If you’re a business owner, you might think that you have to choose between relying on your in-house IT staff or outsourcing technology management to an IT service provider. However, there is a third option: co-managed IT. This approach combines the advantages and convenience of in-house IT with competent, specialized support from outsourced specialists. Co-managed IT is a “best of both worlds” approach. It can help your business leverage an external IT service provider to fill IT gaps. This occurs without sourcing, training and retaining qualified, expensive talent. Businesses can significantly benefit from co-managed IT services by adopting this strategy.
Unfortunately, there are misconceptions about co-managed IT that can make it difficult to make informed decisions. In this article, we’ll debunk four common myths about co-managed IT. This will help you understand the benefits of this approach and how it can help your business succeed.
Myth #1: Co-managed IT is too expensive.
One of the biggest misconceptions about co-managed IT is that it’s too expensive. Co-managed IT is actually a cost-effective option because you can reduce costs without sacrificing quality. This occurs by sharing the workload. Additionally, the cost of downtime due to internal IT resources dealing with unexpected issues or disruptions can be much higher than implementing co-managed IT services.
Myth #2: Only large enterprises benefit from co-managed IT.
Many business owners believe that only large enterprises benefit from outsourced IT services. However, businesses of all sizes can benefit from co-managed IT. Co-managed service providers can customize services to fill identified gaps and meet specific business goals. Plus, even relatively smaller businesses are not immune to cyberattacks. Thus, the advanced security solutions provided by an IT service provider become even more necessary.
Myth #3: An outsourced IT specialist is less vested in my business’s success than my internal staff.
This is not true. A good IT service provider will strive to provide co-managed IT services that align with business goals and outcomes. Careful vetting will help ensure they are committed to your business and its success. In a co-managed model, the IT service provider becomes an extension of the organization’s team. However, the internal team controls the relationship. This ensures that the IT service provider is aligned with your business goals and objectives. Indeed, they work to help your business succeed.
Myth #4: My internal IT staff will lose their jobs.
Co-managed services are brought in to supplement existing resources, not replace them. In a co-managed model, internal IT workers and external IT providers each have distinct roles. These roles and responsibilities complement each other. They work closely together toward common business goals and objectives. There will be no layoffs of internal IT staff. They will have the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled and experienced IT professionals to help your business succeed.
If you’re considering co-managed IT, it’s important to partner with an experienced provider. They must understand the unique needs of your business. Not all IT service providers are created equal. Choosing the right partner can make a massive difference in the success of your co-managed IT strategy. Contact us today to discuss how co-managed IT can benefit your business and learn more. We can support your organization’s IT needs.
Charles Lobert, has been in the Detroit Metro Area’s IT industry for over two decades & with VCS since ’04. Throughout the years, Lobert has held nearly every position at VCS & is responsible for several major organizational shifts within VCS.