It’s no surprise that businesses today rely heavily on technology to stay competitive. In fact, according to a recent study, a staggering 71% of senior IT executives state that optimizing an IT infrastructure can give organizations a distinct advantage against their competitors. With the right IT strategy, businesses can effectively manage growth, improve operational performance, and maintain proactive cybersecurity.
To maximize their technology investments, many businesses turn to either co-managed or outsourced IT services to provide them with the expertise they need. But which model is best for your business? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of co-managed and outsourced IT solutions to see which option is most beneficial for your business.
What Is Co-Managed IT?
Co-managed IT is a term used to describe an outsourced IT services partnership between your business and a managed services provider (MSP) like Simple Systems. A co-managed IT arrangement allows you to take advantage of the expertise, experience, and resources of an outsourced support team without having to completely replace your own internal staff.
The outsourced support company works closely with your team to provide end-to-end outsourced services, from technical advice and issue resolution to 24/7 system monitoring and proactive maintenance.
What Exactly Is Outsourced IT?
Outsourcing is a way for organizations to delegate certain tasks or functions to an outsourced partner who specializes in those tasks. In the case of outsourced IT services, organizations outsource their IT needs to a managed services provider.
This outsourced partner then becomes responsible for providing the organization’s IT infrastructure, managed cloud services, and software applications. The outsourced team is also responsible for monitoring and managing your network, systems, applications, data storage, and security.
Co-Managed IT vs Outsourced IT with a Managed Service Provider: The Pros and Cons
There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to both co-managed and outsourcing your IT. Make sure to review the pros and cons of each before deciding which option is best for your business.
The Pros of Co-Managed IT
Co-managed IT offers businesses the opportunity to benefit from IT outsourced services without having to commit to a fully outsourced solution. Here are some of the key benefits of co-managed IT:
- Improved Performance and Reliability: Co-managed IT allows your team to work alongside an outsourced partner who is experienced in managing complex IT systems and can quickly take action to resolve any issues that may arise.
- Reduced Costs: By partnering with an MSP for co-managed services, businesses get access to experts and the latest technology, which saves businesses money on hiring additional staff or on investing in expensive hardware or software.
- Increased Scalability: Co-managed IT allows businesses to quickly scale their IT operations up or down as needed, allowing them to easily adjust their IT services according to changing needs.
The Cons of Co-Managed IT
While co-managed IT offers a plethora of advantages, there are some potential cons to bear in mind. Here’s what you should consider:
- Increased Complexity: Co-managed IT adds an extra layer of complexity to your existing IT team; two teams will need to be well coordinated and managed.
- Reduced Oversight: Having two teams managing IT can lead to a lack of oversight and coordination, which in turn could lead to inefficient use of resources and potential conflicts.
- Heightened Risk: The outsourced team will have access to sensitive data. Additional users with access to your data may increase security risks if not properly handled.
The Pros of Outsourcing IT with an MSP
Outsourcing your IT services to an MSP like Simple Systems can be advantageous for businesses looking to take IT off their hands. Working with an experienced outsourced IT team brings many advantages, some of which include:
- Access to Experts: An outsourced IT team is composed of experienced professionals who can provide expert advice, guidance, and support when it comes to managing your IT systems.
- Time Savings: Outsourcing your IT services allows your team to focus on more strategic tasks while leaving the day-to-day management of IT systems to an outsourced provider.
- Proactive Support: An outsourced IT team can proactively monitor and manage your systems, ensuring that issues are identified and addressed quickly before they have a chance to cause disruption.
The Cons of Outsourcing IT with an MSP
While outsourcing IT has numerous benefits, it can also present a few potential issues to be aware of. Here’s a look at these critical considerations:
- Loss of Control: By outsourcing your IT services to an outsourced partner, you are giving up control over certain aspects of your IT infrastructure and systems.
- Potential Costs: While outsourced IT services can save businesses money in the long run, there can be significant upfront fees associated with setting up and managing outsourced IT services.
- Security Risks: Outsourcing IT comes with its own security risks as your outsourced partner will have access to sensitive data, so it’s important to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect your data.
How You Can Determine the Best Option for Your Business
Choosing the right outsourced IT model for your business is essential. Consider these factors when choosing between co-managed IT and outsourced IT services:
1. Assess Your Business Needs
Carefully consider your current and future business needs to determine which outsourced model best suits your organization.
2. Evaluate Costs and Benefits
Analyze the potential costs and benefits of each outsourced model to determine which one is most cost-effective for your business.
3. Consider Security
When outsourcing IT services, consider how you can ensure data security. Choose a provider that has robust security measures in place such as data encryption, user authentication, and firewall protection to protect your data.
Set Up Your IT for Success with Simple Systems
No matter which outsourced IT model you choose, working with an experienced managed service provider like Simple Systems can bring numerous advantages and help your business reduce costs and streamline operations. When you partner with us, you get access to experienced IT professionals who care about your IT infrastructure and security.
Our services also include the latest technology for increased efficiency such as cloud services, Microsoft Server Solutions, and more. Schedule a free consultation today to be one step closer to your IT goals.
