Three ways to work with us.
Custom software doesn't price like a subscription. Here's how engagements are structured, what's included either way, and how to compare the three models side by side.
Fixed-scope project
A defined project with a clear start and finish — a new app, an integration, a migration.
- Fixed price, agreed before work starts
- Detailed scope & timeline document
- Milestone-based delivery and check-ins
- Best for a single, well-defined deliverable
Monthly retainer
Ongoing development, maintenance, or support at a predictable monthly rate.
- A set number of hours or a dedicated capacity block each month
- Covers maintenance, small features, and support together
- Unused hours can typically roll into backlog work
- Best for products that need continuous iteration
Dedicated team
One or more DataSpark engineers embedded with your team, full- or part-time.
- Priced per engineer, per month
- Works inside your existing tools, sprints, and standups
- Scale the team up or down as the project changes
- Best for longer-term or larger-scale builds
Which model fits your project?
A side-by-side look at how the three engagement models actually differ.
| Fixed-Scope Project | Monthly Retainer | Dedicated Team | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing structure | One fixed price, agreed upfront | Predictable monthly rate | Per-engineer monthly rate |
| Best for | A single, well-defined deliverable | Ongoing product iteration | Extended team capacity |
| Typical commitment | Length of the project only | Month-to-month | Month-to-month or longer |
| Maintenance & support | Post-launch window included | Included on an ongoing basis | Scoped with your team |
| Team structure | Project team assigned to you | Shared across retainer work | Dedicated to you full-time |
| Scaling up or down | Via a change order | Adjust hours month to month | Add/remove engineers as needed |
What doesn't change, no matter which plan
Direct engineer access
You talk to the person doing the work on every plan — no account managers relaying messages.
QA before anything ships
Real testing is part of the process, not an optional add-on you have to ask for.
Code ownership on payment
Once a deliverable is paid in full, it's yours — per our Terms of Service.
No published rate card — here's why
The cost of a two-week integration and a three-month platform rebuild aren't comparable, so we scope before we quote. Here's exactly what that looks like:
Discovery call
A short conversation about what's slow, manual, or missing — no cost, no obligation.
Written proposal
A fixed price or a clear retainer/dedicated-team structure, in writing, before anything starts.
Work begins
No surprise invoices — you know the cost and structure going in.