Managed IT vs In-house IT vs Co-managed IT

What’s the Right Move for Your Growing Business?

A small business owner is sitting across from a managed IT provider at a table, discussing technology solutions in a professional setting.

The IT Question Every Growing Business Faces:

As your business grows, so do your IT challenges. What started as the occasional tech hiccup can quickly evolve into full-blown complexity—security, compliance, cloud systems, user support, and keeping everything running smoothly.

So what’s the best way to handle it all?
Do you hire someone in-house or partner with a Managed IT Services Provider (MSP)?

Let’s break it down.

Managed IT vs. In-House IT What's the right move

The Reality of In-House IT: One Person, Too Many Roles

In house IT Too many roles

At around 50–75 employees, many companies consider hiring a full-time IT professional. But that person is often expected to juggle helpdesk support, cybersecurity, cloud management, system updates, and vendor coordination—all on their own.

It’s a lot to carry. And it’s expensive. A skilled IT hire typically costs $70,000–$100,000 per year, not including tools, training, or benefits. More importantly, when one person handles everything, coverage gaps are almost guaranteed—especially during absences or emergencies.

A Smarter Option: Managed IT That Scales With You

Illustration comparing in-house IT with managed IT services, showing one overwhelmed IT person versus a full support team with the text: Why Settle for One Person When You Can Have a Whole Team?

Working with a Managed Service Provider gives you access to a full team of IT experts, often for less than the cost of one in-house hire. With Foundation BTS, you get:

✅ 24/7 monitoring and proactive support
✅ Cybersecurity and compliance expertise
✅ Strategic guidance tailored to your business
✅ Industry-grade tools already built in

More uptime. Fewer tech headaches. Predictable monthly costs.

When One Person Handles IT, What’s Being Missed?

Even the most capable internal IT person can’t work 24/7. Without backup, you risk:

❌ Delayed responses or unresolved issues
❌ Gaps in cybersecurity or documentation
❌ Limited strategic planning
❌ Burnout or turnover

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) fills those gaps with coverage, depth, and consistency—so you’re never left exposed.

A stressed IT worker sitting at a laptop, res7ting his head on his hand,
Two IT professionals are collaborating at a desk with laptops, set against a warm orange background, symbolizing a co-managed IT partnership.

What About a Co-Managed Approach?

If your company has 100+ employees or a more complex tech environment, a blended model might be the right fit.

With co-managed IT:

  • 🛠️ Your internal team handles day-to-day user support and on-site tasks

  • 🧠 Foundation BTS supports advanced security, system monitoring, and strategy

  • 📈 You get layered coverage without overloading your internal resources

  • 🤝 It’s collaborative, not competitive—we work alongside your IT staff

This setup helps your in-house tech thrive, while ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Two IT professionals are collaborating at a desk with laptops, set against a warm orange background, symbolizing a co-managed IT partnership.

Have Questions? Let’s Clear Things Up.

We get it—IT decisions can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from growing businesses like yours.

When is it time to switch to managed IT services?

If your IT challenges are growing and your current resources are stretched, or if you’re planning to expand, it’s time to consider managed IT services for more efficient support.

Will outsourcing IT mean losing control?

Absolutely not. Partnering with a provider like Foundation BTS enhances your control by offering more visibility, comprehensive support, and allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Are managed IT services suitable for small businesses?

Yes, managed IT services are perfect for small to mid-sized businesses that need expert IT support without the expense of a full-time internal team.

What if we already have an internal IT person?

That’s where co-managed IT shines. We work alongside your in-house team to fill in the gaps, reduce their workload, and provide deeper expertise.

How do we get started?

Just book a free discovery call. We’ll walk through your current setup and help you figure out what makes the most sense—no pressure, no obligation.

What’s the Right Fit for Your Business?

Two business professionals are sitting across from each other at a table, engaged in a conversation in a modern office setting.

Not sure where you stand? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Foundation BTS, we make IT simple, scalable, and secure—whether we’re your full team or working alongside your existing one.

Let’s talk through your setup and help you choose the best path forward.

Book a Consultation