When businesses consider IT services, they often weigh the options between Co-Managed IT and Fully Managed IT. Each model offers unique benefits and challenges, depending on your company’s needs, existing resources, and desired level of control. This article explores the differences between these two approaches and helps you decide which might be the best fit for your business.
Table of Contents
1. What is Managed IT vs Co-Managed IT?
2. What do Managed & Co-Managed IT have in common?
3. How are Managed & Co-Managed IT different?
4. What are the pros and cons of choosing Co-Managed IT?
5. What are the pros and cons of choosing Fully Managed IT?
6. How To Select The Right IT Service Model
7. Who should consider a fully managed IT solution?
8. Who should consider a co-managed IT solution?
9. Summary
What is Managed IT vs Co-Managed IT?
Managed IT Services
Managed IT services involve outsourcing your entire IT department to a third-party provider. This provider takes over all aspects of your technology management, effectively becoming your IT department. They handle everything from network security to software updates and help desk support. The managed IT services firm operates as an integral part of your team, participating in strategic meetings and contributing to technology planning.
Co-Managed IT Services
In a co-managed IT arrangement, your business maintains an internal IT department, but supplements it with external support from a managed IT services provider. This model is ideal for businesses with existing IT staff who need additional expertise or resources. The managed IT provider supports your internal team by filling gaps, offering specialized skills, and providing advanced tools and mentoring.
What do Managed & Co-Managed IT have in common?
Both Managed IT and Co-Managed IT services offer foundational IT support, including:
Security Software & Solutions: Protection against threats and vulnerabilities.- Software Patching: Regular updates to keep systems secure and functional.
Data Backups: Ensuring data is regularly backed up and recoverable.
Remote Access: Allowing users to connect to systems from different locations.
Reporting & IT Reviews: Frequent updates and evaluations to monitor performance.
In both models, the managed IT provider acts as a trusted advisor, guiding technology decisions and offering support.
How are Managed & Co-Managed IT different?
Managed IT Services:
IT Department: The MSP is your IT department.
IT Staffing: The MSP provides all necessary IT staff.
IT Strategy: Allows the business to focus on strategic goals without IT distractions.
IT Tools: Utilized exclusively by the MSP.
Training/Mentoring: The business does not invest in IT learning; the MSP handles all training.
Vacation/Sick Leave: The MSP’s multiple employees ensure coverage during staff absences.
Co-Managed IT Services:
IT Department: Supplements your existing IT department.
IT Staffing: The MSP complements your internal IT staff.
IT Strategy: Enhances internal IT capabilities without replacing them.
IT Tools: Shared between the MSP and internal IT.
Training/Mentoring: Provides training and mentoring to internal staff.
Vacation/Sick Leave: The MSP can cover for internal IT staff when they are unavailable.
What are the pros and cons of choosing Co-Managed IT?
Pros of Co-Managed IT:
Increased Control: Businesses retain control over their IT infrastructure and decisions.
Flexibility: Adaptable to specific business needs and internal processes.
Cost Efficiency: Often more affordable than fully managed IT, though it does not eliminate internal IT costs.
Expertise and Mentorship: Access to external expertise and training for internal staff.
Cons of Co-Managed IT:
Responsibility: Businesses share responsibility for IT management with the MSP.
Potential for Less Structure: If internal staff are not disciplined, there may be less structure and control.
Internal Overhead: Maintains costs associated with internal IT staff.
What are the pros and cons of choosing Fully Managed IT?
Pros of Fully Managed IT:
Less Worry: The MSP handles all aspects of IT, reducing business responsibility.
No Need for Internal Expertise: Eliminates the need to maintain an internal IT team.
Advanced Expertise: Access to a wider range of technical skills and resources.
Up-to-Date Systems: Ensures that network and infrastructure are always current.
Cons of Fully Managed IT:
Less Control: Businesses have less direct control over IT decisions and operations.
No In-House Expertise: No immediate IT expertise within the office.
Higher Costs: Higher external costs compared to maintaining an internal team.
How To Select The Right IT Service Model
Choosing between Co-Managed IT and Fully Managed IT depends on various factors, including:
Existing IT Staff: Do you have internal IT staff that could benefit from additional support or training?
IT Needs: What level of IT management and expertise does your business require?
Control Preferences: How much control do you want over your IT operations?
Responsibility Willingness: How much responsibility are you willing to delegate to an external provider?
Who should consider a Fully-Managed Solution?
Businesses without internal IT staff: A fully managed IT solution is ideal if you lack an internal IT team and need comprehensive support.
Companies seeking hassle-free IT management: If you prefer to outsource all IT responsibilities and avoid maintaining in-house expertise, this model is suitable.
Who should consider a Co-Managed Solution?
Businesses with existing IT staff: If you have an internal IT team that needs additional support or specialized skills, co-managed IT can be a great fit.
Companies wanting to enhance internal capabilities: If you want to complement and elevate your existing IT department without fully outsourcing, co-managed IT offers the right balance.
Summary
Both Co-Managed IT and Fully Managed IT offer distinct advantages and are suited to different business needs. Understanding your current IT resources, desired level of control, and specific requirements will help you choose the right model. At IntegriCom, we guide businesses in selecting the IT service model that best aligns with their unique needs, ensuring optimal technology management and support.
