What is Co-Managed IT and How Can it Strengthen Your In-House IT Team

employee using computer in office

As businesses continue to rely on technology for their day-to-day operations, the demand for IT support has increased significantly. In-house IT teams are responsible for ensuring that all systems and networks run smoothly, but with a growing workload and limited resources, it can be challenging to keep up.

This is where co-managed IT comes in. Co-managed IT is a partnership between a company’s in-house IT team and an external managed service provider (MSP). Together, they work to provide comprehensive support, improve efficiency, and enhance security for the company’s technology infrastructure.

The Role of In-House IT Teams

In-house IT teams are responsible for maintaining and managing the technology infrastructure within a company. They handle everything from setting up new systems to troubleshooting technical issues. Usually full-time employees at the company, they are always on hand to address immediate issues.

With the increasing reliance on technology, in-house IT teams play a crucial role in keeping businesses running smoothly. However, with limited resources and growing demands, it can be challenging for them to handle everything on their own.

How Co-Managed IT Can Help Share the Load

Co-managed IT is a partnership between a company’s in-house IT team and an external MSP. By working together, they can provide comprehensive support and take some of the burden off the internal team. Here are six ways these services can strengthen your in-house IT team.

  • Improved Efficiency: With a co-managed approach, tasks can be delegated to those best equipped to handle them, whether you need greater expertise for a complex technical issue or a more hands-on approach in the office. With a shared workload, both teams can work together seamlessly, resulting in faster response times and improved productivity.
  • Enhanced Security and Compliance: External MSPs specialize in security and compliance, and they can ensure that your company is meeting all necessary regulations. Co-managed IT can help strengthen security by combining resources to provide proactive monitoring, regular backups, and disaster recovery planning.
  • Proactive Monitoring and Support: Co-managed services often include 24/7 monitoring of your IT infrastructure, so your internal team can have peace of mind knowing that any technical issue will be promptly addressed. This proactive approach helps to identify and resolve issues before they escalate, minimizing disruptions to your daily operations.
  • Access to Specialized Expertise: These services have a diverse team of experts specializing in different areas of technology. This can be particularly beneficial for your in-house team as they can learn from these experts and broaden their own skill sets.
  • Scalability: Co-managed solutions can easily adapt to your business needs as they change over time. Whether you’re expanding or downsizing, they can adjust their services accordingly without having to make any staffing changes, providing your in-house team with the right level of support at all times.
  • Cost Management: By handling complex and time-consuming tasks, a co-managed IT service allows your in-house team to focus on strategic initiatives without needing to hire more help. This not only optimizes your IT spending (by 25-45% according to one survey) but also ensures that your in-house team’s time is effectively utilized.

How to Implement Co-Managed IT

Implementing co-managed services is a straightforward process. First, you need to find a reliable managed service provider that offers these services. They will work closely with your internal team to understand your company’s specific needs and devise a plan to address them effectively. This could include providing round-the-clock support, regular maintenance, security audits, and more.

What it Will Look Like for Your Internal Team

The purpose of these services is not to replace your in-house IT team; instead, they complement the existing IT team’s skills and resources. With a co-managed approach, the internal team will still be responsible for day-to-day tasks but will have the support of an external MSP to handle more complex projects and provide additional support, creating a more efficient way of managing the technology infrastructure.

Partner With Solutions in Data

At Solutions in Data, we specialize in co-managed IT services that can strengthen your internal team. Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to handle a wide range of technical issues and provide proactive monitoring and support.

Contact us to explore how co-managed solutions can take your business to the next level of security and efficiency. Don’t let limited resources hold back your in-house IT team—embrace the benefits of co-managed IT today!