As technology continues to shape every aspect of how we work, having the right IT support model in place is no longer optional—it’s essential. But not every business has the same needs or resources. That’s where the choice between Managed IT Services and Co-Managed IT Services comes in.

At Remington Computer Services, we help businesses understand and implement the right level of IT support for their operations. Here’s a closer look at the key differences between these two models, and how to determine which one is best for your organization.

What Is Managed IT?

Managed IT is a fully outsourced solution where a third-party provider takes over the management of your entire IT environment. This includes day-to-day support, infrastructure maintenance, cybersecurity protection, cloud services, and long-term strategic planning.

It’s a popular choice for companies without a dedicated internal IT department, or those that want to hand off all tech responsibilities to a trusted partner.

What Is Co-Managed IT?

Co-Managed IT is a collaborative model designed to support and extend your in-house IT team. Instead of replacing your internal staff, a provider like Remington Computer Services works alongside them—offering tools, expertise, and added bandwidth where needed.

This setup is ideal for businesses that already have IT professionals on staff but need help with larger projects, specialized systems, or simply want to enhance their capabilities without overextending internal resources.

Comparing the Two Approaches

Here’s how they stack up in practical terms:

• Managed IT
  • Complete outsourcing of all IT services
  • Ideal for small businesses or organizations without IT staff
  • Offers a predictable monthly cost
  • Provider handles all support, maintenance, and strategy
• Co-Managed IT
  • Shared responsibility between your team and the provider
  • Best for mid-sized to large organizations with existing IT staff
  • Customizable support based on gaps or pain points
  • Allows your team to stay focused on core initiatives

When to Choose Managed IT

Choose Managed IT if:

• You don’t have an internal IT team
• Your business needs reliable, 24/7 support
• You’re looking to reduce overhead and simplify tech management
• You want a single partner to handle everything from help desk to cybersecurity

When to Choose Co-Managed IT

Consider Co-Managed IT if:

• You already have an IT team but they’re overwhelmed or understaffed
• You’re tackling a major project, like a cloud migration or infrastructure upgrade
• You want access to enterprise-level tools and expertise without hiring additional staff
• You need a partner that complements—not replaces—your in-house team

How Remington Computer Services Can Help

Whether you need full-service IT management or a collaborative partner to support your internal tech team, Remington Computer Services is here to provide flexible, tailored solutions that meet your business where it is.

Our team of experts is equipped to:

• Take over complete IT operations
• Step in as an extension of your existing IT department
• Deliver enterprise-grade cybersecurity
• Support cloud and infrastructure projects
• Offer strategic guidance as your business evolves

Let’s Build the Right IT Strategy Together

Every business has different technology needs—and we believe your IT support should reflect that. At Remington Computer Services, we’ll help you find the best-fit model and deliver solutions that align with your goals, budget, and vision.

Remington Computer Services has been serving the Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts area since 2010, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses. Our experience has allowed us to build and develop the infrastructure needed to keep our prices affordable and our clients up and running. Schedule a complimentary consultation today.