Technology is the engine behind nearly every business today. But managing IT infrastructure—securely, efficiently, and cost-effectively—isn’t easy. That’s where IT service models come in. The two most common? Fully managed IT and co-managed IT.
So, what’s the difference? And more importantly—which model is the right fit for your business?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Fully Managed IT?
In a Fully Managed IT model, a third-party provider (like Microsys) takes full responsibility for your entire IT environment.
That includes:
- 24/7 system monitoring and help desk support
- Network infrastructure and maintenance
- Storage and backup solutions
- Cybersecurity and compliance
- Endpoint management, MDR, SOC solutions
- IT strategy and consulting
Essentially, your external IT partner becomes your full-service technology department.
What Is Co-Managed IT?
Co-Managed IT blends the strengths of your internal IT team with the support of a Managed Services Provider (MSP). It’s a partnership—not a replacement.
In this model:
- Your in-house IT handles day-to-day tasks or specialized areas
- The MSP fills in gaps—like after-hours support, security, backup, or project work
- Responsibilities are clearly defined, and both teams collaborate
Think of it as extending your IT team without hiring new full-time staff.
Fully Managed IT vs Co-Managed IT: Key Differences
When Fully Managed IT Makes Sense
You should consider a fully managed model if:
- You don’t have an internal IT team.
Startups, small businesses, and non-tech organizations often benefit most. - You want to focus on core business operations.
Letting IT experts handle tech means your team can focus on growth. - You need 24/7 support without hiring full-time staff.
Hiring an internal 24/7 team is expensive. Outsourcing it is more efficient. - Cyber security is a top concern.
A fully managed service includes endpoint security, patching, monitoring, and backups—all critical for staying protected. - You’re scaling fast and need IT to keep up.
External providers offer the flexibility to scale services up or down as needed.
When Co-Managed IT Is the Smarter Choice
A Co-Managed IT setup might be your best fit if:
- You already have an internal IT team.
They know your systems and people—but may need support with strategy, coverage, or large-scale rollouts. - Your team is overwhelmed.
Day-to-day ticket volume, patching, and user support can drain time from strategic projects. - You want to reduce burnout and turnover.
Sharing responsibilities allows internal staff to focus on what they do best. - You’re facing new compliance or security needs.
A co-managed partner can help with audits, documentation, and best practices. - You need help outside of business hours.
Your provider can cover nights, weekends, or vacation gaps.
Choosing Between Fully Managed IT vs Co-Managed IT
Here are five key decision factors to help guide your choice:
- Internal Capabilities
- No internal IT?→ Fully managed is likely the better fit.
- Have a capable IT team?→ Co-managed allows for collaboration and strategic growth.
- Control & Visibility
- Want full visibility and decision-making? Co-managed IT keeps control in-house.
- Prefer to delegate tech oversight entirely? Go fully managed.
- Budget & Staffing
- Fully managed models come with predictable costs but may seem higher upfront.
- Co-managed IT can be cost-effective by reducing the need for additional internal hires.
- Growth Goals
- Planning major expansion? Fully managed teams scale quickly.
- Already established but evolving? Co-managed gives your team breathing room without full outsourcing.
- Security Needs
- If you’re in a high-risk industry (finance, healthcare, etc.), you need proactive threat management.
Both models can work—but fully managed providers often offer a deeper security stack.
How Microsys Supports Both Models
At Microsys, we work with businesses across Ontario—from startups in Stouffville to growing enterprises in Richmond Hill—to deliver both fully managed and co-managed IT services.
As a leading managed IT services provider, we offer:
- Full-service solutions for small businesses with no IT department
- Co-managed support for companies looking to supplement or scale their internal teams
- Seamless integrations with your existing tools, workflows, and platforms
Expertise in cyber security, Sage ERP, cloud migration, and HRMS solutions
What About Hybrid Models?
Some businesses choose a hybrid route—fully outsourcing infrastructure but keeping internal help desk staff. Or outsourcing cyber security but keeping server management in-house.
That’s the beauty of flexible IT partnerships: you can mix and match based on what your team needs.
It’s Not Either/Or—It’s What’s Best for You
Choosing between fully managed IT vs co-managed IT doesn’t have to be all or nothing. The right decision depends on your team’s strengths, your risk tolerance, and how fast you’re growing.
Not sure what fits best? Microsys can help assess your current infrastructure, staff load, and long-term goals to create a custom solution.
Book a Free IT Consultation with Microsys
Whether you’re considering a managed IT services provider or need co-managed support from a trusted Sage Consultant in Toronto, Microsys is ready to help. We also assist growing teams with tailored solutions, including cyber security services in Markham and beyond.
Let’s talk about how we can support your business, protect your data, and scale your tech—on your terms.
