The model of the forward deployed engineer is sweeping through enterprise IT like a gold rush, and I’m concerned that many companies don’t understand what they’re signing up for.
Let’s start with the headline numbers. AWS announced a $1 billion investment in a new Forward Deployed Engineering organization. Google Cloud committed $750 million to expand similar programs. Microsoft has been running Azure-focused embedded engineering teams for years, including partnerships with Accenture to scale forward deployed engineering practices. All three are pitching the same story: We’ll send engineers to work directly with your teams, help you deploy AI, and accelerate your digital transformation. You get top-tier technical talent for free, and we get to partner with you on your journey.
It sounds reasonable on the surface. It sounds collaborative, even generous. But I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that when a multi-billion-dollar company offers you something for free, they’re sure to get much more than they give.
What you actually get
The forward deployed engineer model isn’t new. The consulting industry has been doing some version of it for decades. What makes this different is the scale and the direct financial incentive behind it.
