Scaling your engineering team effectively can define the success or failure of your product roadmap and GTM Strategies. Whether you are a startup looking to speed up development, a growing company seeking offshore capabilities, or an enterprise planning a long-term global presence — choosing the right engagement model is critical.
At WalkingTree, we offer three proven models to extend your technology teams:
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right model for your business.
| Quick Snapshot: Comparison at a Glance
|
Criteria |
Staff Augmentation |
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) |
Offshore Development Center (ODC) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Engagement Objective |
Short- to mid-term team expansion to fill resourcing gaps |
Long-term strategy to set up and take ownership of an offshore team |
Long-term, fully managed offshore engineering partnership |
|
Ownership of Team |
Retained by WalkingTree |
Transferred to client after handover phase |
Retained by WalkingTree |
|
Standard Infrastructure Responsibility |
Provided by WalkingTree |
Initially by WalkingTree, later transferred to client |
Fully set up and managed by WalkingTree |
|
Client Specific Infrastructure |
Managed by WalkingTree/Client and provided by client |
Managed by WalkingTree and provided by client |
Hiring & OnboardingManaged by WalkingTree and provided by client |
|
Setup Time |
2–4 weeks |
1–3 months (depending on size and scope) |
1–2 months |
|
Best For |
Companies needing quick resource ramp-up for 12-36 months or planning to have fluid staffing for their varying needs or niche skill gaps in existing teams. |
Companies planning global expansion, aiming to eventually own infrastructure and IP; product firms scaling core teams. |
Enterprises or scaling startups seeking fully managed delivery, continuous team engagement, long-term product development, and operational stability. |
|
Team Management |
Managed by client |
Initially managed by WalkingTree, then transitioned to client |
Fully managed by WalkingTree |
|
Talent Acquisition |
EngazeWell-driven rapid hiring |
Strategic hiring aligned with long-term vision |
AI-powered hiring & structured workforce planning |
|
Governance & Reporting |
Client-driven |
Joint (WalkingTree then client-led) |
WalkingTree-driven with regular client syncs |
|
Security & Compliance |
WalkingTree’s standard compliance measures |
Customized to meet client’s target compliance framework |
Enterprise-grade, fully governed by WalkingTree |
|
Scalability |
On-demand, ad hoc scaling |
Highly scalable via structured planning |
Scalable based on evolving delivery needs |
|
Exit/Transition Options |
Flexible contract termination |
Seamless team & IP transfer to client |
Optional transition to client or BOT |
|
Cost Model |
Pay per resource per month |
Investment during Build/Operate, cost savings post-transfer |
Transparent monthly billing, cost-effective over long term |
|
Focus Areas |
Fast hiring, delivery augmentation |
Long-term value creation, IP ownership |
Strategic offshore delivery, quality, security, continuity |
| Cost Structure
|
Cost Area |
Staff Augmentation |
BOT |
ODC |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hiring & Onboarding |
Included by WalkingTree |
Included by WalkingTree |
Included by WalkingTree |
|
Salaries |
Managed & paid by WalkingTree |
Managed & paid by WalkingTree and Transitioned to client post-transfer |
Managed & paid by WalkingTree |
|
Typical Pricing |
As per the agreed hourly rates |
Agreed hourly rate or markup |
As per agreed hourly rates. |
|
Infra (Office, Admin, IT) |
Included in monthly cost |
Setup in Build phase |
Included in monthly cost |
|
Security & Compliance |
Standard by WalkingTree |
Customized for client transfer and paid by client |
Enterprise-grade by WalkingTree |
|
Quality and Delivery Governance |
Client-managed |
Jointly Managed (WalkingTree → Client) |
Fully managed by WalkingTree |
|
Operational Governance |
Joint (WalkingTree→ Client) when working from client location and WalkingTree when working from WalkingTree office. |
WalkingTree |
WalkingTree |
|
Knowledge Transfer |
Not applicable |
Structured during transfer |
Optional (if evolving to BOT) |
|
IP Transfer |
Not applicable (in control of client all the time) |
Handled at Transfer phase. Any patent filing or anything specific on client’s requests to be paid by client. |
Transferred to client after every milestone or periodically. Any patent filing or anything specific on client’s requests to be paid by client. |
|
Local Entity Set up |
Not Applicable |
Paid By Client |
Not Applicable |
| Which Model Should You Choose?
|
Your Goal |
Recommended Model |
|---|---|
|
Quickly fill short-term talent gaps |
Staff Augmentation |
|
Set up and eventually own an offshore center |
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) |
|
Run a long-term dedicated offshore team with minimal risk |
Offshore Development Center |
|
De-risk global expansion while maintaining control |
BOT or ODC |
|
Avoid operational overhead and focus purely on outcomes |
Offshore Development Center |
Ready to extend your team with confidence?
Whether you're starting small or planning big, WalkingTree’s Extended Team offerings are designed to support your growth journey with flexibility, reliability, and innovation.