Co-managed IT involves a partnership where your internal IT team is combined with a managed service provider (MSP) that offers specialized expertise, enterprise-grade tools, and 24/7 monitoring. It expands your IT capabilities without the high cost of hiring more full-time staff.
Many businesses struggle with small IT teams that are stretched across too many responsibilities. One or two employees handle everything from password resets to cybersecurity threats while the workload keeps growing.
Hiring more staff is expensive and time-consuming. Co-managed IT bridges this gap by giving your team access to expert support without adding to your payroll.
With the right managed service provider, an overwhelmed IT department can become a confident, high-performing team.
In this article, you’ll find answers to common questions about Co-managed IT, including:
- Who benefits most from Co-managed IT?
- What should you look for in a Co-managed IT provider?
By the end of this read, you’ll know whether Co-managed IT is the right fit for your business.
What Does Co-Managed IT Actually Mean?
Co-managed IT takes a collaborative approach to technology management.
Your IT team controls daily operations and company-specific systems, while an experienced Managed Service Provider (MSP) handles responsibilities, including:
- proactive monitoring
- cybersecurity
- backups
- complex projects
- after-hours support
This model strengthens your team.
Your internal team knows your business well. They understand your culture, systems, and operations. The Co-managed IT services provider brings different strengths, such as enterprise tools, specialized expertise, and extra resources during busy periods.
Together, they build a stronger IT department.
Read More: Co-Managed IT: A Complete Guide For Businesses
How Is Co-Managed IT Different from Other IT Services?
Co-managed IT bridges the gap between two common approaches. One relies entirely on an internal team, while the other, also known as Managed IT, outsources all technology to a third party.
With only internal IT, your team handles everything. Over time, that workload can lead to burnout, delayed projects, and postponed security updates as urgent issues take priority.
With fully Managed IT, an outside provider takes over all technology operations. This works well for companies without IT staff, but it can mean losing hands-on control and in-depth knowledge of your systems.
Co-managed IT offers the best of both models. Your team stays in control while a trusted provider steps in to handle complex tasks, fill skill gaps, and deliver the expertise that strengthens your IT.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), combining internal knowledge with external expertise can improve cybersecurity and overall resilience.
Watch: Managed vs Co-Managed IT: What Should My Company Get [Video]
What Services Can You Get from Co-Managed IT?
Co-managed services are customized to your needs. It's important to look at where your IT department is struggling.
Ask yourself: “Are security patches delayed? Do help desk tickets pile up? Does your team lack time for projects?”
From there, you can decide which service can fill your gaps. Below are common co-Managed IT services that MSPs provide:
- Help desk overflow support when your team is swamped
- Cybersecurity monitoring to catch threats early
- Backup and disaster recovery planning and testing
- Vendor coordination with software and hardware partners
- Strategic planning from a virtual CIO
- Compliance assistance for HIPAA, CMMC, or industry regulations
Signs You Need to Consider Co-Managed IT
Co-managed IT is ideal for growing businesses with capable teams that need extra hands, tools, or expertise to stay ahead. If your IT department is stretching thin or struggling to keep up, this approach can bring balance and relief.
Here are common signs your business could benefit from Co-managed IT:
- Your IT team is overwhelmed. One or two employees handle everything, leaving no time for strategic work.
- Security updates fall behind. Patches and testing are delayed, leaving your systems vulnerable.
- Projects keep getting postponed. Daily support requests push long-term improvements aside.
- You need stronger cybersecurity. Threats evolve faster than your team can respond.
- You want 24/7 monitoring. Your systems need constant protection, but hiring overnight staff is costly.
- Your company is growing quickly. Expansion strains your current resources and slows down progress.
- You have specialized needs. Compliance, cloud migration, or disaster recovery projects require expert support.
- Leadership needs better visibility. You want clear insights into IT performance, risk, and results.
WATCH: 7 Things Businesses Should Know about Co-Managed IT Services [Video]
When to Choose Another IT Solution
While Co-managed IT helps many growing businesses, it isn’t the best approach for every company.
Here are a few scenarios where a different IT strategy may make more sense:
- You plan to transition away from maintaining an internal IT team. If you prefer full outsourcing, Managed IT services are a better fit.
- You only have one or two specific problems. For one-off projects, project-based IT support is more cost-effective.
- Your IT infrastructure is very small. If you only have a handful of computers and simple systems, an in-house technician might be enough.
What Should You Look for in a Co-Managed IT Provider?
Not all Co-managed IT providers deliver the same value. The right one will work with your team, fill gaps, and invest in your long-term success.
Below are a few qualities to look for when selecting a trusted co-managed IT provider:
1. Works With Your Team
Look for providers who respect your internal staff's knowledge and integrate seamlessly with existing workflows. A good Co-managed IT provider acts as an extension of your team, not a replacement.
2. Available During Peak Demand
A quality provider offers support during busy periods, so projects don't stop. This means guaranteed response times and additional resources when your workload spikes.
3. Beyond Simply Monitoring
The right partner prevents problems, not just watches for them. They take action when issues arise, implementing fixes and security patches without waiting for approval on routine matters.
4. Long-Term Partnership
Your provider should care about your long-term success, not just completing the current project. They help maintain and improve solutions over time.
Why Do Companies Choose ITS for Co-Managed IT?
At Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), we don’t replace your internal team. We strengthen it. We integrate seamlessly into your workflows, respecting how your team operates while bringing in the extra skills and resources needed to help them succeed.
Your staff knows your business best; our job is to support their goals, not take over their work.
Businesses partner with ITS for expert co-managed support because we deliver:
- Collaboration that builds trust. We work side by side with your team, ensuring alignment and transparency at every step.
- Enterprise-grade tools and cybersecurity expertise. Access advanced solutions that protect and optimize your systems.
- Clear communication and shared reporting. Stay informed through regular updates, dashboards, and accountability reports.
- Strategic IT planning. Align technology investments with long-term business objectives for measurable impact.
This partnership allows your internal team to focus on innovation and growth, while we manage the daily maintenance, monitoring, and security that keep your business running smoothly.
Is Co-Managed IT the Right Solution for Your Business?
Co-managed IT strengthens your technology department by combining your team’s knowledge with a provider’s advanced tools and expertise. It’s a smart, practical solution for businesses that want to keep their internal team while gaining the extra support needed to scale.
For more than 20 years, Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) has helped hundreds of organizations achieve this balance. By partnering with in-house IT teams, we’ve enabled businesses across industries to expand capabilities, improve security, and operate with confidence.
If your staff is overworked or your systems are struggling to keep up, it’s time to make a change. Book a meeting with an ITS expert and discover how Co-managed IT can future-proof your business and empower your team.
Discover more resources in our Learning Center:
- How Co-Managed IT Helps Your Company Save Money
- How Much Does Co-managed IT Cost? [Important Price Factors]
- Debunking the 5 Most Common Co-Managed IT Myths
Frequently Asked Questions About Co-Managed IT
Q: What is the main difference between Co-managed IT and Managed IT?
A: Co-managed IT works alongside your existing IT team. Managed IT takes over all your technology operations.
Q: How much does Co-managed IT typically cost?
A: Costs vary based on your needs and infrastructure size. Most providers offer flexible pricing that's more affordable than hiring full-time employees.
Q: Will Co-managed IT providers replace my internal IT staff?
A: No. Co-managed IT providers work alongside your internal staff, helping them stay in control while adding the tools and expertise they need.
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