IT departments aren’t superheroes, but you’d never know it from their workload. Between software issues, compliance checklists, and constant security threats, in-house IT teams are juggling more than ever. That’s why more companies are choosing Co-Managed IT Services as a smarter, more collaborative way to share the load. Instead of handing over all control to an outsourcer, a co-managed IT setup allows your internal team to stay in charge while getting backup where it matters.
In fact, the global managed services market is projected to reach $393 billion (about $1,200 per person in the US) by 2028, with co-managed models driving a major part of that expansion.
In this guide, we’ll break down how it works, how it differs from fully managed services, and why BTI’s co-managed approach might be exactly what your team needs.
What Are Co-Managed IT Services?
Imagine your IT team getting a reliable, skilled backup; like a co-pilot for your tech operations. That’s what co-managed IT services are all about. It’s not about replacing your internal team; it’s about giving them the extra bandwidth, tools, and backup they need to keep things running smoothly.
This model is ideal for organizations that want to boost their IT capabilities without replacing in-house talent.
According to recent industry data, nearly half of enterprises manage over 20 security tools, which increases complexity, co-managed services can help simplify and strengthen security operations.
What is the Difference Between Co-Managed and Fully Managed Services?
When businesses think about outsourcing IT, they’re often deciding between two models: co-managed or fully managed.
The key difference comes down to how much control you want to keep. Co-managed IT services let your in-house team stay involved while getting outside help for specific tasks. Fully managed services, on the other hand, hand over everything to an external provider like BTI; strategy, support, infrastructure, and all.
| Differences | Co-Managed IT | Managed IT |
|---|---|---|
| Responsability | An outsourced provider works in partnership with an internal IT staff | A third-party provider takes full responsibility of an organization’s IT operations |
| Scope | IT workload is divided between in-house teams and managed service providers | Managed service providers take full responsibility of your IT operations |
| Staffing | Designed for organizations that already have IT staff, but need help scaling, filling skill gaps, or covering after-hour IT related tasks. | Ideal for businesses who want to fully off-load IT responsibilities |
| Costs | Companies need to invest in internal-IT staff while having IT external support | Predictable costs and complete coverage. |
| Training | Your company still needs to invest in internal IT training, certifications, and other expenses. | Organizations don’t need to invest in training or certifications. |
| Ideal for | Businesses that need additional support, but don’t want to fully outsource their operations | Businesses without internal IT staff or looking to fully offload IT responsibilities. |
Managed IT Services vs Co-Managed IT Services
Not every business has the same IT needs. Some want to hand off all their technology management, while others just need support to fill in the gaps. That’s where the difference between Managed IT and Co-Managed IT really shows up.
Here are the key differences. If you partnered with BTI, here’s what you could expect:
Managed IT Services
Think of this as “all-inclusive IT.” With managed IT services, BTI becomes your entire IT department. You don’t need to hire internally; we handle everything from strategy to daily support.
The Pros & Cons of Managed IT Services
| Managed IT | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| No need to hire or manage in-house | Reduced internal visibility into daily IT operations | |
| Predictable monthly costs | May feel “too hands-off" for some teams | |
| Centralized control and reporting | Less flexibility when shifting responsibilities. | |
| 24/7 support coverage |
Co-Managed IT Services
IT collaboration at its best. You keep your existing team; and BTI fills in where your team is falling short. We support your staff wherever it’s needed, whether that’s server updates, overnight monitoring, or user support overflow.
| Co-Managed IT Services | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great for thinly staffed or overworked IT teams | Needs a well-defined partnership | ||
| Adds depth of experience without losing control | Can be challenging without solid coordination | ||
| Reduces burnout for internal IT | Not ideal for businesses without any internal IT presence | ||
| Leverages external expertise while retaining internal knowledge | |||
| Speeds up and enhances ROI on new projects, buildings, and systems due to reduced scoping time, more accurate budgeting and change control, improved quality, automation, and provider supply chain cost savings passed through to the client. |
Managed IT vs Co-Managed IT: What’s Better?
What is the best model? The one that works for you. Whether you want full coverage or just someone to share the load, by partnering with BTI, you get flexible IT services designed around your team; not the other way around.
What Co-Managed IT Services Does BTI Offer?
Our foundational product for co-managed IT support is called Remote Monitoring and Management as a service. While it’s not required for every co-managed client, it’s highly recommended because it supports effective teamwork.
Good teamwork requires every member to know what the team’s goals and plays are, know what every other team member is doing to run the play, and situational awareness so the team can adapt during the play and win the game.
Our RMM as a service platform and the tools we bundle into the platform facilitate this nicely and inexpensively. Building on that foundation, BTI has teams of craftsmen and engineers providing 24/7 project support, monitoring, management, and remediation in the following areas:
- Microsoft and third-party cloud, server, and desktop management
- Network infrastructure (routing, switching, Wi-Fi, firewall, device) management
- including SNMP and log monitoring and management
- WAN management
- Cybersecurity vulnerability and systems management
- Database and application monitoring and management
- Data Security and Compliance monitoring, reporting, compliance
- VoIP and collaboration tool management
- Telecom carrier procurement and service management
- IOT and SCADA monitoring and management
- Security System management including door access control, security cameras, burglar alarms, environmental and temperature monitoring,
- Data Center Colocation Management and/or smart hands
BTI delivers transparent, itemized pricing, down to each device and tool, so clients typically save 50–70% compared to competitors, without sacrificing service quality.
The Benefits of Co-Managed IT Services
Here are some of the most important benefits of co-managed IT support:
Reduced Burnout for Internal Teams
Co-managed IT services allow you to free up your in-house staff from time-consuming tasks like patching or help desk tickets so they can focus on strategic work.
Faster Problem Solving
Two teams watching over your environment means faster response times and fewer missed issues.
Room to Grow
Need help just during busy seasons or special projects? Co-managed services scale up when you need them; whether it’s during growth, transitions, or staff turnover.
Smart Spending
You avoid the cost of hiring a full team while still gaining access to advanced tools, compliance expertise, and 24/7 support. This helps stretch your IT budget further; which is especially important for mid-sized companies.
Custom Support That Fits You
Unlike cookie-cutter managed services, co-managed setups can be tailored to your internal team’s strengths and weaknesses. No overkill, just the help you need, when you need it.
Co-managed IT solutions are growing in popularity for good reasons; it offers the best of both worlds. You get the expertise and scalability of a managed service provider while keeping the internal knowledge and control your team already has.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, the choice between fully managed and co-managed IT comes down to what your business needs most: complete outsourcing or collaborative support. If your IT team is overworked but too valuable to replace, co-managed IT gives them the backup and bandwidth they need to succeed without losing control or visibility.
With BTI, you don’t just get extra hands; you gain a partner invested in your success, providing the right mix of expertise, tools, and 24/7 support to keep your business secure, compliant, and moving forward. Whether you’re scaling, tackling compliance challenges, or just looking to give your IT staff room to breathe, BTI’s co-managed IT services are built to adapt to you—not the other way around.
Don’t Let IT Overload Hold You Back.
Talk to a BTI expert today and see how co-managed IT can give your team the backup they need—without losing control.
TL;DR
What it is Co-Managed IT
A partnership model where your in-house IT team stays in control while BTI provides backup, tools, and expertise where needed.
Why Does Co-Managed IT Services Matter?
Helps reduce IT team burnout, speeds up problem-solving, and provides cost-effective access to enterprise-level tools and 24/7 support.
Key Difference Between Co-Managed IT & Managed IT
- Co-Managed: You keep your team; BTI fills in gaps and scales support.
- Managed: BTI fully runs your IT operations—ideal if you have no IT staff.
Who Should Consider Co-Managed IT?
Businesses with IT staff who need extra support, want flexibility, or want to stretch budgets without losing control.
What Makes BTI’s Co-Managed IT Services Diffrerent?
Transparent, itemized pricing (50–70% savings vs. competitors), deep expertise, and customizable support tailored to your team’s strengths.
