Co-Managed IT Services: The Pros and Cons

Co-managed information technology (IT) can sometimes be a great way to get the IT support you need without breaking the bank. But it’s not right for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of co-managed IT services so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your business.

What are Co-Managed IT Services?

Co-managed IT services are, simply put, when two or more IT service providers work together to support a single client. The client pays both providers separately for their services. This arrangement can take many different forms, but typically one provider takes on primary responsibility for day-to-day support while the other provides supplemental expertise as needed.

For example, let’s say you have an in-house IT team that handles most of your support needs but occasionally needs assistance with complex projects outside their area of expertise. In this case, you might retain a co-managed IT service provider to fill in the gaps and provide additional support as needed.

Co-managed IT services can be a great way to get the best of both worlds – the cost savings of having an in-house team supplemented by the expertise of a managed service provider (MSP). But it’s important to understand the potential downsides before entering into a co-managed IT arrangement.

The Pros of Co-Managed IT Services

There are several potential benefits to using co-managed information technology services, including:

1. Cost Savings: One of the biggest advantages of co-managed IT is that it can be more cost-effective than relying on a single MSP for all of your support needs. This is because you’re only paying for the supplemental services you need, rather than paying for an all-inclusive IT support package.

2. Flexibility: Co-managed IT arrangements can also be more flexible than traditional managed services, giving you the ability to scale up or down your support as needed. This can be a huge advantage if your business is growing or experiencing fluctuations in demand.

3. Improved Service Levels: When done correctly, co-managed IT services can improve your overall service levels. This is because you have two teams working together to support your business, which can lead to quicker resolutions and more proactive problem prevention.

The Cons of Co-Managed IT Services

There are also some potential drawbacks to using co-managed information technology services, including:

1. Complexity: One of the biggest challenges with co-managed IT is managing the relationship between the two service providers. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, particularly if the providers are not well-aligned.

2. Limited Support: Another potential downside of co-managed IT is that you may have limited support options if one of the service providers goes out of business or otherwise becomes unavailable. This is something to consider if you’re relying heavily on a single provider for support.

3. Higher Costs: While co-managed IT can save you money in some cases, it’s important to understand that it can also potentially increase your costs. This is because you’re paying for two separate service providers, which can add up over time.

Bottom Line

Co-managed IT services can be a great way to get the support you need without breaking the bank. But it’s important to understand the potential pros and cons before entering into a co-managed IT arrangement.

If you’re considering co-managed IT services for your business, contact an experienced MSP to learn more about what’s involved and whether it’s the right fit for your needs.