7 Signs Your Business Could Benefit from Co-Managed IT Services
Does this resemble your IT department: IT support running around, furious keyboard smashing, beads of sweat dripping down faces, fires everywhere because there are mountains of backed-up tickets, and employees waiting for their computer to work again—generally, a mess?
Okay, so maybe that isn’t a literal picture of your IT department, but an overworked, stressed-out, behind-schedule department can only do so much. When your IT department can’t seem to get ahead, it’s a sure sign you’re taking a reactive approach to technology challenges, which means you’re neglecting the future and not maximizing the benefits of your infrastructure. Not to mention, a reactive IT approach is never a good sign when it comes to cybersecurity or manageable growth.
Your IT department doesn’t need to look like that, and it doesn’t have to! If it does, your business could greatly benefit from co-managed IT services. Here’s how:
What Are Co-Managed IT Services?
In the most basic terms, co-managed IT services are when two or more organizations share responsibility for managing an IT system. It’s a partnership—a team effort—between a managed service provider (MSP) and in-house IT staff.
The MSP provides comprehensive IT services to supplement the existing in-house IT team. One organization manages the network infrastructure while the other organization manages the applications and data that run on that infrastructure. This allows businesses to get the most out of their investment in technology without having to sacrifice quality or service.
7 Signs Your Business Needs Co-Managed IT
There are many benefits to co-managed IT services, but not every business will thrive from this type of arrangement. However, those who could do well with a co-managed IT service provider experience one or more of these seven symptoms:
1. Your In-House Department Is Constantly Putting Out Fires, Not Being Proactive
Constantly putting out fires and reacting to problems is a red flag. Not being proactive means that small fires are constantly turning into big emergencies worthy of strong firefighters. This is a sign that your in-house team is overwhelmed and not able to keep up with the demand.
Co-managed IT services can help by providing proactive maintenance and monitoring, so potential problems are dealt with before they turn into full-blown emergencies. An MSP can help you implement proactive IT strategies that can reduce the number of IT issues you experience and let your in-house IT staff breathe some fresh air. Additionally, a proactive approach to IT management allows your company to plan for the future and leverage your technology for competitive growth and future projects.
2. You’re Struggling to Keep Up with Technology Changes
Technology changes rapidly, and it can be difficult for businesses to keep up. This is especially true for small businesses that may not have the resources to dedicate to staying on top of these changes. As a result, they can quickly fall behind, which puts them at a competitive disadvantage and makes them a huge target for cyberattacks.
Around 80% of small businesses are not taking full advantage of technological tools. An MSP can help you keep up with the latest innovations so you’re always using the best and most current tools available. This will give you a competitive edge and help you avoid costly downtime due to outdated technology.
3. You Don’t Have the Budget for Full-Time IT Staff
For small businesses, only hiring a full-time IT staff can be cost-prohibitive. Co-managed IT services can provide you with access to the same level of expertise without the cost of hiring additional full-time employees—think onboarding costs, PTO, vacations, insurance costs, etc.
An MSP can scale its services to meet your needs and budget, so you only pay for what you need. They even offer pay-as-you-go services, so you’re not tied into a long-term contract. This can help you save money and get the IT support you need to keep your business running smoothly.
4. Your Employees Have Something to Gossip About: Your IT Department
Is your IT department the butt of office jokes? If your employees are gossiping about how bad your IT department is, it’s a sign that something needs to change. Your IT staff should be in on the jokes, not the target of them.
A co-managed IT service provider can help improve employee morale by providing top-notch IT support. They can also help you implement policies and procedures that will improve communication and collaboration between your employees and IT department.
5. You’re Not Focusing Enough on Cybersecurity
In today’s online world, cybersecurity should be a top priority for all businesses. Unfortunately, many businesses are not taking the necessary steps to protect themselves. This can leave them vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can have devastating consequences.
Speaking of devastating consequences, cybercriminals are three times more likely to target a small business than they are a large enterprise. This is because small businesses typically have less robust security measures in place. They are also more likely to be using outdated software and operating systems that can be easily exploited.
Co-managed IT services can help by providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. These solutions can give you peace of mind knowing that your business is protected from the latest threats like ransomware, phishing attacks, and viruses—all of which are just as infectious as the common cold.
6. You’re Planning a Major Technology Upgrade
Implementing a major technology upgrade can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have the internal resources to do it. This is where a co-managed IT provider can help.
A co-managed IT provider can offer you the expertise and support you need to successfully implement a major technology upgrade. They can help you plan the project, select the right technology, and ensure that the implementation goes well, saving you time and money in the long run.
7. You’re Working More Hours than You’d Like to Admit
There is more to life than work, but it can be hard to remember that when you’re working long hours just to keep your business afloat. Overworking can be caused by many things, but a common culprit is a lack of optimized technology.
Outdated or inefficient technology can cause a lot of problems for businesses. It can lead to lost productivity, missed deadlines, and frustrated employees. One of the benefits of working with a co-managed IT provider is that they can help you automate tasks and processes. This can free up your time so you can focus on more important things—like taking a break or spending time with your family and friends.
The Best Choice for Co-Managed IT Services: Common Angle
A co-managed IT service provider is a great solution for businesses that are looking for more bang for their buck. It lifts a major burden off of businesses, so they can focus on their strengths and leave the IT to the experts.
At Common Angle, we provide comprehensive IT solutions that are designed to meet the unique needs of your business. We offer a wide range of services, including co-managed IT services that can help you improve your business operations.
For more information, contact us today. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.