Business

Staff Augmentation vs Outsourcing: Which is Better?

Staff augmentation or outsourcing? Find out which model suits your business goals best with this comprehensive guide.

Alexandro Bohrt

Senior Account Manager, Business Development

0 min reading

5/15/2024

By Jalasoft Editorial Team,

Jalasoft outsourced teams add tremendous value to technology projects of all types.

FAQ Staff Augmentation vs Outsourcing

What is the difference between outsourcing and augmentation?

There are 3 key differences:

Focus: Outsourcing handles entire tasks or projects, while staff augmentation fills specific skill gaps within your existing team.
Control: Staff augmentation offers more control as augmented staff work directly with your team. Outsourcing requires clear communication to maintain project direction.
Expertise: Staff augmentation targets specific skill needs, while outsourcing can be used for entire areas of expertise you lack in-house.

What is the difference between outsourcing and staffing?

"Outsourcing" is a broader term encompassing various ways to acquire external resources. "Staffing" can refer to the process of finding and hiring employees, both permanent and temporary. Staff augmentation falls under the umbrella of staffing focused on temporary hires to complement an existing team.
Outsourcing can involve short-term projects or even ongoing operational functions. Staffing typically focuses on filling permanent or long-term positions within a company.

What is the difference between staff augmentation and contracting?

Staff augmentation specifically refers to adding skilled professionals to your existing team. "Contracting" is a broader term that can encompass hiring independent contractors, freelancers, or even outsourcing entire projects. Staff augmentation is a specific type of contracting focused on temporary integration into your existing team.
With staff augmentation, you typically manage the augmented staff directly, integrating them into your team structure. Contracting can involve a wider range of arrangements, with the contractor potentially managing themselves or being managed by the outsourcing company.