The Smart Middle Ground Between In-House and Fully Outsourced IT
As small and mid-sized businesses across Indiana and the Midwest continue to grow, many find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to managing their technology infrastructure. Their internal IT staff is stretched thin, but fully outsourcing all IT services may not feel right either, especially for organizations that rely on in-house knowledge, prefer hands-on support, or are navigating budget constraints.
That’s where co-managed IT comes in.
Co-managed IT is a collaborative approach that blends the strengths of your internal team with the resources and expertise of an external IT partner like Braden Business Systems. It’s not about replacing your current staff—it’s about empowering them to do more, faster, and with fewer risks.
Whether your IT lead needs help managing cybersecurity, responding to support tickets, or implementing new systems, a co-managed partnership fills critical gaps without forcing a complete transition to outsourced IT. Let’s explore how co-managed IT can support growth, improve resilience, and keep your business on track in 2025 and beyond.
Scaling IT Without Replacing Your Internal Team
One of the biggest misconceptions about co-managed IT is that it replaces your existing IT staff. In reality, it’s about enhancing what you already have.
As your business scales—adding new employees, expanding locations, or deploying new platforms—internal IT teams often face an overwhelming list of responsibilities:
Helpdesk support for users
Device provisioning and patching
Network maintenance and upgrades
Cybersecurity management
Compliance documentation
Strategic planning and vendor management
For one or two-person teams, keeping up with these tasks while also innovating can be unrealistic.
A co-managed IT model allows Braden’s team to step in exactly where your internal staff needs backup. For example:
Let your internal IT manage end-user devices while Braden handles network infrastructure.
Retain ownership of strategic decisions while outsourcing ticket response and monitoring.
Have Braden manage cybersecurity tools and reporting to reduce risk and audit fatigue.
This modular approach ensures your team isn’t overwhelmed and your tech stack is properly maintained—even as your business grows.
Closing the Skills and Knowledge Gap
Technology is evolving faster than ever, and expecting a small in-house team to master every IT discipline—security, compliance, cloud, VoIP, backups, and beyond—isn’t realistic. Co-managed IT gives your team direct access to specialized skills without the cost or commitment of hiring full-time experts.
With Braden Business Systems, co-managed clients gain:
Access to certified specialists in cybersecurity, network engineering, cloud infrastructure, and compliance
24/7 monitoring and support, reducing after-hours pressure on your in-house staff
Strategic IT consulting, including roadmapping, budget planning, and scaling recommendations
Tool sets your team may not have, such as remote monitoring and management (RMM), PSA software, or endpoint detection and response (EDR)
According to CompTIA, over 70% of SMBs plan to increase technology investments in 2025—but many cite talent shortages and overextended IT staff as their top barriers to success. Co-managed IT solves this by filling capability gaps with expert, on-demand support.
Supporting Internal Teams During Key Transitions
Growth often brings change—new systems, new locations, or mergers and acquisitions. These transitions stretch IT resources and can increase the risk of misconfigurations, downtime, or security lapses.
With co-managed IT, your internal team doesn’t have to face these transitions alone. Braden can:
Lead system migrations (e.g., to Microsoft 365 or cloud servers)
Set up secure remote access and VPNs for hybrid workforces
Manage vendor coordination for new software rollouts
Support device deployments during expansion or onboarding waves
Provide temporary staffing during periods of turnover or leave
Braden’s team functions as an extension of yours—stepping in when needed and stepping back when projects are complete.
For Midwest businesses facing change, co-managed IT offers stability and continuity without a steep learning curve or long-term commitment.
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Shared Responsibility
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a business-critical priority. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 61% of breaches now involve small or mid-sized businesses. And many of those could have been prevented with stronger monitoring, faster patching, or better user training.
Co-managed IT gives your team a security safety net by:
Setting up real-time monitoring and alerting tools
Automating software updates and patch management
Managing endpoint protection and firewalls
Conducting employee training and phishing simulations
Responding quickly to threats or suspicious activity
Instead of relying on your team to manage cybersecurity alone, Braden shares that responsibility—helping you comply with regulations, avoid breaches, and build trust with clients.
Plus, many cyber insurance providers now require documented security controls. Braden ensures you’re covered—technically and legally.
Cost-Efficient Growth and Predictable Budgeting
Hiring additional full-time IT staff is expensive. Salaries, training, and tools add up quickly. And depending on your business cycle, you may not always need full-time coverage.
Co-managed IT offers a flexible, scalable alternative
Fixed monthly pricing for predictable budgeting
Pay only for the services you need—no overstaffing
On-demand support without long-term hiring commitments
Braden’s co-managed clients often save 30–50% compared to hiring additional in-house personnel, while gaining broader expertise and faster resolution times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is co-managed IT different from fully managed IT?
Co-managed IT supplements your existing team. Fully managed IT takes full ownership of your technology environment. With co-managed, Braden works alongside your staff, not in place of them.
Will Braden take over my IT environment?
No. You remain in control of your IT strategy. Braden simply supports your team with tools, expertise, and resources—based on your direction and priorities.
Can co-managed IT be temporary or project-based?
Yes. Co-managed services can be ongoing or tied to specific initiatives like cloud migrations, compliance audits, or infrastructure upgrades.
Is co-managed IT scalable as we grow?
Absolutely. Braden’s services are designed to scale as your needs evolve—whether you’re expanding to new offices, increasing headcount, or adding new systems.
How quickly can we get started?
After a brief discovery session, Braden can begin onboarding within days. We tailor the co-managed structure to your environment, so you only pay for what you need.
Empower Your IT Team—Don’t Replace It
Co-managed IT is one of the most strategic moves a growing business can make. It protects your internal resources, accelerates progress, and strengthens resilience—without giving up control or breaking the budget.
Braden Business Systems partners with organizations across Indiana and the Midwest to create customized co-managed solutions that evolve as your business does. Whether your IT team needs help with daily support, cybersecurity, or a major system change, we’re ready to jump in—so your team can focus on what they do best.
Let’s build a partnership that keeps your business secure, scalable, and supported. Contact Braden today for a co-managed IT consultation. Reach us at info@bradenit.com.