Co-Managed vs. Fully Managed IT Services: Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to managing your business’s IT infrastructure, you’re likely familiar with the ever-growing list of options available to meet your needs. Among the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for co-managed IT services or fully managed IT services. Both of these service models provide different levels of support, but they’re designed to meet businesses’ unique needs, depending on factors like the size of the company, the complexity of the IT environment, and the available in-house expertise.

In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between co managed IT services and fully managed IT support, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and help you determine which one makes the most sense for your business.

What Are Fully Managed IT Services?

Fully managed IT services take the heavy lifting off your plate by completely outsourcing your company’s IT operations to a Managed Service Provider (MSP). In this model, the MSP takes full responsibility for everything from managing your network, security, and backups to ensuring that your systems are up-to-date and running smoothly.

Essentially, with fully managed IT, you hand over the entire responsibility of your IT infrastructure to a trusted partner, like Verity IT, allowing your internal team to focus on core business functions.

Key Features of Fully Managed IT Services

• 24/7 Monitoring & Support: Your systems are continuously monitored for any signs of trouble. Issues are often resolved before you even notice them.
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection: MSPs implement advanced security protocols, ensuring that your business is protected from cyber threats, data breaches, and compliance failures.
• Strategic IT Planning: MSPs don’t just focus on day-to-day operations. They also help you plan for future growth by making recommendations on hardware, software, and system upgrades.
• Flat Monthly Fees: A fully managed service typically operates on a subscription model, meaning you pay a predictable monthly fee. This can help with budgeting and eliminate surprise expenses related to your IT infrastructure.

According to CompTIA, 46% of small businesses say they’ve used an MSP within the last year, and the number is growing. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often opt for fully managed IT services because it allows them to access high-level IT expertise without needing to invest in an internal IT department.

What Are Co-Managed IT Services?

On the other hand, co-managed IT services are designed for businesses that already have an internal IT team but need additional support. With co-managed IT, you get a hybrid solution that allows your internal IT staff to focus on day-to-day operations while the MSP handles more complex tasks or offers support in specific areas such as cybersecurity, data management, or cloud services.

Rather than outsourcing your entire IT operations, co-managed IT is more about sharing responsibilities. It’s a partnership where the MSP works alongside your in-house IT team to provide specialized services, augment capacity, or fill in expertise gaps.

Key Features of Co-Managed IT Services

• Collaborative Support: The MSP works hand-in-hand with your IT team to tackle specialized tasks or projects. For example, your in-house team may handle routine issues, while the MSP manages advanced cybersecurity.
• Flexibility: You can choose which tasks to keep in-house and which to delegate to your MSP, whether it’s managing backups, upgrading systems, or providing extra support during busy periods.
• Scalability: As your business grows, co-managed services offer the flexibility to scale your IT capabilities without hiring additional full-time staff.
• Cost-Efficient: You only pay for the services you need, making it a cost-effective solution for companies that already have internal IT staff but need extra resources in certain areas.

A study by LogicMonitor found that 66% of businesses use co-managed services to supplement their internal IT team, allowing them to take advantage of MSP expertise without replacing their in-house staff. For many businesses, this model provides the best of both worlds.

Pros and Cons of Fully Managed and Co-Managed IT Services

Let’s break down the key advantages and potential drawbacks of both models so you can better evaluate which might be the right fit for your business.

Pros of Fully Managed IT Services

1. No Internal IT Required: For businesses without a dedicated IT department, fully managed services provide comprehensive support without the need to hire in-house staff.
2. Around-the-Clock Support: With 24/7 monitoring and support, issues are resolved quickly, minimizing downtime and productivity loss.
3. Holistic Approach: Fully managed services cover all your IT needs, from cybersecurity to system maintenance, ensuring everything is seamlessly integrated.
4. Predictable Costs: Paying a fixed monthly fee allows you to budget for IT expenses without unexpected costs popping up.

Cons of Fully Managed IT Services

1. Less Internal Control: Since your IT operations are fully outsourced, you might feel like you have less direct control over your systems and infrastructure.
2. Higher Costs for Small Needs: Fully managed services tend to be more expensive than co-managed options, particularly for businesses with smaller or less complex IT environments.

Pros of Co-Managed IT Services

1. Boosts Internal Teams: Co-managed services are perfect for companies that want to maintain an internal IT team but need help with specialized areas like cybersecurity or compliance.
2. Flexible and Scalable: This model allows you to customize your IT services based on your needs, making it easy to scale up or down as your business grows.
3. Cost-Effective: You only pay for the specific services your internal team can’t handle, making this a cost-effective option for many businesses.

Cons of Co-Managed IT Services

1. Requires Internal IT Staff: You need a capable in-house IT team to make co-managed services work effectively.
2. Potential for Overlap: Without clear roles and responsibilities, there can be some overlap between your internal team and the MSP, which may lead to inefficiencies.

Key Questions to Help You Decide

Still not sure which service model is right for you? Here are a few questions to help guide your decision-making process:

1. What Are Your Internal IT Resources Like?
   If your business lacks IT expertise, a fully managed service might be the best option. But if you have a skilled team that just needs extra help in certain areas, co-managed IT could be the way to go.
2. How Important Is Control?
   Businesses that want to retain full control over their IT systems might prefer a co-managed approach, where they can maintain direct oversight while still getting external support. Fully managed IT services offer less control but more comprehensive care.
3. What’s Your Budget?
   Fully managed services tend to be more expensive but provide complete IT care, making them ideal for businesses without in-house teams. Co-managed services are often more cost-effective since you’re only outsourcing specific tasks.
4. What Are Your Long-Term Goals?
   If you plan on growing quickly, fully managed services may help you scale without the need to hire more IT staff. However, if you want to keep growing your internal IT capabilities while supplementing them with external expertise, co-managed services offer the flexibility to do so.

Whether you opt for co-managed IT or fully managed IT services, the key is finding a business IT solution that aligns with your unique needs. Fully managed services offer comprehensive, hands-off managed IT support, perfect for businesses without an internal IT team. Meanwhile, co-managed IT services provide the flexibility to enhance your existing team with specialized expertise and resources. No matter the path you choose, working with a trusted MSP, like Verity IT, ensures that your technology is in good hands, allowing you to focus on what you do best—growing your business.

Still unsure which model is right for you? Contact us at Verity IT, and we’ll help you find the perfect managed IT solution for your business!