Why You Need Co-Managed IT Services & Ideal Internal IT Team Ratio

Have you ever wondered whether your IT team is keeping up or if they're in a constant sprint? Interestingly, a Gartner report highlights that the ideal IT support staff-to-employee ratio actually varies by industry—1:50 in financial services and 1:70 in healthcare. This brings us to the doorstep of co-managed IT services, a strategic solution designed to balance the scales of your IT support needs.

By integrating these services, you bolster your existing team and tailor your IT support to match the unique demands of your sector. In this blog, we'll explain the obvious signs your business needs co-managed IT services, delve into how it fortifies your operations, and discuss how to achieve the ideal IT staffing ratio. 

What is the ideal internal IT team ratio? 

As we highlighted in the introduction, Gartner said the ideal IT team ratio depends on the industry. For instance, financial services firms need at least one to every 50 employees, while healthcare organisations stretch that to 1:70.

But there’s more to it than just industry standards. The size of your company plays a big part, too. If your firm is on the smaller side, with up to 2,500 people, aiming for a 1:70 to 1:100 ratio hits the mark. For those in the middle, with 2,500 to 7,500 staff, 1:130 to 1:175 is the sweet spot. 

Why does this matter? Well, having the right number of IT experts is key to keeping your tech running without a hitch. This ensures your team isn't overworked and that your company can keep pace with technological advances.  

What are co-managed IT services? 

If you're not sure whether expanding your number of IT staff is the best choice, that's where co-managed IT service providers come into the picture. 

Co-managed IT services represent a strategic collaboration between your internal IT department and an external service provider. This partnership is designed to augment your existing IT capabilities, ensuring that your business has access to comprehensive technical support and expertise without the need to significantly expand your in-house team. Essentially, it’s about creating a seamless blend of internal and external IT resources to meet your specific needs.

How do co-managed IT services operate? At their core, they provide a flexible framework that can be tailored to support your business's unique requirements. Below are some common services offered within a co-managed arrangement:

• 24/7 monitoring and management: Continuous oversight of your IT systems to detect and resolve issues proactively.
• Advanced cybersecurity measures: Implementation of robust security protocols to protect against cyber threats.
• Strategic IT planning: Assistance in developing long-term IT strategies that align with your business goals.
• Help desk support: Access to expert technical support for your staff, reducing downtime and improving productivity.
• Backup and disaster recovery: Ensuring your data is securely backed up and can be quickly restored in the event of a disaster.
• Cloud services management: Guidance and management of cloud-based services to optimise performance and cost.

7 signs internal IT department needs co-managed IT support

Recognising the signs your internal IT department needs help is the first step towards exploring co-managed IT services as a solution. 

1. Overwhelmed by daily IT tasks

If you find your internal IT department constantly battling against IT tasks, it's a sign that co-managed IT support could help. The relentless demands for system updates, troubleshooting, and user support can stretch your team too thin, leaving little room for strategic planning or innovation. Co-managed IT service providers can take on these routine tasks for them. 

2. Difficulty managing cyber security

If your team struggles to stay ahead of the latest security practices or lacks the resources to monitor threats 24/7, it's time to consider co-managed IT services. A co-managed service provider can deliver the expertise and tools necessary to defend your IT, including round-the-clock monitoring and advanced threat detection.

3. Inadequate response to IT incidents

Speed and efficiency in responding to IT incidents are vital for minimising downtime and maintaining business continuity. If your internal team is too slow to solve IT issues, co-managed IT support can offer the additional resources and expertise needed to improve response times and effectively manage crises.

4. Challenges with IT strategy and planning

Strategic IT planning is essential for aligning technology investments with your business goals. However, if your IT department is so caught up in operational tasks, co-managed IT services can provide the breathing room needed. Outsourced IT experts can assist with strategic guidance, helping to ensure that your technology roadmap supports your business objectives.

5. Struggling to scale IT operations

If your internal IT department lacks the capacity to scale efficiently, or if you're experiencing growing pains such as system performance issues or insufficient support capacity, co-managed IT services can offer the scalable resources and expertise necessary to support your growth trajectory.

6. Lack of specialised IT skills

Technology is constantly advancing, and keeping up requires specialised skills that your internal team may not possess. Whether it's expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, or data analytics, a lack of specialised skills can hinder your technology's success. Co-managed services can fill these skill gaps, providing expertise that complements your internal team's capabilities.

7. IT budget constraints

If you're finding it challenging to stretch your IT budget to cover all your needs, including investments in new technologies or additional support, co-managed IT services offer a cost-effective solution. By sharing the responsibilities and costs with an external provider, you can have the services and expertise you need without overspending. 

Finding the right additional support

How do you know what to look for when seeking additional support services? Let’s dive into the key factors.

Expertise that complements yours

Your co-managed IT partner should fill in the gaps in your team's expertise. If your team is stellar at day-to-day operations but less experienced in cybersecurity, look for a provider that excels in that area, like Serveline. It's about creating a balanced team that's ready for anything.

Flexibility and scalability

The business world is ever-changing, and your IT needs today might be different tomorrow. Find a provider that can scale their co-managed IT services up or down based on your current situation. This flexibility ensures you're never paying for more than you need or getting less than you require.

Proven track record

Choose a co-managed IT support with a solid history of success. Look for case studies, testimonials, and reviews that speak to their ability to deliver. A provider like Serveline, which has successfully navigated the challenges of businesses similar to yours, is likely to understand your unique needs better.

Cultural fit

Your co-managed IT can help as an extension of your team, so it's important that they fit well with your company's culture. This includes shared values, work ethic, and communication style. A good cultural fit makes collaboration smoother and more effective.

Responsive support can help your internal team

When things go awry, you want to know if your co-managed IT provider has best practices on the ball. Response times and solutions should be quick and effective. At Serveline, you can ask about our support policies and response times to ensure we meet your expectations.

Strategic insight

Your partner should bring more to the table than just technical support; they should offer strategic insights that help drive your business forward. Look for a service model that understands your business goals and can align its co-managed IT services with your long-term objectives.

Transparent pricing

Lastly, make sure you understand how the provider's pricing works. At Serveline, there are no hidden fees or surprises. A trustworthy provider will be upfront about costs and offer a pricing model that's easy to understand.

Why Serveline is the UK's best service provider

When it's time to elevate your internal IT team, Serveline is your go-to partner. With a track record since 2009, our company has been delivering proactive and personalised IT support to a diverse range of UK businesses. From co-managed IT services and IT consultancy to managed security services and unified communications, our expertise is designed to ensure your IT infrastructure meets and exceeds your expectations.

We understand the unique challenges SMBs face. Our commitment to a 94% high service level agreement compliance rate shows our dedication to client success. 

Why not take the opportunity to explore what Serveline can do for you? Embrace the transformative power of partnering with us and see how we can help drive your business forward.

Co-managed IT support can help. Contact us now! 

Dive into the world of co-managed IT services with our team and discover how our expertise and dedication can transform your IT operations. Reach out today and book a call with us! 

Frequently asked questions

How can co-managed IT support help your internal IT team?

Co-managed IT support complements your internal IT team by providing additional resources and expertise. This model allows your team to benefit from co-managed IT services by extending their capabilities without the need to expand internally. This approach is especially useful when your team needs to focus on their core responsibilities while ensuring all IT functions are looked after properly or managed well.

What services are included in a co-managed IT model?

The co-managed IT model offers a range of services that can be tailored to fit your business needs. These services include but are not limited to, cyber security, 1st and 2nd line support, maintenance and services, and access to technical resources. This model ensures that your IT infrastructure is fully managed and operates at its best capacity.

Why might a business need additional support from a managed service provider (MSP)?

Businesses may need additional support from an MSP when their internal IT team is overwhelmed or lacks specific expertise. An MSP can provide the right kind of managed help, from fully managed services to specific co-managed support, ensuring that your business's IT needs are met and allowing your internal team to focus on strategic goals.

What is the difference between a co-managed and a fully managed IT service?

A co-managed IT service is where the service provider works alongside your internal IT team, providing support and resources where needed. In contrast, a fully managed IT service takes over all the IT responsibilities, offering a comprehensive solution that allows businesses to focus entirely on their core operations.

How does the co-managed IT services model fit into the overall service model of MSPs?

The co-managed IT services model is a flexible option within the broader service model of MSPs, designed to meet the specific business needs and technical requirements of organisations. It offers a tailored approach, ensuring that companies receive the most appropriate level of support.

What are the key benefits of partnering with a co-managed IT service provider?

Partnering with a co-managed IT service provider brings several key benefits, including access to a wider range of services, enhanced cyber security measures, and the ability to leverage technical resources that may not be available internally.