As your business grows, so do the demands on your IT team. You may already have an in-house technician or a small IT department — but you’re starting to notice gaps. Maybe response times are slipping, projects are stalling, or cybersecurity feels like it’s falling behind.
This is where Co-Managed IT comes in. It’s a flexible, scalable approach that helps internal IT teams do more — without replacing them.
In this article, we’ll break down what Co-Managed IT is, how it works, and whether it could be the right fit for your business as you scale.
What Is Co-Managed IT?
Co-Managed IT is a hybrid model where your internal IT team works in partnership with a Managed Service Provider (MSP). Rather than outsourcing all your IT, you keep your internal expertise and supplement it with external resources, tools, and support.
Think of it as collaboration, not replacement. You decide what your internal team handles — and where your MSP steps in to fill the gaps.
How Does Co-Managed IT Work?
Co-Managed IT services are tailored to each business. Some typical scenarios include:
- Your internal IT team handles day-to-day support, while the MSP provides after-hours support and holiday coverage.
- Your team manages endpoints and users, and the MSP manages backups, patching, and cybersecurity monitoring.
- The MSP provides project assistance, like migrating to Microsoft 365, implementing MFA, or deploying a new network.
- You gain access to enterprise-grade tools like remote monitoring, documentation platforms, and ticketing systems you wouldn’t normally have.
Signs Your Team Might Benefit from Co-Managed IT
Here are some signs that your internal team may need support — and co-managed IT could be the answer:
✅ Overwhelmed In-House IT
Your IT staff is constantly firefighting, leaving no time for strategy, documentation, or long-term improvements.
✅ Security Concerns Are Growing
Your team knows security matters, but doesn’t have the bandwidth or tools to keep up with patching, monitoring, and compliance.
✅ Projects Are Falling Behind
Whether it’s rolling out new software, improving Wi-Fi, or migrating to the cloud — internal teams often struggle to keep projects moving while supporting users.
✅ Limited Coverage
If your team is unavailable after hours, on leave, or off sick — you’re vulnerable to downtime and delays.
✅ Strategic IT Planning Is Missing
Many IT teams are stuck in support mode. An MSP partner can provide virtual CIO services and help align IT with business goals.
What Does a Co-Managed IT Relationship Look Like?
Every co-managed partnership is different, but it typically includes:
- Shared ticketing system: You see what the MSP sees, and can assign or escalate tickets as needed.
- Flexible support tiers: Helpdesk, projects, escalation support, and 24/7 monitoring.
- Collaborative planning: Regular meetings to align on goals, risk mitigation, and technology strategy.
- Use of advanced MSP tools: Such as RMM, documentation platforms, security monitoring, and reporting dashboards.
Benefits of Co-Managed IT
🧠 Leverage Specialist Expertise
Gain access to skills in areas like cybersecurity, cloud architecture, or networking — without hiring full-time.
📈 Scale Faster
Easily scale your IT operations without increasing headcount or stretching your existing team too thin.
⏱ Free Up Your Team
Let your internal IT focus on business-specific systems and strategic tasks, while your MSP handles the repetitive and routine.
💸 Reduce Cost Pressure
Instead of recruiting multiple IT roles, fill your gaps with a tailored and cost-effective co-managed model.
🔐 Improve Security and Compliance
An MSP brings tools and processes to help your business meet security obligations and respond to threats proactively.
Is Co-Managed IT Right for You?
Co-managed IT is ideal for:
- Businesses with 50–500 users
- Organisations with 1–3 internal IT staff
- Companies in regulated industries needing better security and documentation
- IT teams needing support on strategic projects, upgrades, or compliance frameworks
- Businesses experiencing rapid growth but not ready for a full internal IT department expansion
Final Thoughts
Co-managed IT isn’t a sign that your IT team is failing — it’s a sign that you’re growing.
By combining the strengths of your in-house staff with the scale, tools, and knowledge of an MSP, you can deliver better IT outcomes, faster — without burning out your team or leaving critical systems unsupported.
