Feeling overwhelmed trying to manage your IT infrastructure with limited resources? You’re not alone.
Challenges like scaling operations, tackling cybersecurity threats, and controlling costs are all too familiar for many small businesses and IT managers.
That’s where co-managed IT support comes in—an innovative, hybrid solution that pairs the strengths of your internal IT team with the expertise and resources of an external provider. This approach has three main benefits:
- Enhanced productivity and operational efficiency
- Improved cybersecurity and risk management
- Cost/resource optimization
All of this while giving your business the competitive edge it needs to thrive.
What is Co-Managed IT Support?
Co-managed IT support is a collaborative IT model where internal IT teams work closely with an external managed service provider (MSP).
Unlike fully managed IT services—which outsource all IT functions—or solely rely on in-house teams, co-managed IT strikes a balance. It allows businesses to retain control over their core IT operations while accessing additional expertise and resources when needed.
This flexible approach ensures businesses can tackle their IT challenges without overburdening their in-house team or compromising service quality.
Why It Matters for Businesses
Small business tech support and IT departments often face three critical challenges:
- Resource limitations: Lack of manpower or specialized knowledge.
- Security risks: Growing threats like ransomware and phishing attacks demand immediate attention.
- Scalability issues: Rapid business growth usually results in strained IT resources.
Co-managed IT directly addresses these issues, creating a sustainable and strategic solution to keep businesses fluid and secure.
1. Enhanced Productivity and Operational Efficiency
One of the strongest advantages of co-managed IT support is the boost in productivity and efficiency. By leveraging external resources, your internal IT team can work smarter—not harder.
Access to Specialized Expertise
Your IT team may be great at handling day-to-day issues, but what about more complex problems like migrating systems to the cloud or configuring advanced cybersecurity protocols?
Co-managed IT bridges this gap, offering on-demand access to industry experts who can resolve issues faster and more effectively.
For example, instead of spending hours troubleshooting a sophisticated network issue, your internal team can tap into the MSP’s expertise and address it in a fraction of the time.
Resource: See which industries benefit the most from IT consulting here
Efficient Task Allocation
Time-consuming yet necessary tasks—such as system updates, backups, and routine maintenance—are better handled by your co-managed IT provider.
This frees up your internal team to focus on projects that drive business growth, like deploying new technology or improving user experiences.
Scalability and Flexibility
Co-managed IT plans are highly adaptable. Whether your business experiences seasonal peaks or plans to expand, your IT infrastructure can scale accordingly.
The external partner takes on additional tasks for busy periods, ensuring seamless operations without overloading your in-house team.
2. Improved Cybersecurity and Risk Management
The importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. With cyberattacks growing in frequency and sophistication, businesses need robust defenses. Co-managed IT support strengthens your security posture with a multi-layered approach.
Advanced Threat Detection and Response
With 24/7 monitoring and real-time threat intelligence, co-managed IT providers can detect and neutralize threats before they escalate. These proactive defenses significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to major breaches, which can damage both finances and reputation.
For instance, if ransomware activity is detected, the external IT team can quickly isolate and resolve the issue, minimizing downtime.
Compliance Support
Navigating industry regulations such as HIPAA, Cybersecurity Insurance, or CMMC can be challenging, especially for smaller organizations.
Your co-managed IT provider ensures compliance by aligning systems with regulatory standards and preparing your business for audits.
Layered Security Approach
Co-managed IT creates a seamless partnership between internal and external teams, allowing them to collaborate on security strategies.
Together, they develop a fortified defense plan that integrates tools such as firewalls, data encryption, endpoint protection, and training against phishing attempts.
The result? A well-rounded security system that proactively anticipates and mitigates risks.
3. Cost Efficiency and Resource Optimization
Budget limitations are a concern for most businesses, especially small ones. Co-managed IT services offer financial flexibility while delivering top-notch service.
Reduced Operational Costs
Hiring and training IT professionals is expensive. Additional expenses, such as benefits, certifications, and recruitment., can make the cost even more expensive.
Co-managed IT allows businesses to cut these overheads by sharing the workload with an MSP.
Predictable Budgeting
Most co-managed IT plans follow a flat-rate monthly pricing model. Predictable costs make budgeting easier and eliminate unexpected financial surprises caused by emergency IT issues.
It’s a win-win—high-value service without breaking the bank.
Minimized Downtime
Downtime is expensive. A single hour of system failure can cost thousands in lost productivity and sales. Proactive monitoring and maintenance by your co-managed IT partner ensures your systems stay up and running, reducing the risk of costly disruptions.
Remember: according to Uptime Institute’s study of outages, in 2024, over 54% of data center outages cost more than $100,000. While 16% of incidents exceeded $1 million in costs.
Why Your Business Should Consider Co-Managed IT Support
Small business tech support teams and IT managers need to juggle innovation, scalability, and security in an increasingly complex environment—all while keeping costs in check. Co-managed IT support allows it to do just that by offering a sustainable solution tailored to your unique needs.
Take your IT capabilities to the next level without overextending your existing resources. With Omnis Co-Managed IT, you don’t just keep up with the competition—you get ahead of it.
Start your co-managed IT support journey today to unlock these benefits and more.