The Ultimate Guide to Co-Managed IT: The Best of Both Worlds

What Is Co-Managed IT?

Co-Managed IT is a hybrid approach to IT management where mid-sized businesses maintain an in-house IT team while leveraging the expertise, resources, and support of a Managed Service Provider (MSP). This model allows organizations to fill gaps in their IT capabilities, improve efficiency, and scale their technology operations without overburdening internal staff.

Why Would a Business Need Co-Managed IT?

If any of the following sound familiar, co-managed IT might be particularly advantageous for your business:

Your IT team is overwhelmed. – Maybe they’re swamped with daily support tickets and don’t have time to focus on bigger projects.

You need specialized skills. – Cybersecurity, cloud migration, compliance… some things require expert-level knowledge that your team may not have.

You’re struggling with 24/7 coverage. – Hackers don’t clock out at 5 PM, and neither do IT emergencies. An MSP can provide after-hours monitoring and support.

You want to scale your business. – More employees = more devices, security concerns, and IT challenges. Co-managed IT helps you grow without IT bottlenecks.

You need help with strategic planning. – A good MSP isn’t just about fixing problems—they help plan for the future, ensuring your IT strategy aligns with your business goals.

How Co-Managed IT Works

Co-managed IT is designed to be flexible, allowing businesses to customize the level of support they receive. Common areas where an MSP can provide assistance include:

1. Help Desk & User Support

An MSP can handle everyday IT requests—such as password resets, software troubleshooting, and network issues—allowing your internal team to focus on high-priority projects.

2. Cybersecurity & Compliance

Security threats evolve constantly, and compliance requirements can be complex. An MSP can help by:

• Implementing advanced security tools
• Monitoring networks 24/7 for threats
• Ensuring regulatory compliance (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)
• Providing immediate incident response

3. Cloud & IT Infrastructure Management

For organizations migrating to the cloud or expanding their IT environment, an MSP can assist with:

• Cloud migration and management (Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS)
• Server and network infrastructure optimization
• Data backup and disaster recovery planning

4. IT Strategy & Consulting

An MSP does more than troubleshoot IT problems—they serve as strategic advisors, helping businesses develop forward-thinking IT plans that support growth and innovation.

Co-Managed IT vs. Fully Managed IT

Understanding the difference between co-managed and fully managed IT can help determine the best fit for your organization:

For organizations that already have an IT team but need additional support, co-managed IT provides a balanced approach—enhancing capabilities while maintaining control.

Is Co-Managed IT the Right Choice for Your Business?

If your internal IT team is struggling to keep up, your business is expanding, or you require specialized IT expertise, co-managed IT can be a transformative solution. It strengthens your IT capabilities, enhances security, and ensures long-term operational success—all without relinquishing control over your IT strategy.

Partner with Dataprise for Co-Managed IT Excellence

At Dataprise, we specialize in providing co-managed IT solutions tailored to mid-sized businesses. Whether you need additional cybersecurity support, cloud management assistance, or strategic IT guidance, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn how co-managed IT can elevate your business’s IT strategy.