As a managed service provider, we are often asked, “How are co-managed IT services provided?” So, let’s dig into what co-managed IT is, how the right provider will deliver services, and how it benefits your small business.

Spoiler alert: It’s a whole different approach than fully managed IT services.

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Is Your In-house IT Team Overwhelmed? Here’s How Co-managed IT Can Help

Small businesses manage their technology in various ways, from relying on tech-savvy employees to employing dedicated IT managers or small teams.

Regardless of your setup, a solid IT strategy is critical for success. When your team is stretched thin or lacks specialized expertise, co-managed IT services provide scalable support to complement your internal resources.

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But what are co-managed IT services exactly? And what does it mean for your organization and your in-house IT team? Let’s take a look!

What is Co-managed IT? 

Co-managed IT is a collaborative partnership between your in-house IT team and an external IT provider, typically a managed services provider (MSP). Business leaders turn to managed service providers when their IT teams become overwhelmed with daily operations and the fast pace of technological change. 

The approach strengthens your internal capabilities by adding expertise and resources to optimize your IT operations.

Its benefits include:

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Together, your in-house team and the MSP can deliver comprehensive services, such as:

  • 24/7 Network Monitoring 
  • Automated Software Updates
  • Hardware Maintenance
  • Enhanced Security
  • Tailored Technology Solutions

This partnership enables your tech experts to focus on higher-level, revenue-generating strategies, while the MSP handles things like routine maintenance or cybersecurity support.

Ultimately, this collaboration boosts productivity, reduces burnout, and increases job satisfaction for your in-house team. In turn, this empowers them to work more effectively. As a result, your organization can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and stay competitive.

Myths About Co-managed IT Services

There are quite a few co-managed IT myths that are talked about among SMBs. But here’s the truth… hiring full-time IT professionals can be expensive, especially when your budget is tight.

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Co-managed IT is a budget-friendly alternative that gives your team access to expert support, advanced tools, and scalability – without the high costs of building an entire IT department.

So, don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Co-managed IT could be the key to growing your business while keeping your budget on track!

How Support is Delivered

How your support looks depends on you and the construct of your current IT team. A trustworthy MSP will work closely with your team to understand your challenges. By doing this, they can create and offer a personalized solution that aligns with your goals. 

You define how your co-managed IT service works. Your approach gets documented in a service level agreement (SLA) to ensure everyone understands and upholds their responsibilities. 

There are a few different approaches to co-managed IT: 

  • Your team drives the long-term business strategy.
  • Your team manages the day-to-day tactical operations.
  • You hire an MSP that provides a custom-fit approach to meet your nuanced needs. 

Every business will choose a route that best suits them. So, it’s essential to understand your team’s strengths and weaknesses. 

Be wary of any MSP that tries to convince you to choose an option your team does not stand behind. If you cannot agree on the terms while discussing their services, it’s time to move on to another option.

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Choosing the right co-managed IT partner is crucial to the success and security of your business. Don’t let common red flags go unnoticed! 

Benefits of Co-managed IT Support

Choosing to partner with a co-managed service provider has many benefits. Here are just seven advantages you can enjoy.

Improved Efficiency

Co-managed IT can improve efficiency and productivity by combining the expertise and resources of both the internal IT team and the MSP.

Enhanced Security

 The MSP provides access to cutting-edge security technologies and expertise that the internal IT team may not have, leading to enhanced security for the organization.

Proactive Support

The MSP can provide ongoing, proactive support to ensure that the organization’s technology infrastructure always functions optimally.

Access to Expertise

The MSP provides access to a team of highly skilled IT professionals with proficiencies in a wide range of technologies and best practices.

Improved Scalability

Co-managed IT can help organizations respond quickly to changes in their technology needs, allowing them to scale their IT infrastructure as needed.

Reduced Downtime

The MSP can provide round-the-clock monitoring and support to minimize downtime. Ensuring critical systems and applications are always available. 

Cost-effectiveness

Co-managed IT can be a cost-effective solution. The MSP provides access to knowledge and resources that may be too expensive for the internal IT team to acquire.

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A Partnership That Drives Success

Co-managed IT support provides your organization with expanded expertise and resources. When done right, it is a partnership that leads to improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.   

Taking your organization down the co-managed path will set you apart from your competitors who fail to adapt, giving you a marketplace advantage. 

Teal is proud to offer co-managed IT support to small and medium-sized organizations. We offer responsive and secure IT services to businesses nationally, with local headquarters based in:

Teal Co-managed IT Services Success Story

Since 2011, Teal has partnered with a life sciences consulting company to provide co-managed IT services, improving their efficiency and technology infrastructure. This collaboration enabled their in-house IT team to focus on strategic initiatives, while Teal managed critical areas like device management, patching, and overall support.

The company chose Teal for our strong expertise, responsive service, and ability to integrate seamlessly with their internal team.

“They’re focused on making their customers happy.”

– IT Director

If you’re interested in learning how our co-managed IT services can help your business, contact a Teal business technology advisor today.

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