Co-Managed Services
IT is the lifeblood of most businesses. And many prefer working with an in-house IT team rather than outsourcing to a managed services provider.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive look at an IT support solution that you might not be aware of, a hybrid approach that allows you to keep your valuable in-house technicians onboard. Let’s talk about co-managed services.
What are co-managed services?
Co-managed services are precisely what they sound like: an IT solution that involves a partnership between your in-house team and a managed services provider.
Traditionally, companies had to decide between hiring an in-house team or outsourcing to an experienced IT vendor. Now, co-management allows organizations with in-house IT staff to complement their resources with outside IT experts.
What are the benefits of co-managed services?
Opting for a hybrid approach to your IT management delivers a whole host of game-changing benefits. Let’s take a look at just four.
1. Increased productivity
Does your in-house IT team regularly get bombarded with frustrating IT issues that suck up all of their valuable time? If so, introducing a supplementary, off-premise team can help share the load. This results in increased productivity all around.
2. The latest technological innovations
Managed IT providers are technophiles – they love keeping up to date with the latest innovations, the newest tech solutions, and, critically, changes to best practices. When you enlist their help as part of a hybrid IT approach, your business will gain a competitive edge.
3. Enhanced security
Because managed IT providers dedicate so much of their time to learning about new technologies – and new cyber threats – they can help you strengthen your security. Remember, cybersecurity is not something to be taken lightly. Forty-three percent of all cyberattacks target small businesses, costing $200,000 on average. Worryingly, more than half are out of business within six months.
4. Lower costs
A co-managed IT solution is flexible. Companies can pick and choose the services they need when they need them. When business picks up, they can scale their support quickly and affordably.
When can a co-managed IT solution benefit your business?
Day-to-day operations will benefit from a co-managed IT solution. That being said, many organizations choose to make the switch when they require the following four services.
1. A third-party audit
If your company requires a third-party audit, it’s critical they work with a reputable, fair, trustworthy team of IT professionals. IT service providers can perform thorough audits that ensure your systems meet the necessary requirements and standards.
2. Professional services
Delivering secure, effective, cost-friendly IT solutions that meet specific client needs is no easy feat. A co-managed IT approach gives your business access to an IT vendor with a vast network of partners, software providers, and data technologies so you can rest easy knowing you are getting the best possible solution for your organization.
3. Cloud migrations and Office 365
According to Forbes, “close to 60% of North American enterprises use public cloud platforms, a percentage that has grown fivefold in the last five years.”
If your business is yet to jump on board the cloud computing bandwagon, or if you believe there is a better cloud-based solution out there, a managed services provider can help. Cloud services – including software suites like Microsoft 365 and Office 365 – improve your workplace flexibility, boost data security, and give your business a leg up on the competition.
4. Cybersecurity projects
As we mentioned above, cybersecurity should be a top priority for businesses of all sizes. The problem is, cyber threats evolve at a rate of knots. Hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and protection technology and user awareness are lagging behind.
The best way to overcome threats and avoid breaches is to invest in cybersecurity projects and an experienced managed service provider to guide you every step of the way.
