Stewart WaltsCapability Isn’t the Issue
Many organizations have strong, experienced internal IT teams. Their systems are reliable, users are well-supported, and leadership trusts in the department’s abilities. Still, as IT environments become more complex, more IT leaders are considering co-managed IT solutions.
This increase in interest is not a reflection of a lack of expertise within IT teams. Rather, it is a response to the rapid pace of change and the increasing demands placed on internal resources. Teams today are responsible for everything from routine maintenance and backups to advanced cybersecurity, cloud management, and incident response, all while supporting users and driving strategic initiatives.
With countless cyber threats emerging every day, the pressure to maintain security and operational excellence is greater than ever. Even the most capable teams can become stretched thin, which can lead to delayed patching, overlooked alerts, and an ever-growing backlog of critical tasks. These challenges are a natural result of limited time and a constantly evolving IT landscape.
Why Prevention Alone Is No Longer Enough
Modern IT security recognizes that no system is completely immune to attacks. The focus has shifted from just prevention to ensuring rapid detection, containment, and recovery. This approach requires ongoing monitoring, specialized tools, and structured response processes, all of which take significant time and consistency to manage effectively. Co-managed IT teams are well positioned to help with these needs.
Why Co-Managed IT Can Feel Risky at First
It is understandable that some IT managers might feel hesitant about co-managed IT, concerned it could mean a loss of control. However, with a clear agreement in place, roles and responsibilities are well defined. Internal IT continues to lead on strategy and decisionmaking, while the co-managed partner provides support only in the areas that are agreed upon.
Maintaining Control Through Customization
Co-managed IT is fully customizable to meet the unique needs of each organization. Whether your team needs support with just one specific area or multiple, the solution can be tailored to fit your exact needs.
Each client receives an original plan designed around their priorities and workflows, ensuring that the partnership strengthens the team where it’s needed most without disrupting existing processes. This approach gives IT leaders the freedom to define support levels while maintaining confidence that their environment is in expert hands.
What Areas Co-Managed IT Can Support
Effective co-managed IT models are designed to act as a backup for your team, offering consistent support in the areas that your team has had to put on the backburner.
Depending on your company, this could look like handling critical day-to-day tasks like cybersecurity monitoring, patching, vulnerability management, backups, and network management. Some teams prefer partners to handle routine or urgent tickets, while sending the more specialized issues back to the internal IT team when business context is required.
That’s the beauty, you get to decide your perfect fit. In addition, the relationship can (and usually does) evolve over time as needs evolve.
Strong Teams Still Benefit From Support
The reality of IT today is clear: even the strongest teams still need backup. Co-managed It provides that support wherever it is needed most. By sharing responsibility in targeted areas, organizations can reduce risk, respond to issues faster, and give internal IT the space to operate more strategically. For IT leaders who want to maintain control while strengthening coverage, co-managed IT is a great option.
