assistance is needed.
A retainer-based arrangement provides a great solution if your organization is in need of technology expertise, but looking to reduce budget.
If you need expertise now, we can help! Schedule a free consultation to find out more.
Related Articles: