Engagement Models
Ways to Work With White Messenger
Every organisation has different constraints around budget, certainty, control and speed. Choose the collaboration model that fits your project today, and change it as your needs evolve.
Choosing a model
Match the model to your situation
The right engagement model depends on how well defined your scope is, how much you want to be involved day to day, and whether you are building something new or running something established. There is no universally best option, only the best fit for a given situation.
We are happy to recommend a model after an initial conversation, and many clients move between models over time. A project might start with technical consulting, continue as a fixed-price MVP and then evolve into a dedicated team.
All models
Seven ways to work with us
Dedicated Team
A stable, cross-functional team working exclusively on your product roadmap.
Learn more about Dedicated TeamTeam Augmentation
Experienced specialists who join your team to add skills or capacity quickly.
Learn more about Team AugmentationFixed-Price Projects
A defined scope delivered for an agreed price, with clear milestones and acceptance criteria.
Learn more about Fixed-Price ProjectsTime & Materials
Flexible engagements where priorities can change and you pay for the effort actually used.
Learn more about Time & MaterialsManaged Services
End-to-end responsibility for running, supporting and improving your applications.
Learn more about Managed ServicesTechnical Consulting
Independent expert guidance on architecture, AI readiness, technology choices and delivery practices.
Learn more about Technical ConsultingMVP & Proof of Concept
Time-boxed builds that test a product idea or a technical approach with real users and data.
Learn more about MVP & Proof of ConceptComparison
Engagement models compared
A simplified comparison. Real engagements are tailored, and models can be combined.
| Model | Best suited to | Scope | Budget approach | Your involvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Team | Long-term products and roadmaps | Evolving backlog | Monthly team capacity | High: you direct priorities |
| Team Augmentation | Filling specific skill gaps in your team | Set by your team | Per specialist, per period | High: you manage the work |
| Fixed-Price Project | Well-defined, stable requirements | Agreed up front | Fixed for agreed scope | Moderate: reviews and sign-offs |
| Time & Materials | Evolving or exploratory work | Flexible, reprioritised often | Based on effort used | High: frequent prioritisation |
| Managed Services | Ongoing operation and support | Service catalogue and levels | Recurring service fee | Low to moderate: governance |
| Technical Consulting | Decisions, reviews and strategy | Specific questions or assessments | Fixed or time-boxed | Moderate: workshops and access |
| MVP & Proof of Concept | Testing ideas or technology quickly | Deliberately narrow | Time-boxed | High: fast feedback |
Quick guide
Which model fits?
- If you have a clear specification and a firm budget…Consider Fixed-Price Project
- If you are building a product that will keep evolving…Consider Dedicated Team
- If your team is strong but missing particular skills…Consider Team Augmentation
- If requirements are still emerging and you want flexibility…Consider Time & Materials
- If you need someone to run and support a live system…Consider Managed Services
- If you need expert advice before committing…Consider Technical Consulting
- If you want to test an idea with real users quickly…Consider MVP & Proof of Concept
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often. If yours is not covered here, our team is happy to talk it through.
Yes. Models can change as your project matures. We discuss transitions openly and agree any changes to the contract.
We do not publish a rate card because costs depend on skills, seniority, duration and scope. We provide a tailored proposal with clear assumptions after an initial discussion.
Start dates depend on the skills required and our team’s availability at the time. We confirm a realistic start date in our proposal.
Intellectual property terms are set out in the contract. Our standard position is that clients own the deliverables created specifically for them once paid for.
Let’s find the right way to work together
Share your goals, timeline and constraints, and we will recommend an engagement model with clear assumptions.
