Mid-sized organizations are often faced with the dilemma of maintaining a robust and efficient IT department. On one hand, it’s helpful to have an internal IT person to serve as boots on the ground who can help end users with any technical issues that pop up on a daily basis.
On the other hand, putting out daily fires leaves little to no time for the IT person to focus on more strategic matters. This is a scenario that can lead to burnout and leave organizations struggling to effectively manage their technology.
Co-managed IT, an emerging trend within the industry, offers a practical solution for businesses that already have an in-house IT team but could use additional support. Here, we’ll explore what co-managed IT means, how it works, and its numerous benefits.
Understanding Co-Managed IT
Co-managed IT is best described as staff augmentation. This model allows a company with an existing internal IT team to integrate additional external IT resources and expertise. According to Eric Hammond from MIS Solutions, the concept can be tailored to fit specific needs, whether it be high-level strategic planning, full helpdesk support, monitoring, or Windows patching and updates.
Essentially, co-managed IT is about filling in the gaps where the internal IT team might lack the necessary resources or expertise. This flexibility makes it ideal for businesses that want the best of both worlds: the intimate knowledge of an in-house team combined with the specialized skills of an external provider.
Key Benefits of Co-Managed IT
One of the primary benefits of co-managed IT, as Eric highlights, is the load-sharing aspect. “In a co-managed situation, you’re not carrying the coffin alone. You don’t bear all the responsibility for ensuring your company’s IT infrastructure runs smoothly – it’s a shared load.”
This collaborative approach allows the internal IT staff to focus on their core responsibilities without the added pressure of covering all fronts. Moreover, it introduces a variety of skill sets into the team, which might not have been available otherwise. For example, a co-managed IT service provider can offer specialized knowledge in areas where the internal team might be less experienced.
Another significant advantage is the seamless continuity it offers. In a co-managed environment, if an internal IT team member has to take a leave of absence or goes on vacation, there’s no disruption to the IT services. The external team steps in to ensure that everything continues running smoothly. This ensures a consistent and reliable IT environment, attuned to the business’s needs at all times.
Addressing Internal Concerns
Despite the many benefits of co-managed IT, some internal IT staff might feel threatened by the introduction of an external provider. It’s a valid concern, but as Eric pointed out, replacing an internal IT person or team is not the goal of co-managed IT.
The objective of co-managed services is to enhance and support the internal IT team by filling in specific, identified gaps. It’s about collaboration and augmentation, not replacement. The goal is to strengthen the overall IT environment, thereby making the in-house team more effective and allowing them to leverage external expertise without feeling undermined.
Eric emphasized that the purpose is to assist and support, ensuring that internal team members can focus on what they do best while resting assured that additional resources are there to back them up when needed. This symbiotic relationship fosters a strong and resilient IT infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the entire organization.
Conclusion
Co-managed IT services represent a beneficial strategy for businesses that need to augment their internal IT capabilities without completely outsourcing their IT functions. This collaborative approach allows companies to leverage specialized skills and support, ensuring that their IT infrastructure remains robust and efficient.
By spreading the responsibility and utilizing the diverse expertise of both internal and external IT resources, businesses can better navigate the complexities of modern IT demands.
If your business is struggling with IT issues or simply needs supplemental support, consider exploring co-managed IT services. It might just be the solution to take your IT capabilities to the next level.