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Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT)

SS Flexi-Terms (BOT)

Accelerating Software Teams with the BOT Model - expanding a software development team involves overcoming multiple challenges—cost management, talent acquisition, and operational oversight. The Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model provides a strategic framework to scale efficiently, leveraging external expertise while ensuring long-term ownership and control.

  • Build - Team Assembly

  • Operate - Service Delivery

  • Transfer - Knowledge & Assets

SS Flexi-Terms (BOT) Model

Understanding the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Model

BOT is a structured approach that enables businesses to establish a fully functional development team through a trusted external partner, with a clear roadmap for eventual in-house ownership.

  • Build - a dedicated development hub is established, hiring top-tier talent and implementing legal, financial, and operational frameworks aligned with business objectives.
  • Operate — the team functions under the partner’s management, ensuring seamless execution of software development, testing, and deployment while adhering to quality and efficiency standards. Businesses gain operational visibility with reduced risks during this phase.
  • Transfer — after a defined period, full ownership of the team, infrastructure, and operations transitions to the business, ensuring autonomy with minimal disruption.

Unlike conventional outsourcing, BOT offers a structured pathway to long-term control over intellectual property, operational processes, and talent while minimizing risks.

  • Specialized Expertise – Access experienced professionals and industry best practices without the complexities of direct recruitment.
  • Risk Mitigation – Reduce uncertainties linked to setting up and managing new IT or business operations.
  • Accelerated Market Entry – Rapidly establish a functional team and scale operations with the support of a seasoned partner.
  • Cost Optimization – Reduce operational costs associated with building and running an in-house development centre.
  • Scalability Without Vendor Lock-in – Expand development capacity flexibly while ensuring complete ownership post-transition.
  • BOT vs. Traditional Outsourcing – while outsourcing offers cost advantages, it often results in vendor dependency. BOT ensures full ownership and strategic independence.
  • BOT vs. In-House Team Expansion – building an internal team from scratch demands significant investment and time, especially in new markets. BOT accelerates this process by leveraging a partner for setup and initial operations.
  • BOT vs. Staff Augmentation – staff augmentation addresses short-term workforce gaps but lacks long-term sustainability. BOT builds a dedicated team for continuous growth and knowledge retention.
  • BOT vs. Joint Ventures – joint ventures require shared decision-making, which can lead to conflicts. BOT provides businesses with full control and strategic alignment without external interference.
  • IT Outsourcing - a company collaborates with a service provider to establish an offshore development centre, with a structured plan to transition ownership.
  • Business Process Outsourcing - a company partners with a provider to manage its customer service operations, with an eventual transition to in-house management.
  • Long-Term Vision - organizations should assess their long-term objectives before committing to a BOT strategy.
  • Service Provider Dependency - managing dependency during the "build" and "operate" phases is crucial to ensuring a seamless transition.
  • Transition Planning - a well-defined roadmap is essential for a smooth transfer of ownership, minimizing disruption to operations.
Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT)

Smarter Scaling for
Software Teams

For businesses looking to expand their software development capabilities without the limitations of traditional outsourcing, the BOT model offers a structured, cost-effective, and sustainable pathway to building, operating, and ultimately owning a high-performance engineering team. This approach ensures scalability, efficiency, and full control over technology, talent, and processes.

  • Phase 1 - Build

    A development hub is created, hiring top talent and setting up legal, financial, and operational frameworks aligned with business objectives.

  • Phase 2 - Operate

    The team operates under the partner’s management, ensuring smooth software development, testing, and deployment while maintaining quality and efficiency. Businesses gain visibility and reduce risks.

  • Phase 3 - Transfer

    After a set period, full ownership of the team, infrastructure, and operations transitions to the business, ensuring smooth autonomy.

Contact Us

How can we help?

Contact the Serious Software team to see how we can help with your Build, Operate, Transfer model requirements. We have teams and partners working in Ukraine, Estonia, Poland, and Spain.