Extended development teams (EDT) represent a dynamic approach to project collaboration, comprising remote teams of highly skilled developers who seamlessly integrate with your local or in-house team.
These teams are often strategically based in countries renowned for their exceptional talent pool and cost advantages. Destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Poland, and few more Eastern European countries have become hubs for EDTs, offering a wealth of expertise, diversity, and cost-efficient solutions to companies worldwide.
Innovative Strategies: The Magic of Extended Development Teams
We’ll uncover the magic that lies within these teams, paving the way for remarkable achievements and extraordinary outcomes. Let’s start exploring innovative strategies for success with extended development teams! In this journey!
1- Pair Programming Sessions
Organise virtual pair programming sessions where team members collaborate in real time. Pair programming is a practice where two developers work together at the same computer, with one writing the code and the other reviewing and offering feedback. The benefits of pair programming include the following;
a) Global Collaboration
- Remote pair programming enables global collaboration.
- Team members can work together regardless of their physical location.
b) Real-time Code Review
- Developers collaborate and review code in real-time.
- This accelerates the development process and maintains code quality.
c) Geographical Flexibility
- Overcome geographical barriers and time zone differences.
- Team members from diverse locations can collaborate effectively.
d) Knowledge Sharing
- Remote pair programming enhances knowledge sharing.
- Team members learn from each other and improve their skills.
e) Efficient Problem-Solving
- Real-time collaboration accelerates problem-solving.
- Issues are addressed promptly, reducing project bottlenecks.
2- Cross-Functional Teams
Create cross-functional teams with diverse skill sets, allowing team members to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, enhancing overall project performance. Cross-functional teams bring together individuals with different expertise, such as developers, designers, testers, and project managers, to collaborate on;
a) Leveraging Diverse Skills
- Team members bring unique skills to the table.
- Diverse skills can address a wide range of project needs.
b) Complementing Strengths
- Each team member’s strengths compensate for the others’ weaknesses.
- This synergistic approach improves overall team performance.
c) Holistic Approach
- Cross-functional teams offer a holistic perspective on projects.
- They can tackle multifaceted challenges more effectively.
d) Continuous Learning
- Team members learn from each other’s expertise.
- This fosters a culture of ongoing professional development.
e) Versatility
- Cross-functional teams are versatile and adaptable to various project phases.
- They can switch between tasks more efficiently.
3- Time-and-Materials Payment Model
A time-and-materials payment model offers a straightforward and flexible approach to billing. Here’s how it works:
a) Daily Rate Billing
- Developers are charged based on a daily rate for the days they actively work.
- This approach allows for a predictable monthly expense as only days worked are counted. Holiday periods are covered.
b) Monthly Invoicing
- To simplify the process, a single monthly invoice is issued that encompasses the entire development team’s services.
- This minimizes administrative overhead and streamlines financial transactions.
c) Flexible Project Engagement
- This approach does not revolve around rigid milestones or predefined project deliverables.
- Instead, extended development teams seamlessly integrate with internal teams, aligning with specific project goals and milestones.
d) Collaboration-Oriented
- Development teams collaborate closely with the client’s team, ensuring that developers work in harmony with internal milestones.
- This dynamic approach fosters a unified team spirit and promotes project success.
e) Client-Centric Focus
- The primary motivation is to support and contribute to the project’s success rather than emphasizing financial gain.
4- Weekly Demo Days
Hold weekly demo sessions where the team showcases their work. Demo days are regular events where the development team presents their work to stakeholders, such as clients or project managers. In a remote setting, these demos can be conducted via video conferencing. This promotes;
a) Showcasing Progress
- Team members demonstrate their work during demo sessions.
- This provides stakeholders with a clear view of project progress.
b) Transparency in Teams
- Demos promote transparency within the teams.
- Everyone is aware of the work being done and any issues faced.
c) Stakeholder Involvement
- Stakeholders can provide feedback during demo sessions.
- This encourages collaboration and feedback-driven development.
d) Issue Identification
- Demo days help in identifying and resolving issues promptly.
- Issues are addressed early, preventing delays.
e) Improved Communication
- Regular demos enhance communication between team members and stakeholders.
- Misunderstandings are reduced, and expectations are aligned.
5- Version Control Best Practices
Enforce strict version control practices to ensure that code changes are tracked and issues are resolved efficiently. Version control systems, such as Git, are essential tools for tracking changes to code and collaborating effectively. This practice is fundamental for maintaining;
a) Disciplined Code Management
- Enforce a strict code management and version control process.
- Ensure that code changes are systematically tracked and documented.
b) Conflict Resolution
- Implement processes for resolving version conflicts.
- This prevents code issues and maintains a smooth development workflow.
c) Collaboration Enhancement
- Version control practices encourage collaboration.
- Team members can work on the same codebase efficiently without conflicts.
d) Quality Assurance
- Robust version control leads to higher code quality.
- Issues are detected and resolved early in the development process.
e) Reduced Development Delays
- Efficient version control minimises development delays.
- It ensures that code integration is smooth and hassle-free.
6- Documentation Sprints
Dedicate specific time periods for documentation sprints to update project documentation, making it easier for team members to access vital information. Documentation is often overlooked but plays a critical role in;
a) Dedicated Documentation Time
- Allocate dedicated time for updating and enhancing project documentation.
- Ensure that project information is well-organized and easily accessible.
b) Onboarding Efficiency
- Improved documentation simplifies onboarding for new team members.
- They can quickly familiarise themselves with project details.
c) Efficient Knowledge Transfer
- Documentation sprints facilitate efficient knowledge transfer.
- Information is readily available, reducing the need for constant questioning.
d) Project Transparency
- Well-maintained documentation enhances project transparency.
- It helps team members stay informed and reduces misunderstandings.
e) Conflict Prevention
- Clear and up-to-date documentation prevents misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Team members can access accurate information when needed.
7- Hackathons
Hackathons are dynamic and intensive events that bring together creative minds to brainstorm, innovate, and rapidly develop solutions. Often conducted within a limited timeframe, these collaborative sessions foster a spirit of competition and camaraderie, sparking fresh ideas and driving creativity to new heights. Whether in the tech industry or beyond, hackathons have become a valuable tool for;
a) Innovation Environment
- Hackathons create an environment for innovation and creativity.
- Team members are encouraged to think outside the box.
b) Idea Exploration
- Team members can explore new ideas and solutions.
- This sparks enthusiasm and engagement within the team.
c) Problem-Solving Culture
- Hackathons foster a culture of experimentation and problem-solving.
- Team members learn to tackle challenges with creative solutions.
d) Fresh Concepts
- Hackathons often lead to the generation of fresh and unique concepts.
- These ideas can be valuable for the project’s development.
e) Collaboration and Team Bonding
- Hackathons encourage collaboration and team bonding.
- Team members work together in a fun and creative setting.
8- Daily Stand-Up Meetings
Daily Stand-Up Meetings, a fundamental practice in agile development, serve as a cornerstone for effective communication within your extended development team. These brief, focused gatherings bring team members together to;
a) Synchronising Efforts
- Daily meetings ensure that team members are aligned on tasks and priorities.
- Everyone is aware of the current status and what needs to be done.
b) Quick Issue Identification
- Stand-up meetings facilitate the quick identification of issues.
- Problems are raised and addressed promptly.
c) Stakeholder Communication
- The daily meetings enhance communication with stakeholders.
- They are informed of progress and can provide input.
d) Agile Methodology Alignment
- Daily stand-up meetings are a key component of the agile methodology.
- They promote agile principles like transparency and collaboration.
e) Enhanced Collaboration
- Daily meetings foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration.
- Team members feel connected and are more likely to support each other.
Strategic Benefits of an Extended Development Team
In a globalised world, organisations are increasingly turning to extended development teams to harness the full spectrum of advantages they offer. These teams go beyond geographical boundaries, bringing unique strengths that can transform the way businesses operate. Let’s explore the benefits together!
- Diverse Intellectual Property: An extended team brings diverse backgrounds and experiences, which can result in a richer pool of intellectual property and innovative ideas for your organisation.
- Language Prowess: Having team members fluent in multiple languages can provide a competitive edge when dealing with global clients and markets, eliminating language barriers.
- Local Insights and Connections: Team members from various regions can offer valuable local insights and connections, helping your organisation navigate local markets, regulations, and business customs more effectively.
- Reduced Time-to-Market in Target Regions: With team members located in target regions, your organisation can rapidly adapt and launch products or services tailored to specific markets, reducing time-to-market.
- Cost Optimization through Distributed Labor: An extended team distributed across different regions with varying living costs allows your organisation to optimise labour costs while maintaining high-quality work.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: A diverse team is inherently more culturally sensitive and inclusive, ensuring your organisation’s products and services resonate with a broad range of audiences.
- Enhanced Client Relationships: With team members in different time zones, your organisation can provide extended customer support hours, strengthening client relationships and trust.
- Global Talent Network: Extended teams often have access to broader networks of potential talent, making it easier to attract and hire top professionals when needed.
- Efficient Knowledge Transfer: Distributed teams can facilitate efficient knowledge sharing and transfer, ensuring that expertise is not confined to a single location or individual.
- Geographical Risk Mitigation: An extended team helps diversify geographical risk. If one region faces challenges, other team members can step in, minimising disruptions to your organisation’s operations.
Final Verdict
Extended development teams are a great way for businesses to access top talent and scale their team quickly and efficiently. However, it is important to manage these teams carefully in order to ensure success. Embracing the above strategies empowers organisations to take on the ever-evolving landscape of technology with a dynamic, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce.
As we continue redefining global collaboration’s boundaries, extended development teams represent the vanguard of success in the digital age, propelling projects towards a future teeming with potential and opportunity.
Elevate Your Development Projects with Zartis
At Zartis, we understand that the world of technology is ever-evolving, and your development projects deserve nothing less than the best. Our extended development teams offer a gateway to a world of unparalleled innovation, diverse intellectual property, and seamless global expansion. By embracing our dedicated team expertise, you’ll gain access to a diverse talent pool, reduced time-to-market in target regions, and the ability to navigate local markets effortlessly.
Are You Ready to Revolutionize Your Development Projects? Connect with Zartis today, and let’s build the future together! Don’t just keep pace with the industry; lead the way with Zartis by your side.
