Fully Managed IT vs. Co-Managed IT: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to IT support, one size does not fit all. Your business’ IT strategy, existing IT team, and short-term and long-term needs are all important factors to consider when hiring a managed service provider (MSP) to provide personalized IT solutions.
Businesses can usually choose from two different types of MSP engagements: fully managed IT services and co-managed IT services.
Fully Managed IT Services
With fully managed IT services, you get the expertise of a CIO along with the support of a highly trained IT team. This means you don’t have to hire your own full-time, in-house IT staff. Instead, you outsource your IT strategy and personalized IT solutions to a managed service provider, who will manage all critical IT components. This includes network devices, operating systems, servers, firewalls, email and even your phone systems.
Co-Managed IT Services
Co-managed IT services are designed for businesses that need additional IT support for the internal IT team already in place. The managed service provider provides support when and where you need it. For example, this could be when you’re in the midst of a busy season or need help with a special project. Co-managed services offer a personalized IT solution for businesses that need some IT help, but have other areas of their IT strategy covered by in-house personnel.
If you’re searching for an MSP to provide personalized IT solutions for your business, you may be wondering which type of engagement is right for you. Here are a few things to consider.
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The size of your current IT team
If you are newly exploring an IT strategy and do not have an existing IT team, and do not plan to hire one, your best bet is fully managed IT services. With a fully managed IT solution, you outsource all of your IT needs to an MSP. They will manage your technology needs from top to bottom.
Meanwhile, co-managed IT services will be a better fit if you have at least one full-time in-house IT employee. An MSP can come alongside your existing IT team and provide support when and where they need it. This can include help on a special project, support during a busy season, or short-term help while you hire a new team member.
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Your current IT strategy
It’s important to understand your current IT strategy before hiring an MSP. Do you not have an IT strategy or are you not sure where to start? Then fully managed IT services will offer the most comprehensive support. This includes a high-level IT strategy with recommendations for long-term success and unlimited around-the-clock end-user support. It’s like having a CIO and IT team without the cost of hiring full-time employees.
If you have an existing IT strategy in place and need short-term or long-term support to help execute that strategy, co-managed IT services are the right fit for you. The MSP can collaborate with your existing team to help execute your plan or otherwise support your overall goals.
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Your IT needs
When looking for a personalized IT solution for your business, it’s important to understand your IT needs. Does your infrastructure need a complete overhaul and full back-end support? Then fully managed IT services will be the best fit for you. Fully managed IT services include all workstation, server and network management, data backup and recovery, email support, cloud services, vendor management, cybersecurity and more.
If your needs are short-term or project-based, co-managed IT services will be the better option. We custom-build co-managed services for each client based on their unique needs. We can cover server maintenance and monitoring, workstation updates, equipment procurement and more.
