Are you considering fully managed or co-managed IT services for your business?
Choosing between these two models can be tricky. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your specific business needs. But here’s the good news: by understanding the differences, you can make an informed decision that optimizes your IT support.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of fully managed and co-managed IT services to help you pick the best solution.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
TL;DR
- Fully managed IT services offer benefits like comprehensive 24/7 support, predictable monthly costs, access to specialized expertise, and the ability to let your team focus on core activities. However, this model comes with trade-offs, such as reduced control over IT decisions and higher dependency on your managed service provider (MSP).
- Co-managed IT services let you blend in-house IT with external expertise, offering flexibility, cost-efficiency, and customizable options to complement your existing team. However, they also require a skilled internal IT team and seamless communication with the MSP, which can sometimes pose challenges.
What are Fully Managed and Co-Managed IT Services?
Before jumping into the pros and cons, let’s briefly define the two models:
- Fully Managed IT Services: You outsource your entire IT infrastructure and support to an external Managed Service Provider (MSP). The MSP handles everything—from security and software updates to disaster recovery.
- Co-Managed IT Services: Your internal IT team works in collaboration with an external MSP. This hybrid model allows the MSP to fill in the gaps, providing specialized support while your in-house team maintains control over core IT functions.
Need personalized advice? Request a free consultation today to discuss which model suits your business best.
Pros of Fully Managed IT Services
1. 24/7 Availability
Fully managed IT services provide round-the-clock monitoring and support. Your MSP manages your network proactively to ensure maximum uptime and address issues before they cause any disruptions.
2. Predictable Monthly Costs
| 83% of businesses report that fully managed IT services lower their overall IT costs. |
One of the biggest benefits of fully managed IT services is the fixed monthly fee. This helps businesses avoid surprise costs associated with on-demand IT support.
3. Access to IT Expertise
MSPs offer highly specialized knowledge across different areas—cybersecurity, cloud solutions, data management, and more—without the need to hire multiple in-house specialists.
4. Focus on Core Business
With IT fully managed by experts, your team can focus on what they do best—growing the business instead of troubleshooting technical problems.
| Advantages of Fully Managed IT | Business Impact |
| 24/7 support | Minimized downtime and issues |
| Predictable costs | Simplified budgeting |
| Specialized IT expertise | Access to best-in-class solutions |
Want to learn how fully managed services can reduce your downtime? Call us at 800-251-1336 to chat with our experts.
Cons of Fully Managed IT Services
1. Less Control Over IT Decisions
When outsourcing IT completely, you give up control over your business’ day-to-day IT management. While MSPs align their services with your business goals, you may feel less involved in tactical decisions.
2. Higher Dependency on the MSP
Since the MSP manages your entire IT environment, any delay or service interruption from the provider can affect your operations. That’s why it’s critical to choose a reliable MSP with a proven track record.
ASi Networks has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry. We can manage all your IT needs while you focus on your core business activities.
Pros of Co-Managed IT Services
1. Collaboration Between In-House and External Experts
Co-managed IT services offer the best of both worlds: your internal team handles day-to-day operations, while the MSP handles the more complex tasks.
| Over 63% of businesses use co-managed services to enhance their IT security without overburdening their internal staff. |
2. Scalability
Co-managed IT services give businesses flexibility depending on your needs. If your internal IT team is overwhelmed, you can scale up MSP support. If things slow down, you scale back.
3. Cost Efficiency
Rather than hiring full-time specialists, you use the MSP’s expertise as needed, which can reduce your overall IT costs by up to 30%.
4. Customization
Every business has unique IT needs. Co-managed services allow you to customize the services you receive to address your specific needs without overpaying for unnecessary services.
| Advantages of Co-Managed IT | Business Impact |
| Collaboration with MSP | Strengthened IT capabilities |
| Scalability | Flexible resource allocation |
| Cost-efficient | Reduced hiring costs |
Not sure if co-managed services are right for your business? Contact us at info@asi-networks.com or (800) 251-1336 for personalized advice.
Cons of Co-Managed IT Services
1. Requires a Skilled Internal IT Team
Co-managed services assume you already have a capable in-house IT team, and they only need to provide additional backup. This means that if your team lacks experience, this model might not be a good fit.
2. Communication Can Be Complex
With two teams working on IT, communication between the internal team and the MSP needs to be flawless. Poor collaboration could lead to mismanagement or security gaps, something you don’t want happening.
Fully Managed vs. Co-Managed IT Services: Which Should You Choose?
Still confused?
It all boils down to the size of your business, your IT needs, and how much control you want over your IT operations.
- Choose fully managed IT services if you don’t have an internal IT team or want to completely offload your IT responsibilities. It’s perfect for small and medium-sized businesses that need comprehensive IT support.
- Choose co-managed IT services if you already have an internal IT department and want to enhance their capabilities with specialized skills. This model works well for growing companies with more complex IT needs.
Still unsure which option is best for you? Book a free consultation with one of our IT specialists, and let’s explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the costs associated with fully managed vs. co-managed IT services?
Fully managed services usually have a fixed monthly fee, making budgeting easier. Co-managed services can vary depending on the level of support required but are often more cost-effective than hiring full-time in-house IT specialists.
Are fully managed IT services secure?
Yes, fully managed IT services typically include proactive cybersecurity measures such as continuous monitoring, threat detection, and response. Many MSPs specialize in data protection and compliance, which can strengthen your business’s security posture.
Can co-managed services help during peak business seasons?
Absolutely! One of the benefits of co-managed services is scalability. You can increase the level of MSP support during high-demand periods and scale back when things slow down.
What’s the average response time with your fully managed IT services?
Response times vary by provider, but reputable MSPs often offer 24/7 monitoring and quick response times, with many issues resolved within minutes to hours. Always confirm response time expectations in your service level agreement (SLA).
Have more questions? Call us at +1 (800) 251-1336 to schedule a free consultation and get tailored advice on fully managed and co-managed IT solutions.
Conclusion: Let us Tailor Your IT Strategy for Success
Whether you choose fully managed or co-managed IT services, aligning your IT strategy with your business goals is key. Both models have their advantages and challenges, but with the right guidance, you can choose a service that helps your business scale, secure its data, and stay competitive.
Want to know which IT service model fits your business? Get in touch today and schedule a consultation with our experts.
Let’s build the IT infrastructure your business needs to thrive.
