Small and mid-sized businesses need IT support just as much as enterprises. Most businesses have basic IT needs at the least, such as retail financial management or customer databases.
If you’re not proficient in this software, a lot of errors can come up, such as wrong data entry or incorrect stock calculations. You might have a go-to IT person, but they alone are not enough of a resource to keep your operations running. That’s why some small and medium businesses invest in co-managed IT services.
Want to learn how co-managed IT can help you mitigate IT errors in your business? Keep reading below to find out.
What Are Co-Managed IT Services?
Co-managed IT services provide a helping hand to your IT team when your resources start to drain and your backlog starts to fill. However, they’re not just there in a crisis – they can also work continuously to optimize your business and IT resources while your main team deals with day-to-day tickets.
This combined model allows businesses to customize their IT management and bridge gaps in their system with services like cloud management, advanced analytics, or specialized cybersecurity without completely handing over control. Thus, the main advantage of co-managed IT is that it is flexible and adaptable to different needs.
Are Co-Managed IT Services Different From Managed IT?
Yes, they differ significantly from managed IT services:
- Managed IT services: With this model, you outsource all your IT processes to an external provider. It’s a hands-off approach where the service provider handles everything for a fixed monthly price.
- Co-Managed IT services: This approach involves collaboration between your in-house IT team and the MSP. You still have control over the IT processes you feel are too critical or client-sensitive to outsource. However, you can delegate tasks like cybersecurity, backup and recovery, or complex projects to the external team.
Benefits of Co-Managed IT
Co-managed IT providers offer a great deal of flexibility, as well as:
Partnership Between Internal and External Team
When the internal and external IT team put their heads together, problems get resolved much faster. For example, while your in-house team works on resolving a momentary issue, your external team may create an action plan to prevent that issue from happening again.
Frees up Time
Managing IT can be time-consuming, especially with limited support. With co-managed IT, your internal team can offload routine tasks like patch management, system monitoring, and help desk support. While essential, these tasks often deter your team from working on more big-picture tasks like brainstorming, reducing downtime, and improving overall business performance.
Scalable
Unlike general IT outsourcing, co-managed services can be adjusted over time. For example, if you start with minimal needs, such as cloud management, and grow your business to require cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, you can negotiate a new monthly plan to include these additional services.
Enhanced Capabilities
Co-managed IT gives you access to advanced tools, technologies, and expertise that might otherwise be out of reach. External providers stay up-to-date with the latest trends and cybersecurity threats, ensuring your systems remain secure and efficient.
On-Site Support
With Frontline’s IT support, you also get on-site assistance, including quarterly visits for troubleshooting or software and hardware updates. We can also help you with an IT project in person if that’s what you’d prefer.
Is Co-Managed IT Suitable for Your Firm?
The suitability of co-managed IT services depends on your business’s specific needs, resources, and goals. Here are a few questions to keep in mind:
- Do you have an in-house IT team? Co-managed IT is ideal for businesses with internal IT staff who need additional support or expertise.
- Are you struggling with IT capacity? If your team is overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks, co-managed IT can help with this burden.
- Do you want access to specialized expertise? Whether it’s cybersecurity, compliance, or cloud migration, co-managed IT can fill the gaps in your team’s skillset. These areas are often outsourced because they require specialized expertise, ongoing updates to stay ahead of security risks, and quite the time investment, which is something your internal team may not have time to handle.
Small vs Mid-Sized Businesses and Co-Managed IT
The needs of small and mid-sized businesses differ, and co-managed IT services can cater to both:
- Small businesses: For small businesses with limited or no IT staff, co-managed IT provides access to expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. You can rely on an external provider to handle tasks that would otherwise fall through the cracks.
- Mid-sized businesses: Mid-sized businesses can benefit from co-managed IT by supplementing their internal team with MSPs with bigger skillsets who can tackle most problems. This ensures that you don’t face unnecessary interruptions and costly downtime as you take on more clients.
Choosing the Right Co-Managed IT Provider
The right provider is crucial to a sucessful co-managed IT arrangement. Here are some factors that can help you make the right choice:
- Experience: Choose a provider with a proven track record in co-managed IT services. When deciding on a provider, ask that they show you client testimonials, case studies, or industry certifications that show their proficiency.
- Customization: If you plan on scaling your business in the future, you’ll need an MSP that will be able to adapt to you. Look for providers with flexible pricing plans that can be expanded as needed.
- Communication: If the communication is not clear from the start, you may be dealing with an MSP that is not right for you. Make sure that the provider you choose understands what you need from them.
- Security Expertise: Cybersecurity is a critical concern, so ensure the provider has robust security measures and expertise. This is especially important for businesses that handle sensitive client information, such as healthcare.
Final Words
Co-managed IT services are an additional set of hands for your internal tech support, who may not be proficient in certain areas like Tier 2 or Tier 3 tasks. They’re ideal for both small and mid-size businesses in different ways.
Small businesses can benefit from external IT support when getting started and still learning how to implement and use the correct systems and applications. Mid-size businesses can also enjoy the advantages of outsourced IT, especially if in need of highly skilled professionals in sensitive niches like law or dental.
Whatever your IT needs are, at Frontline, we offer scalable IT plans, from basic IT support to full-on automation. Reach out to us, and we’ll help you choose the right services for your business.