While we have discussed the primary benefits of managed and co-managed IT services in previous posts, there are still several common misconceptions about the co-managed business model that deserve additional attention. Principal among them is the notion that business owners must necessarily choose between their existing internal IT departments and the managed service provider, irrespective of which managed service model they choose.
Most organizations that already possess a functional IT department have put a substantial amount of energy and resources into assembling it. And, for the most part, they’re quite happy with their team’s current performance, excepting a few skill gaps here and there. Along these same lines, companies with their own well-developed internal technology departments may have just recently surpassed a specific growth threshold that now makes scaling a challenge.
Whatever the case, you always want the IT department you have in place to contribute directly to the productivity and profitability of your enterprise. To achieve this, you must be able to meet your strategic business objectives with the resource you have in place.
If not, you risk falling into the red and perhaps even spiraling at some future point to where your business becomes under threat. Should your core in-house IT staff find itself struggling because it’s taking on work in areas where it hadn’t before, you don’t have to replace it entirely with a fully managed serviced provider (MSP). A co-managed solution will suffice.
In this article, we’ll examine a few myths surrounding the co-managed IT service provider model and try to dispel these common misconceptions so that business owners can make an informed decision about how they should meet their current IT requirements.
What are co-managed IT services?
Before delving into the frequent misunderstandings surrounding co-managed IT, it’s important to define what it is first. IT service models in general have evolved considerably in recent years and can mean a variety of different things depending on who you consult on the subject. Much of the recent change, however, is attributable to advancements in cloud-based technologies, which allow MSPs to remotely administer essential IT services from virtually anywhere.
Concerning the co-managed service model, businesses often deploy them to facilitate some aspects of their IT. This is usually in areas were they’re either inadequately staffed or too unskilled to handle the tasks internally with their current resources. When a company finds its in-house IT department work-stressed due to a recent spike in growth or lack of specialized skills and infrastructure, it always sacrifices at least a few key revenue generating opportunities.
To offer an example, an in-house technology department may be satisfied managing software updates, workstation setups, and cabling while monitoring company networks for abnormalities up to a certain point. But, as their workload accelerates, and the threat environment for smaller businesses becomes increasingly hostile and sophisticated, the organization could find that it benefits substantially from outsourcing its cybersecurity services. This strategy is a proven approach for ensuring your digital environment and sensitive information always remain secure.
In short, while some companies may find it financially advantageous to outsource all their IT to a managed service provider, other businesses may be proscribed from doing so due to regulatory requirements. Or, they may simply want to keep their existing IT department intact. In the latter case, organizational leaders would then decide which services they would need to outsource to allow their current staff to stay focused on its core tasks. Hence, when you combine your existing department with one service or more offered by an MSP, you arrive at what’s known as co-managed IT.
Common misconceptions associated with co-managed IT
While co-managed as a concept and principle is relatively straightforward, we’ve found that business owners continue to harbor several misgivings about the co-managed platform. Most of these misconceptions are easily dispelled, however. Let’s take a look at a few of these myths below and address them with concrete answers.
Only large companies benefit from co-managed IT solutions
Small to medium-sized businesses errantly believe that only large companies can effectively leverage co-managed IT solutions. The truth is that most enterprise-level organizations have the resources to administer all their IT in-house.
In fact, just now, smaller companies are driving most of the present growth in co-managed business models. Many smaller companies are benefiting from the ability to pick and choose from an array of services that can provide immediate relief.
Managed service providers aren’t invested in organizational success
One of the primary objections to the co-managed IT service model is that business leaders don’t feel confident outsourced suppliers are committed to fulfilling the company mission.
In some rare cases, this might be true. But, on the whole, if the managed service provider doesn’t enhance the capabilities of the companies they represent, they won’t be in business for long. Poor performance and reviews make attracting future clients virtually impossible. The success of any managed service provider is exclusively tied to delivering consistent results.
All MSPs are the same
While many managed and co-managed service providers offer similar services, most excel in specialized areas like cybersecurity or cloud services.
If you operate a business in which regulatory compliance is critical, IT service suppliers such as PCH Technologies are particularly adept at managing the server security requirements as outlined by HIPPA. Every co-managed solution comes with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Any reputable outsourcer will let you know about them upfront.
Direct hires become preoccupied with job security
Anytime you bring in outsourced help, there is the potential that at least some of your in-house employees are bound to feel skeptical and start worrying about their future with the company. The reality is that, in most situations, you’ll be bringing in co-managed support to handle remedial tasks that are taking your internal staff away from its primary activities and bogging it down. In this sense, the additional support will, in all likelihood, come as a relief.
Looking for a customized co-managed solution to meet your specific IT needs?
If you’re happy with your current IT department but need additional support to better streamline your IT services while cutting costs and increasing productivity, consider partnering with PCH Technologies.
Experts in everything IT, we can help you get the most out of your current IT department while assisting in long-term strategic planning. To learn more about our services, contact PCH Technologies at (856) 754-7500 or schedule your complimentary discovery call online now.