Co-Managed vs Fully Managed IT: What Wilmington Businesses Should Consider

Co-Managed vs Fully Managed IT: What Wilmington Businesses Should Consider

If you’re a business leader weighing your options for IT support. In that case, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to adopt a fully managed IT model or a co-managed approach that supplements your internal team.

There’s no universal answer – only what’s right for your structure, goals, and resources. This blog breaks down the key differences so you can make the right call for your business in Wilmington.

Understanding the Two Models: Co-Managed vs Fully Managed IT

Fully Managed IT means outsourcing all IT responsibilities to a dedicated provider. This includes daily support, strategic planning, cybersecurity, and infrastructure management.

Co-Managed IT is a shared approach. Your internal IT team handles what they do best – while an external partner (like ACS) fills the gaps, handles overflow, and strengthens your capabilities.

Comparing the Two Approaches

Co-managed IT keeps your internal team in control while expanding their reach. Fully managed IT offloads everything to a partner.

Control and oversight are the major differences. With co-managed, your team maintains hands-on involvement. With fully managed, your provider handles it all – tools, workflows, and priorities.

If your team is overwhelmed but valuable, co-managed IT gives them the support they need to succeed. If you lack IT staff altogether, fully managed may be the right move.

Quick Feature Breakdown

Who manages IT, day-to-day?
Co-Managed: Your internal team, supported by ACS
Fully Managed: ACS runs everything for you

Control over systems?
Co-Managed: You stay hands-on.
Fully Managed: We take over operational management

Cost efficiency?
Co-Managed: Often less than hiring more staff
Fully Managed: Predictable flat-rate pricing

Best for?
Co-Managed: Companies with existing IT teams
Fully Managed: Companies with no IT staff

Cybersecurity?
Co-Managed: Shared with internal + ACS expertise
Fully Managed: Fully managed by ACS

Signs You Might Prefer Co-Managed IT

• You have in-house IT, but they’re overwhelmed.
• Projects are falling behind due to limited bandwidth.
• You want to maintain internal control while scaling up.
• Your team needs extra cybersecurity or compliance help.

Signs You Might Need Fully Managed IT

• You don’t have internal IT staff.
• You want a completely outsourced IT solution.
• You’re looking for flat-rate, full-service IT without oversight.

Why Wilmington Businesses Choose ACS

ACS doesn’t force one model. We help you choose what’s right.

We work with IT directors who want support without interference. And we work with owners who need total IT relief. Either way, you get:

• Fast, local response
• Clear monthly pricing
• Expertise in cloud, cybersecurity, networking, and compliance
• A respectful, strategic approach that matches your goals

Your Next Steps

Schedule a Discovery Call – We’ll evaluate your current structure and goals.
Get a Clear Plan – You’ll receive a recommendation for either co-managed or fully managed support.
Move Forward with Confidence – Your IT will scale with your operations, without the chaos.

I want to compare managed and co-managed options. Schedule my Discovery Call

Whether you need a full IT department or support for your existing one, ACS helps Wilmington businesses find the best-fit model. With both co-managed and fully managed IT services, we give you flexibility, security, and confidence that your systems will support your success.

Let’s figure out the right solution for your team – starting with one quick call.