Managed vs Co-Managed IT: Costs, Risks, and Responsibilities Explained
July 23rd, 2026
What is the difference between Managed IT and Co-Managed IT? Picking the wrong IT support model can leave your team overwhelmed and your company’s data exposed. In this video, Dave Clark from AIS (Advanced Imaging Solutions) explains exactly how to map out operational ownership and choose the right IT framework for your business.
Whether your office manager is acting as an unofficial helpdesk, or your dedicated IT manager is drowning in reactive fixes, this breakdown will help you audit your current structure. We cover the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, cost expectations per user, and how to transition without downtime.
Key Takeaways:
- What is Managed IT? An outside provider acts as your complete IT department, handling everything from project planning to cybersecurity. This is ideal for businesses with no internal IT staff.
- What is Co-Managed IT? A shared ownership model that combines your internal IT team’s knowledge with the specialized, heavy-lifting support of an experienced Managed Service Provider (MSP).
- How much does IT cost? Backend systems administration typically costs $40-$90 per user, daily helpdesk support ranges from $60-$110 per user, and fully managed environments generally land between $160-$210 per user.
- Why do companies switch? Industry research shows that 58% of businesses supplement internal teams due to rising IT complexity, 52% to fill skill gaps, and 50% for cost benefits.
Cliff is a multi-talented individual with a profound passion for creativity and storytelling. As a photographer/videographer, he possesses a keen eye for detail, capturing the essence of moments, and creating high-quality images and videos. As an award-winning editor, his expertise lies in seamlessly weaving vivid stories and narratives that captivate audiences and bring ideas to life. When he isn’t honing his craft, he spends time with his family or watching B-movies.
