When Co-Managed IT Makes Sense
Many businesses face a critical decision: should they augment their existing IT team with co-managed services, or fully outsource IT to a managed service provider (MSP)? The answer depends on your business needs, existing IT capabilities, and growth plans.
Understanding Co-Managed IT
Co-managed IT services allow you to keep your internal IT team while adding external expertise, 24/7 monitoring, and specialised capabilities. It's a collaborative approach where the MSP works alongside your team as an extension, not a replacement.
When Co-Managed IT Makes Sense
You Have a Capable Internal Team
If you have an IT team that handles day-to-day operations well but needs additional support for specialised projects, after-hours coverage, or strategic guidance, co-managed IT is ideal.
You Need 24/7 Coverage
Your internal team works business hours, but your systems need round-the-clock monitoring and support. Co-managed services provide 24/7 coverage without hiring additional full-time staff.
You Require Specialised Expertise
You need expertise in areas like Essential Eight compliance, cloud migration, or legacy system modernisation, but your team lacks experience in these domains. Co-managed IT provides the expertise while your team maintains ownership.
You Want to Scale Flexibly
Your IT needs fluctuate based on projects, growth, or seasonal demands. Co-managed IT allows you to scale support up or down as needed without the commitment of hiring full-time staff.
You Value Knowledge Transfer
You want your internal team to learn and grow. Co-managed IT provides knowledge transfer opportunities, helping your team build capabilities over time.
When Full Outsourcing Makes Sense
You Have No Internal IT Team
If you don't have an internal IT team or your team is too small to handle basic operations, fully managed IT services may be more appropriate.
You Want to Reduce IT Headcount
If you're looking to reduce internal IT headcount and outsource all IT operations, fully managed services provide complete IT management.
You Need Complete IT Transformation
If your IT infrastructure needs a complete overhaul and you want the MSP to take full ownership, fully managed services provide end-to-end responsibility.
Making the Decision
Consider these factors when deciding between co-managed and fully managed IT:
- Existing IT Capabilities: What can your team handle well? What gaps exist?
- Business Goals: Are you looking to enhance capabilities or reduce IT overhead?
- Growth Plans: How will your IT needs change as you grow?
- Budget: What's your budget for IT support and what ROI are you seeking?
- Control Preferences: How much control do you want to maintain over IT operations?
Benefits of Co-Managed IT
- Cost-Effective Scaling: Access expert capabilities without full-time staff costs
- 24/7 Coverage: Ensure systems are monitored and supported around the clock
- Specialised Expertise: Leverage deep expertise in cybersecurity, cloud, and compliance
- Knowledge Transfer: Your team learns from experts, building capabilities over time
- Flexible Engagement: Scale support up or down based on your needs
- Maintain Control: Keep your internal team and maintain ownership of IT operations
Getting Started
If you're considering co-managed IT services, start by assessing your current IT capabilities and identifying gaps. Then, work with an MSP to develop a co-managed engagement that addresses your specific needs.
Ready to explore co-managed IT for your business? Contact Vee Tech to discuss how co-managed services can enhance your IT capabilities.