In 2025, global managed services are set to play an important role in business IT strategy, with the market size projected to reach USD 393.02 billion, according to Straits Research.
Managed IT services involve outsourcing your entire IT function to an external team, while co-managed IT services combine the strengths of your in-house team with specialist support.
SubIT can guide you through both approaches, helping you understand the key differences in cost, control, and scalability so you can decide which model best fits your business needs.
Key Takeaways
- Managed IT means full outsourcing with fixed costs and complete support.
- Co-managed IT blends internal control with an external team.
- Compare costs, flexibility, and risk to choose the best model for your business.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are when you hand over your entire IT function to an external provider. This model offers:
- Complete Outsourcing: The provider takes full responsibility for daily IT operations and long-term strategy.
- Predictable Costs: Fixed fees and service level agreements help manage expenses.
- Professional Support: Access to dedicated teams with niche skills and round-the-clock assistance.
This option suits businesses that need a worry-free IT setup without the overhead of building an in-house team.
What Are Co-Managed IT Services?
Co-managed IT services blend your in-house team with an external provider. In this model, you keep strategic control in-house while an external team handles specific IT tasks. Key points include:
- Collaborative Support: Your team works alongside external specialists.
- Flexibility: Scale support as your needs change.
- Cost-Effective: You pay only for the extra services you require.
This approach works best for businesses wanting to boost internal capacity without giving up control.
Direct Comparison: Managed vs. Co-Managed IT Services
Here is a direct comparison between managed and co-managed IT services.
Control:
- Managed: Little direct control. The provider handles all decisions.
- Co-Managed: You retain control while getting extra services.
Cost:
- Managed: Fixed, predictable fees.
- Co-Managed: Pay only for additional support when needed.
Support & Flexibility:
- Managed: Full support with round-the-clock service.
- Co-Managed: Flexible, scalable assistance that adapts to your needs.
Risk:
- Managed: Provider assumes most risks.
- Co-Managed: Risk is shared between your team and the provider.
How to Choose the Right IT Service Model for Your Business
Start by assessing your current IT needs and future growth plans. Ask yourself:
- Do you need full, hands-off IT support or just help with specific tasks?
- Is it more important to have predictable costs or to keep control over IT decisions?
- Does your in-house team have gaps that an external team can fill?
Use these points to guide your choice:
- For Full Outsourcing:
- Choose Managed IT Services if you want a complete solution with fixed costs and round-the-clock support.
- For Collaboration:
- Opt for Co-Managed IT Services if you want to work with professionals while retaining decision-making control.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
SubIT delivers IT support that works like your very own in-house team, offering enterprise-level solutions backed by a dedicated, highly trained workforce. If you’re ready for reliable, hands-on IT support tailored to your business needs, visit our contact page to get started today.
