Pros and Cons of Co-Managed IT

Co-managed IT is a service approach that mixes the resources and skills of an internal IT team with external managed services. It offers a unique combination of benefits, as well as some potential drawbacks. Here is a breakdown of 5 Pros and 5 Cons of Co-Managed IT:

Pros

1. Increased Flexibility

With co-managed IT, organizations can quickly respond to changing business needs, as they can easily scale their IT resources up or down. Additionally, the external managed services team provides valuable insights and fresh perspectives on how to best use existing resources.

2. Improved Efficiency

Co-managed IT is an effective way to maximize available resources while minimizing costs. Organizations are no longer limited by the size of their internal IT team and can benefit from the expertise of a managed services provider.

3. Enhanced Security

Co-managed IT offers enhanced security, as external managed services providers bring advanced technologies and best practices to help organizations protect their data and networks. Additionally, these providers are often better equipped to respond quickly to cyber threats.

4. Access to Expertise

External managed services providers can provide organizations with access to highly specialized skills and knowledge that in-house IT teams may not have. This allows organizations to focus on their core competencies, while still having the necessary expertise available when needed.

5. Rapid Deployment

Co-managed IT allows organizations to quickly deploy new applications and services without having to invest in additional hardware or software. This makes it easier for organizations to keep up with the latest technological developments.

Cons

1. Lack of Control

When using co-managed IT, organizations must be comfortable relinquishing some control over their IT infrastructure. Although external managed services providers are highly skilled and knowledgeable, they may not always have the same understanding of an organization’s specific needs.

2. Additional Costs

Using co-managed IT can be more expensive than relying solely on in-house resources, as organizations must pay for both the services of external managed service providers as well as their internal IT teams.

3. Increased Complexity

Keeping track of two separate IT teams can be a challenge for organizations, as managing multiple vendors can add complexity to the process. This can lead to delays or inefficiencies if there is not proper communication and coordination between the two teams.

4. Difficulty Establishing Trust

Organizations must be comfortable trusting an external managed services provider with their data and network. This can be difficult for some organizations, as there is a certain degree of risk involved in relying on a third-party vendor.

5. Difficult to Change Providers

Once an organization has built up relationships with its co-managed IT team, it can be difficult to switch providers. This can be a problem if the provider is not meeting expectations, as it may take time and effort to find a better suited alternative.

Overall, co-managed IT offers organizations many potential benefits, such as increased flexibility and improved efficiency. However, there are also some drawbacks that must be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to use this approach. Ultimately, it is important for organizations to weigh the pros and cons of co-managed IT before making any decisions.