The pandemic has forced organizations to rapidly implement remote work strategies in order to sustain operations. The transition has largely been successful thanks to an array of cloud-based applications, collaboration tools and remote access technologies. IT teams have risen to the occasion, working to equip remote workers with the hardware, software, services and support they need to remain productive in a work-from-home model.
While that’s laudable, it may not be sustainable long term. IT personnel are working remotely, too, and typically lack direct access to the corporate IT environment and end-user devices. That makes it difficult to troubleshoot problems, ensure application performance and enforce security policies.
Overburdened with these new demands, IT teams also lack the time to evaluate and implement new technologies. This could put the organization at a disadvantage as competitors digitalize business processes and customer touchpoints.
Partnering with a managed services provider (MSP) in a co-managed IT model can help overcome these challenges. Co-managed IT services combine an outsourcing arrangement with in-house IT resources in a hybrid approach. Your internal IT staff works in partnership with the MSP’s experts to deliver the IT services your organization needs.
Access to Expertise
A managed services arrangement is often an easy choice for organizations without in-house IT staff. By turning over day-to-day IT functions to an MSP, these organizations can ensure the stability and security of their IT environment without the cost of hiring IT professionals.
For organizations with in-house IT personnel, the decision can be less clear. These organizations have sufficient IT needs to warrant hiring IT staff and saw value in having in-house resources. Why should they outsource?
Fact is, in-house teams can easily become overwhelmed as the IT environment becomes more complex and more users and devices are added to the network. Additionally, in-house personnel may not have the skills to implement and support new technologies or the time to come up to speed.
An MSP can provide that expertise. Best-in-class MSPs will customize co-managed IT services to precisely meet your technical and operational requirements. One approach is to have your internal staff handle most common IT issues but seek the MSP’s assistance for more complex problems and new initiatives. This allows you to increase staffing levels cost-effectively.
Alternatively, you can turn over routine, day-to-day tasks to the MSP, such as patching systems, applying security updates and ensuring that backups are completed. Your in-house team will have more time to devote to new IT initiatives.
The Support You Need
The MSP can also provide around-the-clock monitoring, which can help you keep an eye on all the new tools and devices you’re putting in place to support your remote workforce. Combined with 24x7 help desk services, remote monitoring helps ensure quick resolution of any issues that could hamper productivity.
Your in-house IT staff will appreciate the benefits of this arrangement. They’ll be able to use their skills and talents in ways that advance their career goals while helping your company operate more effectively and efficiently. They’ll also enjoy the comfort of knowing that they are covered when they take vacation or sick days.
The pandemic has forced organizations to implement remote work arrangements, but the introduction of new tools, applications and devices can be overwhelming for IT staffers. Partnering with an MSP in a co-managed IT model is a cost-efficient way to gain the expertise and resources you need to maintain your operations and keep pace with changing requirements. Give Verteks a call to explore how a co-managed IT arrangement can help your organization.
