Imagine you’re launching a new web application, but your current team is swamped or lacks certain Java expertise. Not an ideal scenario when the clock is ticking, right? This is where Java team augmentation can be a game-changer. According to recent industry surveys, over 70% of tech businesses use staff augmentation to swiftly scale their teams and meet project deadlines. If you, too, are looking to boost your team’s capabilities, this guide will show you how to hire a Java developer without the long-term overheads.
What Is a Java Developer?
First of all, what does a Java developer do? Put simply, it’s someone who specializes in using Java. The latter is a robust, object-oriented programming language known for its portability across platforms from data centers to smartphones. Developers specializing in it create and manage applications that can run just about anywhere. This makes this programming language a preferred choice for everything from financial services software to Android apps.
And what is a Java programmer skill set? Well, this is usually a diverse one. Major skills typically include
- Core Java expertise: Proficiency in the basics of Java programming.
- Web development skills: Understanding of Java web frameworks like Spring and Hibernate.
- Database management: Ability to handle data interchange between the application and databases like Oracle, SQL, and the like.
- API integration: Skills in connecting applications using RESTful or SOAP services.
- Problem-solving: Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot and optimize code.
What is Software Team Augmentation?
Let’s say you need a Java developer urgently because you’ve got a project that needs to go live in three months. Of course, you can recruit a new full-time employee but this can take weeks, if not months. Or, you can outsource the development task to a specialized agency. But then, you won’t be able to fully control it. Alternatively, you can bring in one or more seasoned developers just for the duration of the project.
When you add skilled Java experts to your team for a fixed period, it’s called Java team augmentation. Outside specialists integrate into your existing team, work under your management, and help you hit your targets without missing a beat. It’s a quick way to complete urgent tasks.
Benefits of Java Team Augmentation
For a long time, businesses would fill workforce gaps with either full-time hiring or classic outsourcing. Today, many of them are realizing that augmentation might be more beneficial. But what benefits attract them? Here are some of the most substantial ones.
Rapid Team Scaling
Augmentation allows you to scale your Java team quickly in response to project demands. This means you can adjust your team size as needed. Just ramp up when necessary and scale down once the project is complete, no long-term financial commitments involved!
Access to Specialized Skills
Sometimes, you need a developer with specialized skills that your current team lacks. For example, you may lack advanced knowledge in Java-based microservices or experience with specific industry compliance requirements. But the thing is that you only need these skills for one particular task (or a bundle of tasks). The beauty of augmentation is that it lets you bring in this expertise on a short-term basis.
Cost Efficiency
Another huge benefit is that with augmentation, you avoid the costs associated with permanent hiring. The latter, by the way, are usually substantial including benefits, training, and potential downtime. With augmented staff though you only pay for the skills when you need them, and not a day more.
Integration and Control
Unlike outsourcing, where you hand off the entire project, augmentation keeps you in control. The augmented professionals work as part of your team. That is, they follow your processes and contribute directly to your projects under your supervision. This is particularly important when the project’s results must be 100% reflective of your company’s culture.
Flexibility in Project Management
Last but not least, augmentation provides the flexibility to manage projects how you see fit. If you feel there’s a need to align with your company’s methodological approach or change the focus, you can do so freely. The augmented professionals will adapt. This, of course, cannot be said about outsourced contracts.
Final Thoughts
As you see, Java team augmentation is an efficient way to enhance your development capabilities. Now, when and how to hire Java developers? Do so when you’re facing tight deadlines, need specific expertise, or are looking to manage costs more effectively. In terms of “how,” your key task is to find a reputable service provider. This shouldn’t be too difficult and the value you get in the long run is certainly worth it.
