Picture this: Your company lands an exciting, high-stakes project that could be a game-changer. But here’s the catch—you need a complete team to bring it to life, and you need them fast. Building an in-house team isn’t feasible within the timeline, and traditional outsourcing feels too disconnected. What do you do?

Enter Squad as a Service (SQDaaS)—a modern approach to team building that bridges the gap between traditional outsourcing and staff augmentation. It offers the best of both worlds: a fully equipped, dedicated team tailored to your needs, with the flexibility and agility required in today’s fast-paced tech landscape.

Let’s unpack what Squad as a Service really means, how it works, and how it compares to other hiring models like outsourcing and staff augmentation.

What is Squad as a Service?

Squad as a Service (SQDaaS) is a hiring model where an external partner assembles and manages an entire team—or “squad”—tailored to your project’s unique requirements. This squad typically includes all the roles you need for end-to-end project execution, such as developers, designers, QA engineers, product managers, and even scrum masters.

But here’s the key difference: unlike traditional outsourcing, where you delegate the project entirely to an external company, a SQDaaS squad integrates seamlessly with your organization. They work collaboratively with your internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment with your goals, culture, and processes.

How is Squad as a Service Different?

1. Squad as a Service vs. Staff Augmentation

• Staff Augmentation: You hire individual specialists to fill skill gaps within your existing team. The responsibility for project management and delivery still lies with you.
• Squad as a Service: You get an entire team ready to work together from day one. The squad operates autonomously but stays in constant communication with your leadership.

2. Squad as a Service vs. Outsourcing

• Outsourcing: You hand over a project to an external company, which takes full control of its execution. While it can be cost-effective, it often lacks the transparency and flexibility businesses crave.
• Squad as a Service: You retain control over the vision and strategy while benefiting from the squad’s expertise and autonomy. It’s like having your own remote team without the hassle of recruitment and management.

Benefits of Squad as a Service

1. 🚀 Faster Time-to-Market
   Building a team from scratch takes time. With SQDaaS, you get a fully functional team almost immediately, allowing you to start working on your project without delays.
2. 🎯 End-to-End Expertise
   A SQDaaS comes with all the skills you need for your project—no more juggling multiple vendors or trying to coordinate between fragmented teams.
3. 📈 Scalability and Flexibility
   Need to add more members or pivot mid-project? SQDaaS are designed to adapt as your needs evolve.
4. 💬 Seamless Collaboration
   Unlike traditional outsourcing, SQDaaS is built to integrate with your workflows, tools, and communication channels. It’s like having an extension of your in-house team.
5. 💰 Cost and Resource Efficiency
   Hiring and managing an in-house team involves significant overhead costs. SQDaaS eliminates the need for recruitment, training, and long-term commitments, letting you focus resources where they matter most.
6. 🌍 Access to Global Talent
   SQDaaS taps into a global talent pool, ensuring you have access to the best professionals, regardless of geography.

Challenges of Squad as a Service

No model is without its challenges, and SQDaaS is no exception. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. 🎢 Onboarding and Integration
   Even with a dedicated squad, it takes time to align on processes, goals, and culture. Clear onboarding and communication are key to success.
2. 🔍 Dependency on External Providers
   You’re relying on a partner to assemble and manage the squad, so it’s crucial to choose one with a proven track record.
3. 💡 Project Ownership Balance
   While SQDaaS gives you control over strategy, day-to-day execution is handled by the squad. Striking the right balance between oversight and autonomy is essential.
4. 📜 Contractual Clarity
   Misaligned expectations on deliverables, timelines, or team responsibilities can lead to friction. Always ensure contracts clearly define the scope of work.

A Real-Life Example of SQDaaS in Action

Let’s say a mid-sized e-commerce company, “ShopSphere,” wanted to build a mobile app to enhance their customers’ shopping experience. The problem? They didn’t have the internal resources to develop it.

They chose Squad as a Service. Within two weeks, they had a full team: a product manager, two mobile developers, a UI/UX designer, a QA engineer, and a scrum master. The team worked remotely but integrated seamlessly with ShopSphere’s internal leadership, holding weekly sprint reviews to ensure alignment.

The result? A polished app that launched on schedule and exceeded user expectations. ShopSphere could focus on their core business without getting bogged down by hiring, onboarding, or micromanaging.

When Should You Choose Squad as a Service?

Squad as a Service works best for:

• Complex Projects: When you need a dedicated team for an end-to-end solution.
• Rapid Scaling: For startups or companies experiencing rapid growth and needing immediate support.
• Temporary Needs: When you need a team for a specific project without the long-term commitment.
• Lack of Internal Expertise: If your in-house team lacks the skills required for a particular project.

However, it may not be ideal for projects requiring heavy in-house involvement or for companies that prefer complete control over day-to-day execution.

How to Make SQDaaS Work for You

1. Partner with the Right Agency: Look for a provider with a strong track record in building and managing squads.
2. Clearly Define Scope and Goals: Ensure everyone understands the project objectives and deliverables.
3. Establish Strong Communication Channels: Regular updates and check-ins are crucial for maintaining alignment.
4. Plan for Knowledge Transfer: As the project wraps up, ensure all necessary documentation and expertise are handed over smoothly.

Conclusion

Squad as a Service offers a fresh approach to team building, combining the flexibility of outsourcing with the control and collaboration of in-house teams. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for companies looking to deliver projects quickly and efficiently, it can be a game-changer.

At EnzRossi, we specialize in building and managing high-performing squads tailored to your unique needs. If you’re ready to tackle your next big project with confidence, let’s chat! 🚀