Don’t Want to Fully Outsource? Consider Co-Managed IT

SMBs need to be able to navigate the complexities of IT, whether it’s with a completely outsourced IT department or an in-house team of technicians. However, if you are thinking of technology management in this black-and-white way, you are eliminating the potential for enormous benefit through the use of co-managed IT.

This collaborative model of IT management, in which you have your internal team handle certain responsibilities while leaving the rest to your provider, can transform the way your company operates for the better. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of co-managed IT.

Access to Specialized Expertise

Perhaps the greatest reason to work with a managed IT provider for a co-managed IT model is that your in-house team cannot be expected to know anything and everything about technology. Chances are they have a certain skill set that is limited in scope and scale by the time they have at their disposal. You can get the more specialized skill sets that your business might need more of by working with another provider. In essence, you are supplementing your in-house team with even more expertise without conducting a job search, onboarding new staff, or adding additional salaries to your budget.

Scalability and Flexibility

The great thing about a co-managed IT model is that the provider you partner with can be as involved (or uninvolved) as you want or need them to be. If you already have a team of highly capable technicians on staff (unlikely for SMBs), then you can have your provider work on implementing new projects or handling routine tasks—whichever is more likely to eat into your in-house team’s time and resources. Additionally, you can contract with your provider to work on specific projects over a short or long term, depending on your needs.

Greater Security and Compliance

Cyberthreats are scarier than ever, and you need to be ready to take the fight to them. In times when you are unsure if you have the expertise or skills necessary to protect your infrastructure, a third party like a managed service provider can offer powerful solutions that comply with industry regulations and best practices. This can help you keep risk to a minimum, freeing up your in-house team to focus more on their day to day rather than security management.

Elevate Your IT Strategy with a Co-Managed Model

If your business is ready to break through its IT barriers, a co-managed IT model can help. We recommend you work with Network Solutions Unlimited to get the collaborative model you want and need for your business. To learn more, call us today at (217) 428-6449.