As a small or mid-size business owner or an IT manager, you're probably wearing a lot of hats - and your IT team is too. Maybe you're stretched thin keeping systems running, dealing with support tickets or tackling security challenges with limited resources. That's where co-managed IT services can make a big difference.
This hybrid approach lets you partner with a managed services provider (MSP) to support your internal IT staff without giving up control. It's a flexible way to fill skill gaps, scale your support and keep your business secure and productive.
Let's look at what co-managed IT is, why it's a smart move for growing businesses and how to implement it successfully. Whether you have an IT team of one or several, co-managed support could be the boost you've been searching for.
⚙️What Are Co-Managed IT Services?
Co-managed IT is a collaborative model where your internal IT team works alongside a managed service provider (MSP) to share responsibilities. You stay in control of your core infrastructure and strategic direction while the MSP handles the areas where you need extra support - think help desk services, security monitoring, data backups or cloud management.
This setup isn't about replacing your team but amplifying their impact.
💡Five Key Benefits of Co-Managed IT Services for Small and Mid-Size Business IT Teams
1. Cost-Effective IT Support Without Growing Your Team
Hiring and retaining skilled IT professionals can be expensive. Co-managed IT gives you access to an entire team of experts without the overhead of full-time salaries and benefits.
Pro Tip: Ask potential MSPs about their pricing models. A predictable monthly rate can help you budget more easily while avoiding hidden costs.
2. On-Demand Access to Specialized Expertise
Need help with cybersecurity, cloud migrations or compliance? Most MSPs have specialists across various domains. Your internal team can lean on them for complex projects or niche skill sets.
Pro Tip: When evaluating providers, consider their staff's certifications and industry experience. The right partner should complement your team, not just fill gaps.
3. Stronger Cybersecurity Without the Guesswork
Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and small businesses are increasingly targeted. With co-managed IT, you gain access to advanced security tools, real-time monitoring and MSPs who stay ahead of emerging threats - so you don't have to do it alone.
Pro Tip: Ask MSPs about their cybersecurity offerings - think endpoint protection, threat detection and employee cybersecurity training. Make sure they're aligned with your industry's security needs and compliance requirements.
4. Scalability That Grows With Your Business
As your business grows, so do your IT demands. Co-managed IT services are built to scale - whether you're opening a new location, expanding your remote workforce or rolling out new systems. Instead of scrambling to hire, you can quickly scale support up or down.
Pro Tip: Be upfront about your growth plans with your MSP. A good partner will help you plan ahead with scalable infrastructure, cloud solutions and flexible service models.
5. Less Downtime, More Productivity
Downtime hurts your bottom line. Co-managed IT lets your in-house focus on strategic initiatives while your MSP handles day-to-day maintenance, system monitoring and backups - reducing the risk of unexpected outages.
Pro Tip: Review each provider's service level agreements (SLAs) and support response times. Fast resolution and proactive monitoring are key to avoiding business disruptions.
🧩How to Get Started with Co-Managed IT: Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking of bringing on an MSP to support your IT team? Here's how to make the transition smooth and successful.
1. Evaluate Your Current IT Environment
Take stock of your systems, team bandwidth and recurring issues. Where are you excelling - and where are the gaps? This will help you understand exactly what support you need from an MSP.
Tip: Involve your internal IT team in this process. Their insights are essential for identifying both strengths and stress points.
2. Research the Right MSP Partner
Look for a provider with experience supporting businesses your size - and even your industry if that makes sense. Don't just go by price. Evaluate their track record, certifications, service models and client reviews.
Tip: Ask for case studies or references from similar businesses. You want a partner, not just a vendor.
3. Set Clear Expectations and Communication Channels
Before kicking off the partnership, define roles, responsibilities and key goals. Set up regular check-ins to make sure everyone - your internal team and the MSP - is on the same page.
Tip: Use shared dashboards or ticketing systems to streamline collaboration and make accountability easier.
4. Track Performance and Adjust As Needed
After onboarding, monitor the impact of co-managed IT on your operations—track metrics like downtime, support ticket resolution time and security improvements. Then, adjust your partnership as your needs evolve.
Tip: Treat your MSP as an extension of your team. Ongoing communication and feedback will help you get the most value.
🤔Is Co-Managed IT Right for You?
If your internal IT team is overloaded or your business is growing faster than your infrastructure can handle, co-managed IT might be the perfect fit. It's a flexible, cost-effective way to bring in outside expertise without losing control of your tech strategy.
Choosing the right partner and setting up a collaborative relationship can unlock real benefits - from better security and scalability to smoother operations and less stress on your team.
🔗Ready to Explore Co-ManagedIT?
Let's talk about how Fraser can support your internal IT team and help your business thrive. Schedule a free IT consultation today.