Another reason for hiring a contractor
Though the hiring project manager is generally only concerned with their project, one needs to look beyond that when trying to determine whether to hire or contract. Let's say you need a development team of 30 people to complete this effort, but only need 4 to maintain it once it is implemented. Let's also say that there are no other significant development efforts planned immediately after this project is done. If you hire all 30, what are you going to do with the 26 who are not needed to maintain the new system? Sure, you can lay them off, but what does that do to your unemployment tax rate, AND your reputation around town about how you treat your employees, which can impact future hiring efforts?
Given the shortage of qualified developers these days, is this particular debate even relevant? As hard as it is to find good people, it seems more practical (at this time anyway) for managers to get qualified resources in any way possible, whether they are employed or contracted.
Ed Gooding
Merge Computer Group, Inc.
Richmond, VA
