IT issues can pull your team away from what they’re actually there to do. But then who makes sure all your updates happen? Who does all the behind-the-scenes monitoring? Who responds to threats, aging infrastructure, and help desk tickets?
When you choose a managed service provider (MSP) you remove the burden that inadvertently lands on your employees, taking them away from their tasks and you place it on a team of experts.
But not all managed solutions are the same.
Let’s break down two of the most common models that businesses turn to – fully managed IT services and co-managed IT services. Understanding the difference can help you make the right decision for your team and operations.
What is a fully managed IT solution?
With fully managed IT a managed service provider (MSP) takes care of your entire IT environment – everything from hardware and software to servers, workstations, and trouble tickets.
It’s like you have your own immediate, experienced IT department (without the hiring, training, or turnover worries that come with trying to build one yourself). That also includes your day-to-day support, both remote and on-site when needed.
Think about the time your team is stuck troubleshooting a network that’s down or wondering if backups actually worked – that’s time your staff is losing. It’s all about making sure everything works the way it should, so your team can focus on their jobs instead of getting sidetracked.
This is a great option for businesses that:
- Need adaptable support that aligns with changing organizational demands
- Prioritize staff productivity over troubleshooting IT issues
- Strive for streamlined operations and efficient utilization of resources
- Require predictable monthly fees to eliminate unexpected expenses
- Value strategic guidance and proactive solutions from IT experts
The bottom line? It’s just like you have an entire IT team at your side for a predictable fee so your operations can stay productive and secure.
What is a co-managed IT solution?
Already have an IT person or a small team? A co-managed solution is all about giving them the support to stay on top of everything.
Maybe they’re great at day-to-day troubleshooting but struggle with larger projects like cybersecurity. Or maybe they have too many help desk requests that proactive maintenance always seems to fall to the bottom of the list.
This solution is all about working alongside your team and stepping in with specialized expertise wherever you need it.
It’s a great option for businesses that:
- Struggle with an overwhelmed IT team
- Lack diverse knowledge as you only have one IT person
- Need to address critical gaps
The bottom line? Your IT team stays focused plus they have specialized expertise from an MSP.
Which is right for you?
Both have the same goal which is to keep your technology reliable so your team can focus on what they’re there to do. The difference comes down to what works for you.
Fully managed IT is best if you’re ready to hand off everything to a specialized team of experts who cover it all at one predictable cost.
Co-managed is best if you already have IT staff but need backup, specialized skills, or just an extra expert when things get busy.
And if neither option fits? We build custom solutions if you’re somewhere in between.
At Expert IT Solutions, we connect businesses with the right solutions and ongoing reliable support. If you’re looking for a managed service provider that understands your Alberta business, we’re here to help!
