Let’s be real: whether you’re a small startup or a bigger business, money is always a top concern. Saving it, making it—almost every decision revolves around the budget. Sure, cutting back on IT might seem like an easy way to free up some cash, but that can backfire quickly. More IT problems, sluggish systems, and a whole lot of frustration. It’s the classic “you get what you pay for” situation. Invest in mediocre service, and you’re going to get mediocre results.
The real trick is finding the right balance between internal and external support. Going full in-house with IT can get expensive fast, but outsourcing everything isn’t always the best solution either. If you already have a dedicated IT person or team, co-managed IT might be your perfect middle ground. It fills in your tech gaps without blowing your budget or leaving your systems vulnerable.
Here’s why co-managed IT is the way to go:
1. Lighten the Load (Without Losing Your Team)
First off, don’t worry—you’re not replacing your internal IT team if you go co-managed. In fact, bringing in an MSP (Managed Service Provider) actually boosts the value of your IT team. As your business grows and becomes more complex, your IT folks can get bogged down with day-to-day issues like fixing glitches, updating software, and keeping security threats at bay. That leaves them with less time for the big-picture stuff that helps your business grow. With co-managed IT, your internal team can focus on the fun, strategic work while the MSP handles the routine stuff.
2. Fill in the Gaps (Before Things Get Messy)
When your business starts growing faster than your IT team can keep up, you’ll likely run into tech problems—whether it’s onboarding new hires or rolling out a new service. Everyday tasks might fall to the wayside, but somebody’s got to handle the day-to-day upkeep to keep your critical systems running smoothly. Maybe your team just doesn’t have the bandwidth or expertise to manage it all. That’s where an MSP comes in—they can either take over managing your IT environment or act as a trusted advisor to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
3. Keep Things Running (Even When Your Team Isn’t Around)
Let’s face it: your IT person or team will need time off for vacations, sick days, or those all-hands-on-deck projects. But that doesn’t mean your business can afford downtime. With the right MSP partner, your systems are monitored 24/7, 365 days a year. So, whether your team is short-staffed or dealing with an emergency, you’ve got backup whenever you need it.
The Bottom Line
If you want more control, already have an in-house IT team, or just don’t need all the bells and whistles of a full-blown MSP agreement, co-managed IT gives you the right amount of support without draining your budget. It’s the perfect balance between keeping your business running smoothly and making sure your IT team doesn’t burn out.
Interested in learning more about co-managed IT? Contact us today to find out how Sawyer Solutions can help!