As a business owner, you may feel that you need to choose between relying on your in-house IT staff or outsourcing technology management to an IT service provider. There is, however, a third option: co-managed IT. This approach combines the advantages and convenience of in-house IT with competent, specialized support from outsourced specialists.
It’s a “best of both worlds” approach that can help your business leverage an external IT service provider to fill IT gaps without sourcing, training and retaining qualified, expensive talent.
However, misconceptions about co-managed IT can make it difficult to make informed decisions. In this blog post, we’ll bust four common myths about co-managed IT to help you understand the benefits of this approach and how it can help your business succeed.
Myths debunked
Without further ado, let’s debunk the top co-managed IT myths:
Myth #1: My business won’t be able to afford co-managed IT.
One of the biggest misconceptions about co-managed IT is that it’s too expensive. Co-managed IT is a cost-effective option since you can reduce costs by sharing the workload without sacrificing quality. Additionally, the cost of downtime due to internal IT resources dealing with unexpected issues or disruptions can be much higher than the cost of co-managed IT.
Myth #2: My business isn’t big enough to need outsourced co-managed IT.
Many business owners believe that only large enterprises benefit from outsourced IT services. However, businesses of all sizes can benefit from co-managed IT. Co-managed service providers can customize services to fill identified gaps and meet specific business goals. Plus, even relatively smaller businesses are not immune to cyberattacks, making the advanced security solutions provided by an IT service provider even more necessary.
Myth #3: An outsourced IT specialist is less vested in my business’s success than my internal staff.
This is not true. A good IT service provider will strive to provide co-managed IT services that align with business goals and outcomes. Careful vetting will help ensure they are committed to your business and its success. In a co-managed model, the IT service provider becomes an extension of the organization’s team, but the internal team controls the relationship. This ensures that the IT service provider is aligned with your business goals and objectives and is working to help your business succeed.
Myth #4: My internal IT staff will lose their jobs.
Co-managed services are brought in to supplement existing resources, not replace them. In a co-managed model, internal IT workers and external IT providers each have distinct roles and responsibilities that complement each other. They work closely together toward common business goals and objectives. There will be no layoffs of internal IT staff, but they will have the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled and experienced IT professionals to help your business succeed.
Need help?
By now, you probably have a clear idea that co-managed IT is a good option for businesses looking to bridge the gap between in-house and outsourced IT. However, it’s important to remember that not all IT service providers are created equal. Choosing the right partner can make a massive difference in the success of your co-managed IT strategy. That’s why it’s crucial to partner with an experienced provider who understands the unique needs of your business.
And that’s where we come in!
We understand the importance of co-managed IT and can tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your business. We’re here to help you navigate this journey and ensure you get the best out of co-managed IT. Contact us today to discuss how co-managed IT can benefit your business and learn more about how we can support your organization’s IT needs.
Don’t forget to download our checklist, “How to Choose the Best Co-managed IT Partner for Your Business,“ to help you make an informed decision. You'll learn:
- What you need to know about your IT infrastructure before searching for an IT partner
- Key factors to consider when choosing an IT service provider
- And more
