As businesses grow, so do their IT needs. Managing these needs internally can become overwhelming, particularly for small to mid-sized companies that may not have the resources to support a full-scale IT department. Co-managed IT services offer a flexible solution that allows businesses to partner with a technology provider to supplement your current team.
What are Co-Managed IT Services?
Co-managed IT services are a hybrid approach to IT management, where an external IT provider collaborates with your in-house IT team. Rather than fully outsourcing your IT needs, co-managed services allow your internal IT staff to maintain control over critical tasks while receiving additional support and expertise from an outside vendor. This differs from a virtual CIO, who manages your in-house IT team while also helping to guide your company’s technology strategy.
With co-managed IT, businesses can customize the arrangement to fit their specific needs. You might need help managing day-to-day tasks, such as monitoring systems or providing helpdesk support, or you may require more strategic assistance with cybersecurity, cloud migration or large-scale IT projects. By filling in the gaps where your internal team lacks capacity or expertise, co-managed services offer a tailored solution to keep your technology running smoothly.
Signs You Can Benefit from Co-Managed IT Service
There are several clear signs to look out for that will help you determine whether now is the right time to seek co-managed IT services from a technology partner.
Organizations that require additional security apparatuses, such as banks, health care practices and law firms, for example, can also heavily benefit from a co-managed IT services partner to help ensure their compliance with data privacy regulations.
Benefits of Co-Managed IT Services
Co-managed IT services offer numerous advantages for businesses looking to optimize their technology operations while maintaining flexibility and control:
Scalability and Flexibility
Co-managed services allow you to scale your IT resources up or down as needed, ensuring that you have the right level of support at any given time. This flexibility makes it easier to manage peak periods, such as major system updates or cybersecurity events, without overburdening your in-house team. You can also adjust the partnership based on your current IT needs.
Access to Expertise
Technology is constantly evolving, and it can be challenging for an internal IT department to stay current with the latest developments. Partnering with a co-managed IT provider gives your business access to specialized expertise and industry knowledge that may be lacking in-house. A managed service provider can provide training on your systems or conduct reviews to ensure your team made the proper configurations. This ensures that your technology systems remain up-to-date, secure and efficient, but leaves your internal team in control.
Enhanced Security
Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, requiring businesses to stay vigilant to protect sensitive data. Co-managed IT services help fortify your company’s defenses by providing ongoing monitoring, threat detection and rapid response to potential security issues. Many providers offer 24/7 monitoring, which adds an extra layer of protection to your existing IT setup, ensuring your business is able to quickly isolate and expel threats to your system.
Cost Efficiency
Hiring and retaining a full in-house IT department can be expensive, especially when you need specialized expertise for certain projects. Co-managed services provide a cost-effective solution, allowing you to supplement your existing team without incurring the full costs of additional salaries and benefits. You only pay for the services you need, and you have the flexibility to increase or decrease support as your business evolves.
Reduced Downtime
IT downtime can be costly, not only in terms of lost productivity but also in the potential damage to your reputation. Co-managed IT services offer proactive monitoring and support, helping to identify and resolve issues before they escalate into major problems. A managed services partner can also help keep deployments and updates working smoothly, without interruption to your day-to-day operations.
Questions to Ask Potential Technology Partners
Selecting the right third-party technology support partner is a crucial step. Before signing on with a company, prepare a list of questions to determine whether they have the qualifications you need and provide the level of support you require. Suggested questions are listed below:
- What is your average response time?
- Are advisors available outside of office hours to resolve issues?
- What compliance frameworks do you use?
- Do you have any industry credentials or certifications?
- Can I see any available case studies?
- Are we able to scale these services up or down as needed?
- What steps do you take to ensure our data is protected?
Co-managed IT services provide a flexible, scalable solution for businesses looking to enhance their technology management without relinquishing control. By partnering with an experienced IT provider, companies can access specialized expertise, improve cybersecurity and reduce downtime, all while staying within budget. If your business is struggling to keep up with its growing IT needs, consider exploring a co-managed IT solution that aligns with your unique requirements.
Anders Technology advisors work directly with businesses to align your technological capabilities with your goals. Learn how our advisors can enhance your IT operations, and the associated costs, by requesting a meeting below.
