The terms fully and co-managed make your IT systems sound like a complicated custody arrangement! Thankfully, this concept isn't as complex as it sounds.  

Managed IT Service Providers (MSPs) offer different service packages, allowing businesses to choose the right option for their specific needs. Just as a "one size fits all" sweatshirt rarely fits all sizes well, a cookie-cutter IT solution might not be the best fit since every business has its unique characteristics.  

What are Fully Managed IT Services? 

Fully managed IT services mean an outside company completely manages the business's technology. The outsourced managed IT services firm becomes the business's in-house IT department. Think of Han Solo and Chewie managing, monitoring, and maintaining your IT systems for you from the comfort of the Millennium Falcon.  

Smaller organizations usually don't have much time to spare when it comes to technology. They're too busy responding to issues as they arise and putting out IT fires consumes much of their time.  

On the other hand, a dedicated managed IT services organization spends more time on planning and prevention than firefighting. They can do this because they have a deeper understanding of technology, such as how much should be used, where it'll be most effective, when it needs replacing, and more.    

What are the Benefits of Fully Managed IT Services? 

• Increased productivity 

When you outsource your IT needs to a managed services provider, you can focus on your core business and leave the IT tasks to the experts. This leads to increased productivity, as you are not wasting time and energy trying to manage and maintain your IT infrastructure. 

• Improved security 

A managed services provider will keep your systems current with the latest security patches and software updates, helping to protect your data from cyber threats. 

• Reduced downtime 

With a managed services provider handling your IT needs, you can rest assured that any issues or problems arising will be dealt with promptly, reducing the downtime your business experiences. 

• Increased efficiency 

You can streamline your processes and improve overall efficiency by outsourcing your IT needs. This is because a managed services provider will take care of everything for you, from managing your infrastructure to providing support when needed. 

• Budget flexibility 

When you outsource your IT needs to a managed services provider, you gain flexible budgeting options as you can scale your service up or down depending on your needs. This helps save money in the long run since you only pay for the services you use.  

What are Co-Managed IT Services? 

Supplementing your in-house IT team with an outside managed services firm is called co-managed IT. Your business may have one or more individuals internally responsible for some aspects of the IT department, but they might need help handling everything. Consider this the Scooby Doo approach where teamwork is the ticket to getting the job done right.  

Some businesses choose not to outsource their IT needs because they either think they can handle it in-house or need more money for it. However, a co-managed IT support arrangement with a managed IT services provider can benefit all parties involved.  

In this scenario, the role of the managed IT service company is to provide support and guidance to the internal staff so that everyone is operating at peak efficiency. 

Co-managed IT support is an externally managed IT services firm that fills in the gaps for roles not internally provided, completing all work while supporting the internal staff. In some cases, the firm may manage network and security while the internal team focuses on computer systems and user support. This provides full metrics to management so they can be kept up to date with progress. 

What are the Benefits of Co-Managed IT Services? 

• Enhanced technology tools 

Co-managed IT services offers your team access to enterprise-level IT management tools.  

• Increased flexibility 

With co-managed IT services, you can choose which tasks you outsource and which you keep in-house. This allows you to tailor the services to your specific needs and budget. 

• Experienced IT specialists  

Choosing co-managed IT services provides you with access to an array of IT specialists to shore up any gaps in your current IT team.  

• Improved efficiency 

Co-managed IT services can help improve your IT department's overall efficiency as you can leverage the expertise of the managed services provider. 

• Assistance for overburdened internal IT employees 

A co-managed IT services team takes mundane IT tasks off your plate, allowing you to focus on what matters to you and growing your business.  

• Reduced downtime 

Co-managed IT services can help reduce the downtime your business experiences as any issues or problems will be dealt with promptly. 

• Increased security 

With co-managed IT services, you can benefit from increased security as the managed services provider will have the latest security patches and software updates. 

• Budget flexibility 

With co-managed IT services, you can scale your service up or down depending on your needs, which helps to save money in the long run. 

How to Decide Between Fully and Co-Managed 

Before you decide on a model, ask yourself about your staff and their needs. Your IT requirements should also be considered, as well as how much control and responsibility you want to have. 

Do you currently not have in-house IT staff? 

The fully managed model might be the best fit for you, if hiring qualified IT professionals is not an option. With this method, you will never have to worry about sick leave and vacation, as there will always be someone available from the MSP. 

The MSP will be responsible for your company's IT infrastructure and provide monthly reports documenting their progress. In addition, they will also have quarterly or periodic meetings to discuss additional details with you. This provides you with the benefits of having an in-house IT department without any hassle or burden of maintaining it. 

Do you already have in-house IT personnel? 

The co-managed model could be ideal for you if you already have IT staff. 

Do you or your staff know everything needed to keep your company's network and technology infrastructure secure? 

If not, it's time to outsource an IT MSP in a co-managed arrangement. Doing so will help identify gaps and improve the skillset of your current staff.  

By arming your team with better tools, they can do their jobs more effectively.  

What's your business' IT services style?  

Whether you like the technology independence of a Chewie/Solo team or the grassroots teamwork of Scooby Doo and Scrappy too, Paragus is the team that can get the job done for you.  Not only does Paragus consist of dedicated and specialized teams with a strong strategic focus, but we are fun to work with.  And who doesn’t want to have fun while doing the hard work?