# In-house dev team or software agency? A comparison for Iraqi companies

> An agency fits when you need a defined project with multiple skills (design, apps, backend, security) without hiring overhead. An in-house team fits when software is the core of your business and needs daily development. Many companies succeed with a hybrid: an agency builds and supports, and an internal owner manages and prioritises.

Source: https://www.al-arjan.com/en/blog/in-house-vs-agency · العربية: https://www.al-arjan.com/ar/blog/in-house-vs-agency.md

Author: [AUTHOR_NAME] — 2026-09-26

## What skills a software project needs

Even a mid-size project needs a business analyst, UI designer, app developer, backend developer, QA tester and an ops/security person. Hiring all of them for one project is expensive; hiring one person to cover everything rarely works.

## Quick comparison

### In-house or agency?
| Criterion | In-house team | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Start speed | Slow (hiring, onboarding) | Fast |
| Skill range | Limited by team size | Broad |
| Fixed cost | Ongoing salaries | Per project and support |
| Knowledge of your business | Deep over time | Built during analysis |
| Key-person risk | High | Carried by the agency |

## The hybrid model

Appoint an internal product owner who understands the business and sets priorities, and contract an agency to build and maintain. You get the agency’s speed and expertise while decisions and knowledge stay in-house. Make sure code and documentation are handed over so you can build an internal team later if you choose.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can the project move from agency to in-house later?

Yes, if you own documented code — require it in the contract.

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