IT support is incredibly important to the success of most businesses. As technology advances and becomes more complex, the importance of having a well-functioning IT support team only increases. Having an in-house IT staff provides several benefits for a business, including having dedicated IT personnel who are familiar with the company’s systems and processes. It means they are also readily available on site for IT issues and have a deep understanding of the business’s unique needs and requirements.
However, in-house IT teams can have limitations that hinder their ability to provide the level of support needed on a daily basis. A great way to help fill any voids that an on-premises support team might have is by partnering with an outside IT provider for a co-managed IT solution. Businesses can tap into an outside resource in order to overcome any limitations their staff my have and maintain IT support at a high level.
What is Co-Managed IT?
Co-managed IT is a service model where an outside managed service provider works alongside an existing in-house IT team to provide comprehensive technical support. In this model, the outside provider assumes responsibility for specific IT functions while the in-house team maintains control over other functions. The concept behind co-managed IT is that the two teams work together collaboratively to provide enhanced IT support to the business.
There are several ways that a co-managed IT solution can benefit your in-house IT team.
One of the primary benefits of co-managed system is bolstered IT support. By working together, the in-house and outside specialists can provide comprehensive support that covers a wide range of IT functions. The third party provider can bring in additional resources and valuable insight to help the in-house team resolve complex issues quickly.
For example, if the in-house IT department is struggling to resolve a particular issue, they can call upon the outside IT firm for assistance. The third party support service can help identify the root cause of the problem. Then, they can provide a solution for the in-house team to implement. It would also be possible for the outside IT service to remotely implement the solutions. This collaborative approach helps ensure that issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and maintaining business continuity.
In-house IT teams can have limitations in terms of resources and expertise. For instance, they may not have the resources to keep up with the latest technology trends or they may not have knowledge in certain areas. A co-managed IT solution can provide access to a broader range of skills and supplies. This helps to fill in any voids the on site team may have.
A huge advantage of a co-managed IT solution is that it provides flexible service options that can be tailored to meet the needs and budget of your business. This flexibility allows businesses to budget properly and only pay for the services they need. An example of this is when a business would choose to outsource all cybersecurity needs to the outside firm, while their in-house team handles other areas of need, such as software support or network maintenance.
When to Consider Co-Managed IT
There are several scenarios where businesses should consider co-managed IT services. First, if the in-house IT team has limited resources or is struggling to keep up with the demands of the business, co-managed IT can provide additional resources and expertise to help manage the workload. Second, if the business has specific project requirements that require specialized skills, co-managed IT can provide access to the necessary resources to complete the project on time and within budget. Finally, if the business has compliance and security needs, co-managed IT can provide expertise and support to ensure that the business is safeguarded and following necessary regulations.
Choosing the Right IT Partner
When choosing a co-managed IT partner, it is essential to evaluate service providers carefully. Look for a partner with experience in your industry and a track record of providing excellent IT support. Compatibility with the internal IT team is crucial, and the two teams must work well together to ensure a successful partnership. Lastly, look for a provider that is committed to a long-term partnership and offers benefits such as ongoing training and support.
Co-managed IT services can provide businesses with enhanced IT support, access to expertise and resources, and flexible service options. When considering co-managed IT, businesses should evaluate their in-house IT resources, project requirements, and compliance and security needs. It is important for businesses to evaluate service providers, establish compatibility with the internal IT team, and seek long-term partnership benefits. By partnering with the right co-managed IT provider, businesses can ensure that their IT support is always functioning at a high level, which is crucial to the success of any business in the digital age.
At EVERNET Consulting, we are dedicated to helping organizations with their IT support needs. We work diligently to find the solutions that best fit the needs of your business. Whether you’re looking for IT support, software recommendations, or guidance on how to get the most out of your cybersecurity platform, 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.
