Every day, businesses around the world make the decision to outsource their information technology (IT) needs. And, more often than not, they choose managed services. But, what many don’t realize is that there’s another option called co-managed IT. So, which one is best for your business? Before we answer that, let’s take a closer look at each option.
What is Co-Managed IT?
With co-managed IT, businesses work with both an in-house IT team and an external managed services provider (MSP). This option is often chosen by businesses who have the internal resources to handle some of their IT needs, but not all of them. By working with an MSP, they can fill in the gaps and have a complete IT solution.
What is Managed Services?
Managed services, on the other hand, are when businesses outsource all of their IT needs to an MSP. This is often chosen by businesses who don’t have the internal resources to handle their IT needs or who want to free up those resources to focus on other areas of the business.
So, Which One is Best for Your Business?
The answer depends on some factors.
Size of Business
The size of your business is one factor to consider when choosing between co-managed IT and managed services. For small businesses, managed services are often the best option. They don’t have the internal resources to justify a co-managed IT solution. And, they can get all the information technology support they need from an MSP.
For large businesses, however, co-managed IT is often a better option. They have the internal resources to make it work and can benefit from having both an in-house IT team and an managed services provider.
IT Needs
Another factor to consider is your IT needs. If you have simple IT needs, then managed services may be the best option. But, if you have complex IT needs, then co-managed IT may be a better fit. With co-managed IT, you can get the custom solution you need to address your specific IT challenges.
Budget
Budget is always a factor when making any business decision. And, it’s no different when choosing between co-managed IT and managed services. Managed services are often the more affordable option for small businesses. But, for larger businesses, co-managed IT can be a more cost-effective solution.
Risk Tolerance
Another factor to consider is your risk tolerance. With managed services, you’re putting all your eggs in one basket. If something goes wrong with your MSP, then you’re out of luck. But, with co-managed information technology, you have the security of knowing that you have an in-house team to fall back on if necessary.
Change Management
Finally, you need to consider your change management needs. With managed services, you’re handing over all of your IT needs to an managed services provider. That means they’ll be in charge of making any changes to your system. If you’re not comfortable with that, then co-managed IT may be a better option. With co-managed IT, you can have a say in any changes that are made to your system.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between co-managed IT and managed services. It all depends on your specific needs and situation. If you’re not sure which option is best for your business, contact an MSP today and they’ll be happy to help you make the decision.