How Does Co-Managed IT Work?

Traditionally, Managed IT Services Providers (MSPs) have delivered end-to-end technology support for small to midsize businesses, acting as a fully outsourced IT department. But what happens when your business evolves—growing in complexity, building an in-house team, or requiring specialized expertise?

That's where co-managed IT comes in.

At Exigent, we've supported co-managed partnerships for years—but recently formalized our approach with Exigent Augment, a flexible co-sourced IT support model designed to empower internal teams while providing specialized MSP resources and tools. If your organization is growing or facing IT complexity that's tough to manage alone, this model may be the strategic fit you've been looking for.

Key Takeaways

• Empower your internal IT team by partnering with a Managed Services Provider (MSP) for flexible, scalable support.
• Access specialized skills without expanding headcount, maintaining control over day-to-day operations.
• Lower IT costs and increase strategic agility by leveraging a customized, co-sourced IT service model.

What Is Co-Managed IT?  

In a fully managed IT model, your MSP owns the entire technology environment—from end-user support and infrastructure to proactive monitoring and project work. This model typically includes:

• Helpdesk support
• Server and workstation maintenance
• Email filtering and endpoint protection
• Remote monitoring and management
• Technology roadmapping and procurement support

It's reliable, cost-effective, and ideal for businesses without internal IT staff.

Co-managed IT, on the other hand, is a collaborative model. Your business retains internal IT talent—whether it's a tech generalist or a full department—while partnering with an MSP to fill gaps, scale support, and provide higher-level expertise.

Some organizations rely on their internal team to lead projects while the MSP handles day-to-day service tickets. Others manage user support in-house and outsource cybersecurity or infrastructure management. The beauty of co-managed IT is its flexibility and strategic alignment—you define the roles, and your MSP complements your team.

Download our guide to co-managed IT to learn more

The Cost Advantages of Co-Managed IT Support

Co-managed IT offers the same budget-friendly predictability as traditional managed services—with greater control and scalability. As your business grows, hiring full-time IT specialists can get expensive fast. Salaries for experienced engineers can easily top $150,000–$200,000 per year.

With co-managed IT, you can:

• Build a lean in-house team focused on core operations
• Access specialized skills from your MSP without adding headcount
• Avoid over-investing in niche roles with limited application

This staff augmentation approach to IT enables your organization to invest strategically, getting more value from both your internal team and your MSP partner.

Beyond Cost: The Strategic Benefits of Co-Managed IT

In addition to lowering overhead and improving efficiency, co-managed IT delivers several strategic advantages:

Faster Scaling for Growth & Projects: Support high-priority initiatives without pulling your internal team off day-to-day work. Whether you're opening a new location, migrating to the cloud, or rolling out a new ERP, your MSP can jump in to help.

24/7 Support & Proactive Monitoring: While internal teams may be limited by business hours, your MSP delivers round-the-clock monitoring and support—resolving issues before they impact operations.

Risk Mitigation & Regulatory Compliance: Access to deep cybersecurity and compliance expertise helps safeguard your business against threats and evolving regulatory demands.

Customized Service Levels: Every co-managed agreement is built around your business's goals. You define the support scope, escalation protocols, and reporting frequency. That means your resources are always aligned with what matters most.

Is Co-Managed IT Right for Your Business?

If your organization is growing or navigating complex IT demands, co-managed IT support may be the ideal next step. It allows you to retain internal control while gaining a trusted partner and IT staff augmentation with deep expertise, sophisticated tools, and a shared commitment to your success.

At Exigent, our Augment Co-Managed IT offering is part of The Exigent Method—our proven approach to helping businesses grow through technology.

Let's talk about how co-managed IT can support your team, your goals, and your future. Contact Exigent now

Stay tuned for next week's blog: "Signs Your Business Needs Co-Managed IT Support"