When it comes to building an IT product, companies are often faced with the decision of outsourcing or keeping their development in-house. However, for US-based B2B gifting platform Gifted, the answer was clear: to hire a dedicated software development team model. In this article, we'll explore why Gifted chose the dedicated team model, how we built a software team, and why outsourcing to Ukraine is still a good idea.
When deciding on a software development team, there are two main options: outsourcing or in-house. Outsourcing has become increasingly popular in recent years, with companies turning to countries like Ukraine for their software development needs. Outsourcing allows companies to tap into a global talent pool, reduce costs, and focus on their core business functions.
However, some companies prefer to keep their development in-house. This allows for greater control over the development process, closer collaboration with the team, and a better ability to nurture a company culture. Ultimately, the decision between outsourcing and in-house development depends on the company's needs, resources, and priorities.
We build dedicated teams for years and years now, and we have worked out an approach which helped us to team up with great product owners and participate in their success with a focus on great delivery and cost-efficiency.
What’s the approach? We enter the project on the go with a highly experienced full-stack team, get to know the product and all of the details from the inside, build a hiring strategy then and implement it while supporting HR, finance and on-demand R&D tasks.
Anton Trakht,
CEO at Kultprosvet
01 Get to Know through Maintenance
The product had an engineering history and to discover it from the inside we started with day-to-day maintenance tasks. We entered the project with KPS Core Team, these are primarily senior software engineers and a bunch of fast and curious juniors. After a few months of maintenance tasks performed we felt knowledgeable to start building a dedicated team for the Gifted.
02 Build a Hiring Strategy
Now that we already knew the platform's unique requirements, challenges, and technology stack, we could make an informed decision on team building. Four software engineers, a QA and a part-time PM – this is how we started. It’s worth mentioning that before we entered the project it was maintained by a team of 50.
03 People management support
Today, after two years and a whole lot of product developments the Gifted team consists of six engineers, three QAs and a dedicated PM. "That's a dream team" – said Anton Kalmykov, our chief delivery officer, while leaving his PM role at the Gifted project. You get attached, but it is always a pleasure to let the team be and grow.
The Gifted team is an independent unit fully dedicated to the Gifted and its growth. We take care of the people management though. We do HR, recruit new people if needed, run payrolls and appreciation programs.
Once, Gifted needed a simple cross-platform mobile App for its merchants. We did not hire mobile app developers but provided software as a service by booking some hours of React Native engineers from KPS Core team.
By adopting this approach, Gifted was able to achieve faster time-to-market, reduce costs, and increase overall efficiency. Our dedicated team approach allowed us to deeply understand the platform and provide customized solutions that met Gifted's unique needs. Win-win!
Why is it still worth building a dedicated team in Ukraine?
There are many outsourcing destinations to choose from, but Ukraine has emerged as a leading destination for IT outsourcing – even despite russia’s invasion. Ukraine has a thriving IT industry and a large pool of highly skilled developers with expertise in a wide range of technologies.
One of the main advantages of outsourcing software development to Ukraine is the talent pool available. Ukrainian developers are known for their technical expertise, with a high percentage of them holding advanced degrees in computer science and related fields. Additionally, many Ukrainian developers have experience working with companies in the United States and Western Europe, and are familiar with the business culture and practices of these regions.
Another factor that makes Ukraine an attractive destination for outsourcing is the relatively low cost of living and lower tax rates compared to many Western countries. Therefore Ukrainian engineers can often provide their services at competitive rates without sacrificing quality.
Furthermore, Ukraine has a well-developed IT infrastructure and a strong commitment to the industry. The country has invested heavily in building a robust IT ecosystem, with many universities and technical schools offering world-class training programs in software development and related fields.
The dedicated team model allows scaling your team fast while ensuring that you have committed and knowledgeable people working exclusively for you.
Outsourcing to Ukraine is a smart choice for businesses looking for cost-effective IT solutions without sacrificing quality. With a large pool of highly skilled developers, a thriving IT industry, and a cultural fit with Western businesses, Ukraine is an ideal destination for IT outsourcing.
At Kultprosvet, we specialize in building dedicated teams for IT projects, and we have extensive experience working with clients in the US and other countries. If you're looking to build a dedicated team for your IT project, get in touch with us and let us discuss how we can help you achieve your business goals.
