When Is Co-Managed IT the Best Choice for Your Business?
The definition of stress: Not having the resources necessary to reach your goal. Sound familiar? If your IT team is drowning in a sea of support tickets, but you don’t have the budget to expand, you’re probably stressed.
Thankfully, there is another solution (other than jumping on the first train out of town). What exactly is co-managed IT, and how can it rescue your business from tech chaos? Let’s dive in and explore this game-changing approach to IT management.
WHAT IS CO-MANAGED IT?
Co-managed IT is a partnership between your internal IT team and an external Managed Service Provider (MSP) like NBM. This approach allows you to combine the strengths of both in-house and external expertise. Co-managed IT is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses because it side-steps the overhead of a large IT department.
YOUR IT TEAM VS. THEIRS: WHO DOES WHAT?
It depends on what you need. When partnering with an MSP, you’ll divide responsibilities based on your time restraints and skill gaps. However, to give you an idea of what a partnership could look like, here’s an example: Both internal IT teams and co-managed IT providers play important roles in keeping your business’s infrastructure running smoothly. However, they have different priorities. Co-managed IT providers offer relief for companies who want to focus on business growth rather than the rigors of daily IT support.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CO-MANAGED IT?
You know the “what” and “how” of co-managed IT, but here’s a recap of the “why.”
- Cost-Effective: Businesses can avoid the high costs of hiring additional in-house IT staff.
- Enhanced Security: MSPs bring specialized cybersecurity expertise to protect sensitive data.
- Access to Expertise: Tap into a wider pool of knowledge and skills.
- Focus on Core Business: Internal IT teams can concentrate on more important initiatives.
Co-managed IT offers a flexible and tailored approach to IT management, allowing businesses to optimize their IT operations while maintaining control over their IT environment.
IS CO-MANAGED IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Co-managed IT can be a valuable solution for many organizations. Here are some common scenarios where it might be the right choice:
- Overworked IT Staff: If your internal IT team is consistently overburdened with day-to-day tasks, a co-managed IT partner can provide additional support.
- Skill Gaps: Lacking in-house expertise in specific areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing or data management? A co-managed provider can fill those gaps.
- Limited Budget: Hiring additional full-time IT staff can be expensive. Co-managed IT offers a more flexible and cost-effective option.
- IT Modernization: If your organization is undergoing a digital transformation or IT infrastructure upgrade, a co-managed provider can offer expertise and resources.
- Compliance Requirements: Meeting industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) requires specialized knowledge. A co-managed IT partner can help ensure compliance.
- Scaling IT Resources: As your business grows, your IT needs will evolve. A co-managed IT provider can help you scale your resources accordingly.
- New Office Locations: Expanding to new locations can be challenging from an IT perspective. A co-managed partner can manage IT infrastructure and support at remote sites.
In essence, co-managed IT is an excellent option when you need to augment your internal IT team’s capabilities, improve efficiency or focus on strategic initiatives.
WHAT ABOUT TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY?
Let’s flip the situation. If you need strategic IT help so that your team can focus more on day-to-day operations, there’s a solution for that too. But it goes by a different name.
Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) Services
A Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) is an outsourced CIO who provides strategic IT leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive. This service is often offered by co-managed IT providers like NBM.
A vCIO acts as a bridge between the technical aspects of IT and the broader business objectives. They work closely with organizations to develop and implement IT strategies that align with overall business goals. This includes everything from technology assessments and planning to budget management and vendor relationships.
GET GOING WITH CO-MANAGED IT
Feeling a little less stressed? Unburden your IT team with co-managed IT. With a deep understanding of small and medium-sized businesses, NBM offers tailored solutions that seamlessly integrate with your existing IT team. Whether you need help desk support, advanced cybersecurity measures or strategic IT planning, NBM has you covered. Reach out to get a quote today.
