Squad as a Service: what it is, how it works, and why your company needs this model

Squad as a Service is the hiring of an agile, multidisciplinary team on demand to accelerate projects, reduce costs, and ensure fast deliveries.

In today's corporate world, Squad as a Service is a hiring model that has been gaining strength among companies that need accelerate digital projects with quality and predictability. 

With it, you can have immediate access to agile and multidisciplinary teams. on demand, ready to develop products, implement solutions, all without the time and cost of building a complete in-house team from scratch.

More than outsourcing professionals, this format delivers teams already aligned with agile methodologies, capable of starting execution almost immediately, ensuring speed, efficiency and focus on results.

What is Squad as a Service and how does this agile hiring model work?

the term Squad as a Service describes a service in which the company hires a complete team to work on specific projects, usually digital. 

That squad is made up of professionals from different areas, such as:

• Front-end and back-end developers;
• UX/UI Designers;
• Quality Analysts (QA);
• Product Owners (PO);
• Scrum Masters or Agile Coaches.
  

The big difference to traditional models is in the tailored training: the squad is assembled considering the exact skills and experiences needed to meet the client's demand. 

Furthermore, this team already works integrated with agile methodologies, such as Scrum and Kanban, ensuring fast deliveries, clear communication and continuous adaptation.

How Squad as a Service works: steps from diagnosis to results delivery

Although each supplier has its own particularities, the operation of a Squad as a Service usually follows a structured flow:

1. Diagnosis of need: the company identifies demand, whether to develop a product from scratch, modernize systems, or meet a peak backlog.
   
2. Squad formation: the supplier selects the ideal professionals, combining technical and strategic skills.
   
3. Customer integration: the team begins to act as an extension of the internal team, adopting the tools and work rituals of the hiring company.
   
4. Execution with agile methodology: Tasks are organized into short cycles, with frequent deliveries and metrics monitoring.
   
5. Adjustments and optimizations: the squad maintains flexibility to adapt the scope and composition of the team as the project evolves.

This format eliminates common delays in hiring and onboarding processes, accelerating the delivery of value to the business.

Advantages of Squad as a Service for companies looking for greater agility and efficiency

Opt for one Squad as a Service offers clear benefits for companies seeking efficiency and scalability:

Starting speed

With the team in place, the project can start in days, not months.

Tailor-made specialization

Professionals chosen based on the specific needs of the project.

Scalability

Quickly adjust team size as demand increases or decreases.

Focus on core business

The squad takes care of technical execution, freeing up the internal team for strategic tasks.

Cost predictability

Contracting model based on a period or closed scope, facilitating financial planning.

Lower risk of turnover

The supplier guarantees immediate replacement in the event of a member leaving.

These advantages mean that companies of all sizes, from startups to large corporations, are adopting the model to gain agility and competitiveness.

When should you hire a Squad as a Service and in which scenarios do you benefit most?

THE Squad as a Service is especially advantageous in situations such as:

• Short-term projects: when it is necessary to accelerate deliveries to meet market opportunities or demands.
  
• Backlog peaks: periods of high demand that overload the internal team.
  
• Need for specific skills: projects that require knowledge that does not exist internally.
  
• Launch of new products: MVP development (minimum viable products) for rapid validation of ideas.
  
• Systems modernization: technological migration or updating of legacy platforms.
  

In all these cases, the presence of a multidisciplinary and agile team reduces risks and increases efficiency.

Difference between Squad as a Service and traditional outsourcing

While both models involve external hiring, there are important differences:

• Outsourcing traditional: provides isolated professionals or generic services, leaving management entirely up to the client.
  
• Squad as a Service: delivers a complete and autonomous team, which works integrated into the company, with shared management and a focus on delivery metrics.
  

Furthermore, the squad is already prepared to adopt agile processes from day one, reducing adaptation time.

How to choose the right partner for Squad as a Service

Choosing a supplier is crucial to the success of your project. Consider:

Portfolio and cases

Look for examples of work similar to what your company needs.

Capacity for cultural integration

The squad must adapt to the culture and internal processes.

Methodology and tools

Prioritize partners who work with established agile frameworks.

Transparency in communication

Regular alignments and clear reporting prevent problems.

Flexibility and scalability

Ability to quickly adjust team composition.

A good partner not only delivers the team, but also helps maintain performance and quality of deliveries throughout the contract.

The strategic impact of Squad as a Service on companies' innovation and competitiveness

More than meeting a specific demand, the Squad as a Service can transform the way a company develops projects. Among the most relevant impacts are:

• Reduced time-to-market: Products and features come to market faster.
  
• Higher quality deliveries: experienced and specialized teams reduce errors and rework.
  
• Adaptability: quick adjustments to changes in strategy or market.
  
• Promoting agile culture: collaboration, continuous deliveries and constant improvement become part of the routine.
  

In the medium and long term, this approach helps the company remain competitive and innovative, even in highly complex scenarios.

Why Squad as a Service is a strategic investment to accelerate results

Adopt the Squad as a Service Investing in agility, quality, and predictability. With a multidisciplinary team ready to act, your company can transform ideas into concrete results faster, while remaining focused on what really matters: growth and innovation.

Whether you're launching a new product, modernizing systems, or handling a surge in demand, this model offers the perfect combination of flexibility, efficiency, and specialization. 

In an increasingly competitive market, having an on-demand squad can be the differentiator that guarantees leadership.

That's exactly what the follow55 offers. Our model of Squad as a Service brings together experts in design, technology, and automation who work seamlessly with your team to accelerate deliveries and scale results.

Talk to the follow55 team and discover how we can structure the ideal squad for your digital product. Together, we'll transform challenges into opportunities and take your project to the next level.