Our new services structure: finding the right fit for your project

Over the years, we have adapted our way of working to fit different client needs, from early-stage startups to large corporations.

We recently reorganized our service offerings to make it easier for our clients to understand exactly how we engage with them. We know that one size doesn't fit all: a project with a strict deadline has very different needs than a platform requiring long-term maintenance.

Here is a breakdown of our five service models, designed to help you understand which one aligns best with your current stage and goals.

Fixed-scope project development

This model is designed for projects where the requirements are clear and defined from day one. It is ideal for companies that know exactly what they want to build, or for clients who have a strict, closed budget and need to maximize the development value within that limit.

While we still calculate our internal costs based on hours, in this model we agree on a scope and a budget upfront. We take responsibility for managing the resources to ensure the agreed-upon deliverables are met without exceeding the budget.

• Best for: Projects with stable requirements or strict budget caps where the goal is to deliver a specific product version.

Time & materials development

This is our most flexible engagement model. It is designed for clients who may not have a long-term plan set in stone, or for projects that require constant iteration. Whether you are a startup pivoting based on user feedback, or a large company maintaining and evolving a platform, this model allows us to adapt quickly.

In this scenario, MarsBased manages the team and the project. We agree on a weekly commitment and work in cycles. This allows us to continuously add new features, fix bugs, and improve the product without being locked into a scope that might become obsolete in a month.

• Best for: Startups, continuous product development, and clients needing flexibility and ongoing maintenance alongside a partner that manages the execution.

Team augmentation

This service is aimed at companies that already have their own technical structure in place. If you have project managers, QA processes, and a development workflow, but need to scale your capacity or add specific expertise, we can help.

Our engineers integrate directly into your existing team. You manage the project and the priorities; we bring the MarsBased expertise and technical knowledge to help you execute. It allows you to scale your team up or down without the friction of hiring.

• Best for: Established tech teams needing extra capacity or specific skills (e.g. Ruby on Rails, React, Node.js) to work under their own management.

Bank of hours

This is a strictly reactive service designed for small maintenance tasks. It is ideal for finished projects that do not require active development or proactive support.

The client purchases a block of hours and requests tasks via a dedicated support email. Our team picks up these requests from the support board and executes them. It is important to note that this service does not include proactive monitoring or updates, we act only when you request it.

• Best for: Small clients or stable projects requiring occasional updates or minor changes without a weekly commitment.

Hosting and monitoring

For clients who prefer not to manage infrastructure, we offer full hosting management. We handle the server accounts, payments, and maintenance, invoicing you a single annual fee.

This service includes our monitoring suite to track uptime and error alerts, ensuring we are aware of the server status. However, please note that this fee covers the infrastructure management, not the development hours to fix potential bugs found (which would fall under a bank of hours or time & materials contract).

• Best for: Clients looking for a "hands-off" infrastructure solution.

Summary

Our goal with this structure is to ensure that whether you need a partner to take full control of a product build, or simply need extra hands on deck for your own team, we have a model that works for you.

If you are unsure which model fits your current needs, reach out to us. We are happy to review your project requirements and recommend the most efficient way forward.