Summer brings sunshine, long weekends, and well-deserved vacations. Your team has worked hard, and they’ve earned a break. But what happens if your only IT specialist is enjoying a getaway on a remote beach with no cell service when trouble strikes? A minor server glitch or a security alert could escalate into a full-blown crisis, halting business operations.
Thankfully, you don’t have to choose between giving your team time off and keeping your business secure. Co-managed IT offers a flexible, cost-effective solution to fill the gap and keep IT systems running smoothly.
What is co-managed IT?
Co-managed IT is a partnership model that blends the strengths of your in-house IT team with the expertise of an external managed IT services provider (MSP) to meet your organization’s technology needs. This collaborative approach enables businesses to efficiently share responsibilities. For example, your internal team can manage the day-to-day operations, while the MSP steps in with specialized support and advanced expertise when needed.
An MSP can add value in key areas, such as:
- Network infrastructure: Installation, upgrades, and continuous monitoring
- Cybersecurity: Proactive risk management, threat detection, and compliance with industry regulations
- Data backup and disaster recovery: Safeguarding business continuity during emergencies
- Cloud services management: Optimizing and monitoring cloud performance for seamless operation
Why co-managed IT makes sense in the summer
Co-managed IT becomes especially crucial during summer for many reasons:
Staff shortages leave gaps
Summer vacations are well deserved, but they often leave IT teams understaffed. When a key team member is away, who’s left to monitor systems, respond to security threats, or manage critical software updates? On top of that, the remaining staff faces increased workloads, which may lead to burnout, rushed decisions, costly mistakes, low morale, and worse, higher turnover rates once summer winds down.
Co-managed IT services fill these gaps by delivering 24/7 system monitoring, emergency response, and routine maintenance so that your operations run smoothly while your team enjoys their time off.
Cybersecurity risks spike during summer
Cybercriminals are well aware that summer often means reduced staffing for many businesses. This often results in a surge of cyberattacks during these months, targeting companies with slower response times and stretched resources.
With co-managed IT, your business stays protected with robust security monitoring and rapid incident response, even when internal resources are limited.
Delays in IT projects can be costly
Short-staffed IT teams often struggle to make progress on vital projects such as system upgrades, software implementations, or infrastructure expansions. Pausing these initiatives during the summer can result in missed opportunities and increased costs down the line.
Co-managed IT provides the expertise and resources you need to keep projects moving forward, allowing your business to stay on track and meet its goals throughout the year.
Maximizing your IT partnership
To get the most out of your co-managed IT services this summer, start by assessing your internal team’s strengths and identifying areas where additional support is needed. Key priorities may include:
- Security monitoring while internal IT staff are away
- Project management for system upgrades
- User support for remaining employees
- Backup and recovery testing
- Compliance preparation for audits in the fall
Communicate clearly with your co-managed IT services provider about vacation schedules, ongoing projects, and any specific concerns. The better they understand your business needs, the better they can support you.
Planning beyond summer
While summer often brings immediate staffing challenges, the value of co-managed IT services extends far beyond seasonal needs. Many businesses discover that this collaborative approach delivers superior IT support at a lower cost compared to traditional methods.
Consider using the summer months as a trial period. It’s the perfect opportunity to assess how well a co-managed partnership fits your business and determine if it’s a long-term solution for your IT needs.
Get started with co-managed IT services today
Don’t wait until your IT team is stretched thin or out on vacation to seek support. Co-managed IT is most effective when there’s time to establish processes, understand your systems, and build strong working relationships.
SpectrumWise specializes in helping small and medium-sized businesses maintain secure, efficient IT operations all year round. Our co-managed IT services integrate seamlessly with your existing team, providing expert support exactly when you need it most.
Contact us today to learn how co-managed IT can keep your business running smoothly this summer and beyond. Your peace of mind — and your employees’ well-deserved vacations — are worth the investment.