The past year has been tough for businesses, with many having to quickly switch to remote work and adjust how they serve customers. On top of that, security concerns have added extra pressure on companies.

From an IT perspective, this meant businesses needed to adapt fast. Companies that already had a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP) generally adjusted more smoothly.

But for businesses with their own in-house IT teams, it was often harder. Limited resources, lack of expertise, or outdated tools made it difficult to keep up with these rapid changes. This is where co-managed IT services come in.

What Are Co-Managed IT Services?

Co-managed IT services allow a company’s internal IT team to work alongside an MSP. This setup helps businesses choose which IT tasks they want to handle themselves and which they’d prefer to outsource. The idea is to form a partnership where the MSP supports and strengthens the company’s IT team, filling in any gaps.

This approach isn’t new, but it has grown in popularity over the last year as businesses faced unexpected challenges.

When Should You Consider Co-Managed IT Services?

Here are some common situations where co-managed IT services can help:

Small IT Team and Time Constraints
If you have a small IT team, sudden changes or extra demand can overwhelm your staff. Whether it’s new projects, staff taking time off, or an increase in support requests, your team may struggle to keep up. Hiring new staff can be expensive and slow. Co-managed IT services can provide extra support to relieve the pressure.

New Projects
New IT projects are important for business growth, but they can add strain to an already busy IT team. With co-managed services, your internal team can either get help delivering the project or focus on it while the MSP manages day-to-day tasks.

Knowledge Gaps
Technology is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up. Co-managed services bring in experts who can fill any gaps in your team’s knowledge, helping you reach your goals more efficiently.

Lack of Monitoring Tools
Having the right tools to manage and monitor your IT systems is essential. MSPs often have advanced tools and processes that can help your business run more smoothly. By partnering with them, your IT team can gain access to these resources.

What Can Co-Managed IT Services Provide?

Some of the key services a co-managed IT provider can offer include:

– Access to advanced monitoring and management tools
– Helpdesk support for your employees
– Extra staff during busy times
– Specialized IT resources on contract
– Consulting services to help with training and process improvements

A Partnership for Success

Co-managed IT services create a partnership between your in-house IT team and an MSP. Working together, they ensure your business’s IT needs are fully met.

If you think co-managed IT services could help your business, reach out to us today to learn more.