When to use DaaS vs. a fixed-scope project

DaaS (at Coding & Company, Coding On / Always On) is a monthly retainer to maintain, prioritize and grow a product already in production. A fixed-scope project fits when scope is tight, risk is low and the deliverable is clear.

Choose a fixed project if: the goal fits an MVP with clear acceptance criteria; you do not need weekly iteration; and product knowledge can be handed over at the end. Examples: landing + CMS, bounded migration, a well-specified new module.

Choose DaaS / Coding On if: the product already has users; bugs and requests arrive in parallel; the backlog never stops; and you need a team that already knows the platform. Value sits in continuity, prioritization and response time (e.g. 24–48h depending on plan).

Warning sign: if every improvement means “starting another project” and renegotiating scope, you are paying the cost of not having continuous capacity. Conversely: if you have not validated the problem yet, a retainer can be premature — start with discovery and a prototype.

Simple rule: high uncertainty + live product → Coding On. Fixed scope + single deliverable → project. Many companies start with a delivery project and move to Always On after go-live.