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 that can help your business leverage an external IT service provider to fill IT gaps without sourcing, training and retaining qualified, expensive talent.
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 to 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 by sharing the workload without sacrificing quality. Additionally, the cost of downtime due to internal IT resources dealing with unexpected issues or disruptions can be much higher than the cost of co-managed IT.
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, making the advanced security solutions provided by an IT service provider 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, but the internal team controls the relationship. This ensures that the IT service provider is aligned with your business goals and objectives and is working 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 and responsibilities that complement each other. They work closely together toward common business goals and objectives. There will be no layoffs of internal IT staff, but 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 who understands the unique needs of your business. Not all IT service providers are created equal, and 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 about how we can support your organization’s IT needs.
