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 a reputable provider will deliver services, and how it benefits your small business.
Tech Management Reality for Small Businesses
Small businesses approach their technology in a variety of ways. Some opt to have their tech-savvy team members help maintain operations, and others employ a technology manager. Still, other organizations have a small team on board. Which approach does your organization have? 
If you’re reading this blog post, you likely have at least one trained professional managing everything. After all, technology helps to drive your strategies in today’s ever-connected world and protects your data from entering the hands of cybercriminals.  
Having someone who understands compliance, security, and how to improve productivity effectively is vital. But when your internal IT team faces issues (e.g., being overworked, hiring difficulties, budget troubles, etc.), you begin looking for solutions, like co-managed IT support. 
But what is co-managed IT exactly? What does it mean to your organization and your in-house IT team? Read on to learn, or if you prefer videos, watch our webinar instead.
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What is Co-Managed IT? 
Co-managed partnerships provide a comprehensive and practical approach to IT support and management. A reputable provider will harmoniously augment your in-house team, supplementing your team’s capabilities and boosting strategies. 
Business leaders turn to co-managed IT service providers when their team becomes overwhelmed with managing daily operations and keeping up with emerging technologies on a budget. 
Your in-house IT team and the MSP work together to provide a range of services, including: 
- Network monitoring 
- Software updates
- Hardware maintenance
- Security
- Other technology-related services 
This partnership allows organizations to benefit from the expertise and resources of the internal IT team and the MSP, leading to improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
This partnership gives your tech experts greater work satisfaction and productivity while driving revenue-producing strategies.
Myths About Co-managed IT Services
There are a few perceptions that could be improved surrounding co-managed services. Let’s review the misunderstandings and the truth behind each.
Myth: The MSP will replace the internal IT team.  Â
Truth: Co-managed IT is a partnership where your internal IT team and the MSP work together to provide comprehensive IT support – not a replacement of them.
Myth: The MSP will have complete control. 
Truth: Your internal IT team and the MSP share responsibility and decision-making power in co-managed IT. However, the final say rests with your organization.
Myth: Co-managed IT is only for companies with a large IT budget. Â
Truth: Co-managed IT can be a cost-effective solution for organizations. The MSP provides access to expertise and resources that may be too expensive for your internal IT team to acquire on their own.
Myth: The MSP will only work on an as-needed basis. 
Truth: The MSP can provide proactive, ongoing support to ensure that your organization’s technology infrastructure is always functioning optimally.
Myth: Co-managed IT is only for technical problems. 
Truth: Co-managed IT can encompass a wide range of IT-related services – from network monitoring to security and software updates.
Myth: Co-managed IT is only for technical problems. 
Truth: Co-managed IT can encompass a wide range of IT-related services – from network monitoring to security and software updates.
Myth: Co-managed IT is only for small businesses. 
Truth: Co-managed IT can benefit organizations of all sizes, not just small businesses.
How Co-Managed IT Support is Delivered
How your co-managed 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 annotated 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.
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. Learn how co-managed IT can reduce costs and how to find the right service provider for your company.
Co-Managed IT Partnerships Drive 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.  Â
Taking your organization down the co-managed path will set you apart from your competitors who fail to adapt, giving you a marketplace advantage.
