In our January Resolutions series, we've talked about reinforcing your human firewall with policies and the tactical advantages of aligning your IT budget and strategy with overall business aspirations and goals. Now, let's shift the focus to your internal IT team — and the challenges they face in 2026.
Too often, organizations researching co-managed IT assume the goal of your MSP is to take over internal operations. But you don't need to replace your existing IT staff (and we don't want to!) You need to empower them. Co-managed IT isn't outsourcing support; it is a collaboration that can be a force multiplier for your business.
Key Takeaways
- Co-managed IT empowers internal teams by filling skills gaps, providing 24/7 coverage, and accelerating project delivery — without replacing your staff.
- Common triggers include burnout, security gaps, rising downtime, or mounting backlogs — all signs your team needs support.
- Cost-effective and scalable, co-managed IT delivers enterprise-grade expertise and tools at a fraction of internal hiring costs.
What Internal IT Teams Are Up Against
Even the strongest internal IT departments are stretched thin. And it's not because they're underperforming — it's because they're overwhelmed.
- Too many tools, too little time: From cloud infrastructure to compliance, IT teams are responsible for more than ever before.
- Security threats are outpacing in-house expertise: The attack surface keeps growing — and so do the risks, not to mention alarm fatigue and a never-ending barrage of critical patches and updates.
- Backlogs and burnout: Projects pile up, strategic initiatives stall, and staff morale suffers.
- Turnover and talent gaps: It's tough (and expensive) to attract and retain experienced IT talent — and even harder to cover the workload when you can't.
If your IT team is constantly playing defense, it's time to consider a new approach.
What Co-Managed IT Is (And Isn't)
Many organizations hesitate at the phrase "co-managed IT" because they assume it means outsourcing or replacing staff. That couldn't be further from the truth. A way to scale capability and resilience
Think of it as a hybrid IT team support solution. Your internal team focuses on core business needs while your MSP partner fills in the gaps with expertise, tools, and 24/7 coverage.
Signs You Might Be Ready for Co-Managed IT
Here are some common symptoms we see in organizations ready to leap:
- Chronic project backlogs or slow time-to-value
- Missed security patches or compliance gaps
- Increasing downtime or recurring system instability
- Leadership demanding more from IT — without increasing headcount
- Single points of failure (only one person knows "that system")
If any of those sound familiar, it's time to ask: Is co-managed IT the right resolution this year?
Why Augmenting Is Smarter Than Hiring in 2026
Let's talk cost — and value. Hiring just one senior IT employee typically costs:
- $4,425 in recruitment and onboarding expenses
- 36–42 days to fully onboard
- Plus salary, benefits, ongoing training, and the risk of turnover
Meanwhile, one of the key benefits of co-managed IT services is immediate access to additional expertise without permanent hiring costs — giving midsize organizations a competitive edge when attracting (or retaining) top-tier IT talent. Some statistics show organizations lowering total IT costs between 40–60% when they co-manage instead of building everything internally — savings driven by reductions in staffing, infrastructure, and upgrade costs. Why? Managed IT pricing often ranges from $200-$300 per user/month, depending on scope, offering a predictable cost structure for enterprise-grade support and tools — far more scalable than staffing senior engineers full-time. And, critically, co-managed IT reduces operational risk by avoiding "single points of failure" where only one person understands a key system or has industry-specific expertise.
How Exigent Strengthens Internal IT Teams
At Exigent, we've built our reputation as a collaborative partner. We don't take over. We plug in and augment your internal staff. Our co-managed clients stay in the driver's seat — we just make the ride smoother, safer, and faster. Here's how:
- Shared visibility into systems, with clear lines of responsibility
- High-level engineering support for projects, escalations, and planning
- Backup and coverage when internal staff are on leave or unavailable
- Strategic guidance to align your tech roadmap with business goals
Whether you need extra bandwidth for help desk tickets, expert guidance for cybersecurity, or coverage to reduce burnout, Exigent meets you where you are.
Let's Talk About What Support Looks Like
You don't need to build everything in-house. And you don't need to settle for less. With co-managed IT, your internal team stays strong — and gets even stronger with IT staff augmentation—skills, time, availability that extends your team's talent.
If your IT team is ready for support—not replacement—let's discuss how co-managed IT benefits your business.
