When outsourcing your I.T. service needs, such as support, backups, cloud, or infrastructure management, there are usually two options. These are fully managed I.T. support or co-managed I.T. support.
Both options aim to allow you and your business to focus on core activities and priorities. However, they differ in implementation to suit your specific business needs.
What are Fully Managed I.T. Services?
Fully managed I.T. services means your business contracts a provider to deliver service and support. The provider will monitor and maintain that service in full, typically providing regular reports on performance.
Fully managed I.T. support is typically seen in companies with fewer than 100 employees. These company’s usually do not employ an I.T. team or I.T. manager and are looking for a provider, such as Vinters, to be their business’s I.T. team.
As an example, a fully managed I.T. service would provide end-users with direct access to a providers service desk. This would enable them to log any issues they have with their device or applications with the provider, who would be responsible for managing the issue through to resolution.
The provider would also proactively manage recurring issues and the performance of devices. This is done through an RMM tool installed on the end-user devices. The provider would then report back monthly on the agreed SLA performance and KPIs.
What are Co-Managed I.T. Services?
Co-managed I.T. services means your business contracts a provider as an extension of your own capabilities and services. The provider works with your in house IT in a more collaborative way, offering a partnership with shared responsibility for the company’s I.T. systems.
This co-management can be delivered in a few different ways. Some examples are provided below:
- You have an I.T. team but you want to extend your capabilities, both in hours of coverage and expertise. Your I.T. team may handle issues during business hours with the provider as an escalation point. The provider may also provide coverage 24×7 outside of your primary business hours.
- You have existing infrastructure, such as cloud services, that your IT team has deployed and is managing the long term strategy. However, the provider manages the day-to-day operations and admin tasks, such as installing updates, performance management, cyber-security, etc.
- You have an I.T. manager responsible for creating and delivering the company’s I.T. strategy. The provider is the resource to deliver the strategy instead of additional internal resources.
Co-managed I.T. is typically seen in medium to large sized businesses with an internal I.T. manager or I.T. team. Co-managed I.T. can also be seen in a company with high growth or a period of high activity, where additional resources or expertise are required to fulfil a short-term need.
Which is right for my business?
There isn’t a simple answer as the needs of every business are different. Often the size of your business and the make-up of your team is a good measure. In addition to this, you should also consider the I.T. needs of the business. If you are a highly technical business and have 20 staff but several of those are technical, co-managed support may be a good fit.
Smaller companies going through rapid change or growth may also be a good fit for co-managed I.T. support. The provider can then work closely with the business on the change or growth strategy.
It’s also easy to transition between these two models as your business and its requirements change. So whichever solution you choose initially won’t prevent you from changing later on.
Interested in managed I.T. support? Read more here – Managed IT Support | Vinters IT
