IT developers and consultants: How do you choose the right partner?

Introduction

As digitalization increases, many Danish companies face the choice: Should we hire an IT developer, hire a consultant, or perhaps both? The right choice depends on the project's complexity, compliance requirements, and the need for ongoing support. This article reviews the difference between IT developers and IT consultants and provides you with a professional basis to choose the right partner.

What is an IT developer and an IT consultant?

An IT developer typically works with programming and technical implementation. This can be frontend, backend, or fullstack, and their primary responsibility is to translate requirements into functional software.

An IT consultant often works more advisory and focuses on the whole - everything from requirement specification and technical architecture to quality assurance and system integration. Many IT consultants work closely with the business and can act as a link between management and development teams.

In practice, the roles often overlap, especially in smaller teams, but the difference lies in the task weight and strategic vs. operational focus.

Which type is best suited for your company?

The choice depends on several factors:

• Complexity of the project
  The more complex the system (especially in regulated industries), the greater the need for consultants with experience in documentation, audit, and compliance.

• Timeline and staffing
  If you have an internal development team and only need extra hands, a developer is a clear choice. If you lack technical leadership, you should consider a consultant.

• Budget and flexibility
  Consultants typically cost more per hour but can save time by asking the right questions early in the process.

• Long-term collaboration
  If the solution needs to be maintained and developed continuously, it is often beneficial to think in terms of team structure rather than individuals.

Advantages and disadvantages of IT developers

Advantages:

• Specialized technical knowledge

• Effective in specific development tasks

• Cheaper than consultants per hour

Disadvantages:

• Limited focus on strategy and process

• Often requires clear direction from your side

• Not necessarily experienced with compliance or regulatory documentation

Advantages and disadvantages of IT consultants

Advantages:

• Takes responsibility for both process and technology

• Accustomed to working in regulated and complex environments

• Can advise on architecture, scaling, and integration

Disadvantages:

• Higher hourly rate

• More focus on oversight and consulting, with less focus on actual coding.

This is how Hyperbolic works with developers and consultants

At Hyperbolic, we combine the roles: our consultants have a developer background, and our developers understand business and compliance. This means we can deliver both advisory and implementation in one integrated solution. We have experience in adapting the collaboration model to the client's needs - from short ad hoc tasks to long-term partnerships.

Benefits of our approach

• Broad technical and advisory experience

• Understanding of regulated industries

• Flexible collaboration forms

• Effective integration into existing teams

• Focus on quality and scalability

Price and process

The price depends on the role, duration, and complexity. Consulting services are typically estimated per phase, while development tasks can be priced hourly or as a fixed price with a clear scope. Our process follows four phases:

1. Needs analysis
   Identification of role needs, professional profile, and project goals.

2. Collaboration design
   We define frameworks, deliverables, and communication flow.

3. Execution and integration
   Consultant or developer joins the team and delivers in sprints.

4. Evaluation and support phase
   Ongoing quality assurance, follow-up, and potential further development.

FAQ

What is the difference between an IT developer and an IT consultant?
A developer codes and implements, while a consultant advises and plans - often with experience in compliance and architecture.

When should one use a consultant instead of a developer?
For complex projects where there is a need for process management, system integration, or regulatory documentation.

Can one combine a consultant and a developer in one solution?
Yes, especially in smaller teams or agile setups, one person can take on both roles - if they have the right experience.