Companies are relying more and more on technology to streamline operations, improve productivity, and enhance customer experience. As such, the demand on an IT team has increased significantly. Most businesses have been utilizing one of two main options: in-house IT departments or fully managed IT services. However, a third option has emerged in recent years, co-managed IT services.
The co-managed IT platform is a hybrid solution that combines elements of both in-house and fully managed IT services. In this model, businesses outsource specific IT functions to a third-party service provider while retaining some control over their IT infrastructure. This means that the service provider works alongside the company’s existing IT team to offer support, expertise, and additional resources.
The key difference between co-managed IT and the other two options is the level of involvement and control that the business retains. With an in-house model, the company has complete control over its IT infrastructure. However, it also carries the burden of staffing, training, and managing the IT department. Alternatively, in a fully managed IT services model, the business outsources all IT functions to a third-party provider, such as infrastructure, support, and maintenance, and relinquishes all control.
This blog post will highlight the benefits of co-managed IT services, which include increased flexibility, improved efficiency, and reduced costs. It will also cover consideration factors when looking for a reliable service provider, such as experience, certifications, and track record. We will share what to take into account when looking for a reliable service provider, and how EVERNET Consulting can help your business.
Benefits of Co-Managed IT Services
Co-managed IT services can offer several benefits for businesses looking to optimize their daily IT infrastructure while retaining some control over their operations. Here are some of the main advantages of this form of IT support:
Cost savings: One of the primary benefits of co-managed IT services is cost savings. By outsourcing specific IT functions to a managed service provider, businesses can reduce their overhead costs significantly. For instance, they can avoid the expense of hiring and training IT staff, buying and maintaining hardware and software, and dealing with unexpected repairs and maintenance costs.
Additional solutions: Outside IT providers can also offer additional IT solutions to businesses. They have access to the latest technologies, software, and hardware. They can also recommend and implement customized solutions tailored to the business’s specific needs and goals. While an in-house IT team may be limited by how they have always done things or the tools at their disposal, the outsourced team will have additional resources and expertise to tackle any situation. Your outsourced IT team will offer the ability to remotely install and configure computer software, as well as assist individual computer users. These remote actions can immediately help fix issues with a computer system or an individual user’s concerns without impacting the work processes of the on-site team.
On-demand professionals: The outside IT support team can also offer businesses access to a team of trained and experienced professionals who are available on-demand 24/7. This means businesses can benefit from expert technical support and advice whenever they need it without the expense of hiring full-time staff.
Minimize downtime: Finally, co-managed IT services can help businesses reduce downtime and improve their overall performance. By providing 24/7 support and proactively monitoring a computer network, they can detect and fix issues before they become serious, preventing interruptions to operations and reducing the risk of data loss.
Considerations When Choosing a Co-Managed IT Service Provider
When choosing a co-managed IT service provider, businesses need to consider several factors to ensure they select the right one for their needs. These are some of the critical considerations that should be made:
Security: Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses, and it should be a top consideration when choosing a co-managed IT provider. The provider should have robust security protocols and measures in place to protect against cyber attacks and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of business data.
Scalability: As businesses grow, their IT needs evolve, and they require more advanced and complex solutions. Therefore, when choosing an IT provider to partner with, businesses should consider the provider’s capabilities to scale as needed. The provider should be able to grow and scale with the business, offering customized solutions that meet the business’s changing needs.
Availability: IT issues can occur at any time, and businesses need a co-managed provider that offers round-the-clock availability and support. The provider should have a reliable and responsive support specialist that is available 24/7 to provide assistance whenever it is needed.
Experience: Finally, businesses should consider the provider’s experience and expertise when choosing an IT company. The provider should have a proven track record of delivering reliable and high-quality IT services and solutions to businesses in their industry. They should have a team of trained and experienced professionals who can offer expert advice and support.
Steps to Choosing a Co-Managed IT Service Provider
Choosing the right co-managed IT service provider can be a daunting task for businesses. Here are some steps businesses should follow when looking for a provider that meets their specific needs and goals:
Read Google reviews and compare to competition: The first step in choosing an IT service provider is to read reviews on Google and other review platforms. This will help businesses gauge the provider’s reputation, customer satisfaction levels, and the quality of their services. Comparing reviews across different providers can help a business gain information on a provider and build confidence in their choice.
Ask for references: Ask the co-managed IT service provider for references from other clients in their industry. This will provide insight into the provider’s expertise and experience in delivering IT solutions to businesses with similar needs and challenges. You are looking for a long-term partner to work with, therefore getting a glimpse into how they operate can be helpful in understanding if they are a good fit.
Review website, blog, and social media activity: An IT service provider’s website, blog, and social media activity can offer valuable information about the provider’s offerings, expertise, and leadership. Businesses should review these platforms to gain a better understanding of the provider’s approach to IT services and the quality of their offerings.
Check if pricing is on the website and easy to understand: Transparent pricing is essential when choosing a provider. Businesses should check if the provider’s pricing is available on their website and easy to understand. This will help businesses avoid surprises and hidden fees down the line.
Ask how work is passed between in-house and IT vendor teams: It is vital to understand how the co-managed provider will work with the in-house IT team to deliver the best outcomes. Businesses should ask the provider how they will collaborate and communicate with the in-house team, including the process for escalating issues and resolving conflicts. An open line of communication and clear understanding of how things will operate is crucial for the success of the partnership.
Ask if there is a client or management portal for co-management: Finally, businesses should ask if they offer a client or management portal. This will provide businesses with real-time visibility into their IT infrastructure and enable them to monitor performance, access reports, and collaborate with the provider.
Choosing the right co-managed IT service partner is important for ensuring that your business receives the support solutions it needs to thrive. A good partner will not only offer the right services to meet your unique business needs but will also work collaboratively with your internal IT team to ensure seamless integration and communication. Investing time and effort in selecting the right IT service partner can ultimately save your business time and money while improving overall efficiency and productivity.
At EVERNET Consulting, we are dedicated to helping organizations with their IT Consulting needs. We work diligently to find the solutions that best fit the needs of your business. Whether you’re looking for Co-Managed or Fully Managed IT support services, we are here to help. Let’s schedule a discovery call and see how we can help you work smarter, not harder.
Eric is a Business IT cybersecurity advisor, consultant, manager, integrator, and protector who founded EVERNET in 2007. Eric co-hosts a podcast called “Finance and Technology Insights by Brian & Eric” on YouTube. Eric is a regular contributor to the EVERNET blog, writing about the latest technology news and providing his expertise in cyber security prevention and management.
