Collaborative Co-Managed IT Services

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Co-Managed IT Services Overview

Enhance your IT operations with Brightworks Group’s Co-Managed IT Services. Our collaborative approach empowers your existing IT team with expert support and advanced resources.

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Collaborative IT Partnership

Work alongside our IT experts to complement and strengthen your current team’s skill set. We offer specialized knowledge and ongoing support, allowing you to tackle complex projects with confidence.

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Access to Advanced Tools

Equip your team with industry-leading tools and technologies that drive productivity and efficiency. Our solutions provide the infrastructure needed for improved IT service delivery and performance.

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Strategic IT Consulting

Benefit from periodic strategy sessions with our vCIO/vCISO to align IT operations with business goals. We provide comprehensive technology roadmaps that guide you through IT upgrades and optimizations.

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Security and Compliance Assurance

Protect your IT environment with robust security measures and ensure adherence to industry best practices. Our experts conduct security assessments and provide remediation strategies to mitigate risks.

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We deliver proactive IT solutions that help your business grow, scale, and stay ahead

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Brightworks Group Co-Managed IT Benefits

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Enhanced Expertise and Support

Partner with Brightworks to supplement your existing IT team with specialized skills and knowledge. Our co-managed solutions provide access to industry-leading experts, enhancing your team’s capabilities and efficiency.

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Flexible and Scalable Solutions

Experience flexible IT services that scale with your business needs. From project-based support to ongoing management, Brightworks offers adaptable solutions that grow alongside your company.

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Boosted Team Morale and Productivity

Improve internal team morale by offloading routine tasks, allowing your IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives. Brightworks helps reduce burnout, leading to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

From the People

We love hearing from our customers! You’re the reason we’re here and the reason we do what we do.

“We just recently brought on Brightworks Group as our IT consultant and partner. They are always timely, professional, positive, and willing to do the work to come up with a solution to any of your IT problems.”

Mary Ladd

“I love working with Brightworks. Their responsiveness, knowledge, and commitment to their customers are an asset for any business, and I wholeheartedly recommend working with them.”

Bee Mac.

“The BWG team is helpful at a moment’s notice when needed. In this time where technology is one of the most crucial parts of any business, especially with remote working requirements, it’s important to have a support crew that can get you through issues that may arise. BWG has been a trusted partner for many years, and we are glad they are on board.”

Adam Owens

“After working with Doug Miller and his team at BWG for a number of years, putting out fires and keeping the trains running on time, we asked Doug if there was a better way. At that time, early 2019, Doug was exploring cloud-based solutions for engineering firms that he thought might just solve many of our issues for a price we could afford. As it turns out, it was a timely discussion.

Over the course of the rest of 2019, we were introduced to Doug’s business partners at Avatara. Long story short, we made the switch from an on-premises IT solution to a cloud-based solution in early December 2019. This involved moving terabytes of data, all of our software, new laptops for access to virtual workstations in the cloud, and upgrades of our switches, routers, and access points in our half-dozen offices.

We made the switch over a weekend and then worked with both BWG and Avatara over the course of the next three months, customizing our new system. That wasn’t easy, but we were changing just about everything related to IT, and everyone pulled in the same direction. And the absolute dumb luck good news was that we were ready when the pandemic hit us all hard in mid-March. And by ready, I mean our employees were able to work from home using their internet connections and perform CADD virtually without missing a beat!

My thanks go to Doug, who had the foresight to propose such a solution, his team at BWG, our internal team working alongside BWG, as well as our new partners at Avatara. Well done to all.”

Tom Mahon

President, Schneider Geomatics.

“My experience with IT consulting/support providers has historically been characterized by unpredictable fees, high turnover in the technicians that provide support, and a general lack of understanding of our business and its culture using technology.

The Brightworks business model is clearly different from other IT service providers, and they claimed to solve those common issues in their pitch to us. Since I began working with them several years ago, I can confidently say they have executed on that business model and provided a high level of service with a consistent team of individuals who have also spent time getting to know our business and how we use technology. Doug and his team are not only highly experienced and clearly understand the latest technology that supports our business, but are also personable and effective in translating technical jargon into concepts a non-technical business user can understand.

I would highly recommend Brightworks to any company looking for a partner they can trust to manage their information technology.”

Dan Rodgers

“We had lost faith in IT companies as a whole, but finding ourselves in the position to find another one, we received a recommendation to contact Brightworks. Brightworks comes to the table with this new concept that really helped us think about how we use technology in new ways. We enjoy working with Brightworks because they care about our success as a whole, not just the IT piece.”

Teresa Simpson

RL Turner Corporation.

“After having many experiences with various IT firms, we have been lucky to find a partner like Brightworks to enhance our team. They are very quick to respond to any IT need we have – big or small – and do so willingly and enthusiastically at any time of day. But most importantly, they have been a trusted leader when it comes to understanding how technology can best support our growth. They are an absolute pleasure to do business with. Our organization could not operate as efficiently or effectively without the support of everyone at Brightworks, and we are grateful for their partnership! ”

Pam Francis

Schott Design.

“Brightworks consistently delivers a high level of technical expertise and customer service, so we can focus on our core business. Brightworks is committed to efficiently resolving IT incidents, but more importantly, they help us eliminate the root cause.”

Ed Balda

Teays River Investments, LLC.

“I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the comprehensive and thorough service provided by Brightworks Group. From providing high-level strategic guidance to providing day-to-day support to my team, Brightworks excels at proactively crafting and implementing solutions that keep us focused on our business, and not IT issues. My vCIO, account manager, on-site technicians, and help desk experts all take the time to clearly explain the risks and benefits of each decision. I look forward to continuing to grow with Brightworks Group.”

Greg Fulk

COO, Valeo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Co-Managed IT Services?

Co-managed IT services represent a strategic partnership model where an organization’s internal IT team collaborates closely with a specialized provider like Brightworks Group to share the responsibility of managing and optimizing IT operations. This approach empowers IT leaders and business executives by supplementing internal expertise, closing skill gaps, and offering critical resources exactly when and where they are needed most. Unlike a fully outsourced model, co-managed IT support is built around enhancing—not replacing—your company’s existing IT capabilities.

How Co-Managed IT Services Supplement Internal IT Teams

Co-managed IT services are designed to support and augment in-house teams, freeing staff from routine maintenance or overwhelming workloads so they can focus on initiatives that drive business value. A co-managed IT service is a collaborative approach where a managed service provider works alongside your internal IT department and internal IT staff, combining internal resources with external specialized expertise to enhance security, efficiency, and flexibility. With Brightworks as your partner, your IT staff and existing staff gain access to specialized expertise, best-in-class enterprise tools, and proven methodologies. This model supplements internal resources, allowing existing staff to focus on higher-value work while filling skill gaps and increasing productivity. Co-managed IT services are especially beneficial for organizations with limited resources, as they help reduce costs compared to fully managed models and provide flexible budgeting options. This not only improves operational efficiency but also provides a valuable safety net during peak periods, special projects, or when specialized skills are required.

Roles and Responsibilities in a Co-Managed Model

The hallmark of the co-managed IT service model is shared responsibility. Typically, the MSP and the organization’s team manage different aspects: the organization’s team retains control of strategic functions and user-facing tasks, while Brightworks manages support in complex areas such as cybersecurity, cloud migration, infrastructure upgrades, or regulatory compliance. This flexibility is tailored; managing responsibilities can shift dynamically as business needs change, ensuring you only pay for the services you actually require.

Scenarios Where Co-Managed IT Services Are Most Beneficial

The services co managed model is a flexible, collaborative solution ideal for growing businesses, IT departments facing resource shortages, or organizations with ambitious digital transformation goals that align with their overall IT strategy and strategic initiatives. It is especially valuable when onboarding new technologies, rolling out critical project initiatives, or ensuring 24/7 operations without overwhelming your in-house team. By choosing this approach, organizations can invest in IT improvements and better manage resources, allowing internal teams to focus on core business objectives. By partnering with Brightworks, you can access 200+ technology assessment standards and best practices, robust security expertise, and a proven process for technology strategy and roadmapping—all while maintaining control and visibility over your IT environment.

What is Meant by Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services represent a strategic approach to IT support in which an external provider takes responsibility for a company’s technology needs, delivering proactive monitoring, security, support, and maintenance. Companies utilizing the IT managed services model can offload critical and routine IT operational tasks to expert professionals, allowing internal teams to focus on core initiatives that drive growth and competitive advantage.

Under a managed IT services agreement, the service provider becomes an extension of the organization, ensuring that technology platforms are consistently updated, compliant, and secure. Unlike relying solely on in house expertise, outsourcing to a managed service provider eliminates the need for internal technical staff, as coverage typically spans key areas such as around-the-clock network monitoring, cybersecurity threat detection and response, data backup and disaster recovery planning, end-user support, system patching, and infrastructure maintenance. These comprehensive offerings are delivered under pre-defined service levels, providing predictability, reliability, and peace of mind for IT leaders and executives.

How do Managed IT Service Providers Operate?

A managed service provider (MSP) operates using a proactive methodology. Rather than waiting for technology issues to disrupt business, a managed service provider utilizes advanced monitoring, automation, and preventative maintenance tools to identify and resolve problems before they impact operations. This proactive approach minimizes downtime, strengthens data protection, and improves overall user experience. Brightworks Group, for example, bases its technology assessment and support practices on 200+ industry standards and best practices, ensuring businesses receive a higher level of service and attention than generic MSP options.

What Services Are Typically Included in Managed IT Agreements?

The specific mix of services can be tailored, but often encompasses:

  • 24/7 system monitoring and remote management to proactively detect and resolve issues before they escalate
  • Cybersecurity assessments and ongoing protection
  • Backup and disaster recovery
  • User and endpoint support desk services
  • Cloud services management and optimization
  • IT planning, consulting, and vCIO/vCISO strategy sessions

Brightworks Group excels at customizing managed IT agreements that align with organizational priorities, ensuring clients benefit from expert guidance while enjoying freedom from daily IT firefighting. By choosing a true partner like Brightworks, IT professionals and business executives can extend their capabilities, elevate operational resilience, and redirect resources toward innovation and growth.

What Is the IT Managed Services Model?

The IT managed services model is a comprehensive framework in which a company entrusts some or all of its IT operations to an external partner, known as a managed IT services provider. This collaborative model enables companies to elevate their technology environment by accessing advanced expertise, monitoring, security, and strategic guidance—often at lower costs than maintaining a full in-house IT department. Managed services not only address tactical IT issues but also focus on optimizing technology strategies to align with your business objectives.

In practice, companies engage an MSP like Brightworks Group to oversee critical IT functions, including 24/7 monitoring, issue detection and resolution, proactive maintenance, cybersecurity, backup management, and helpdesk support. By outsourcing these functions, organizations ensure that their systems remain secure, compliant, and efficient with significantly reduced downtime. MSPs leverage advanced tools and best practices to deliver solutions tailored to each client’s unique operational requirements, and can also provide support for specific IT project needs.

What Services are Included in the Managed IT Services Model?

The managed IT services model can be customized to fit a variety of business needs, typically including network and infrastructure monitoring, patch management, cybersecurity services, cloud management, data backups, disaster recovery planning, and troubleshooting support. This comprehensive solution is designed to maximize uptime, improve user productivity, and keep the technology ecosystem running smoothly. Additionally, strategic consulting around technology planning and budgeting often forms a core part of managed service agreements, giving organizations the benefit of long-term IT roadmap development.

How Does the Managed Services Model Compare to Traditional IT Support?

Unlike break/fix support models, which respond to IT issues after they arise, the IT managed services model takes a proactive, continuous approach. Routine IT tasks, which are often time consuming, are offloaded by managed services, freeing up internal resources. With break/fix, businesses might only call for help when a problem disrupts operations, leading to unpredictable expenses and increased risk. In-house IT can provide dedicated support, but many businesses struggle to maintain the necessary breadth of expertise and cover all support needs around the clock. Managed services deliver assurance, scalability, and dedicated skillsets without the burden and cost of constant in-house expansion. When compared to competitors, Brightworks Group distinguishes itself through its strategic partnership approach, integrating tightly with your business to ensure proactive and seamless IT management.

What Service Levels Are Typically Offered?

Most managed service agreements offer multiple service tiers, ranging from essential monitoring and basic support to fully managed environments with comprehensive security, rapid response in cybersecurity incidents, cloud integration, and vCIO/vCISO-level strategic guidance. Brightworks Group’s approach goes beyond standard service levels by also offering co-managed IT options—empowering internal teams to reach new heights of performance with ongoing expert insight and enterprise-grade resources.

What is the Difference Between Managed and Co-Managed IT Services?

The difference between managed and co-managed IT services lies chiefly in how responsibility, collaboration, and control are distributed between an IT services provider and an organization’s internal team. In a managed IT service model, the provider takes full ownership of your IT operations, handling everything from monitoring and support to security and compliance. In contrast, a co managed it service is a flexible service model that augments your organization’s existing IT staff, empowering them with advanced expertise and resources while your organization’s team retains day-to-day operational control in-house.

Let’s examine these key differences in detail:

Responsibility and Collaboration

With managed IT services, organizations effectively outsource their technology needs to a managed services provider. The MSP assumes end-to-end responsibility for IT systems, freeing your staff for core business tasks. However, this approach may reduce your ability to customize solutions or respond quickly to internal needs. On the other hand, co-managed IT services MSP involves close collaboration. Your internal IT staff works alongside Brightworks Group specialists, sharing knowledge and managing responsibilities together as needed. This model is ideal for businesses seeking to enhance their IT capabilities without relinquishing control.

Use Cases for Managed vs. Co-Managed Services

Enterprises that lack internal IT resources or wish to focus exclusively on business operations may favor the managed services model. Meanwhile, organizations with an internal IT department often find greater value in the co-managed model, as it allows them to maintain control while benefiting from external expertise. For example, when facing a facility move, cloud migration, or a complex security upgrade, Brightworks’ co-managed IT support can supplement your internal resources by providing targeted expertise and bandwidth, empowering your internal staff to stay focused and productive while raising the standard of your IT operations overall.

How Co-Managed Services Foster True Partnership

Unlike the traditional outsourcing dynamic, co-managed IT services foster an ongoing partnership. As a trusted advisor, Brightworks Group’s approach ensures your IT staff gains access to enterprise-level tools, proprietary assessment processes, and over 200+ industry best practices. Regular vCIO/vCISO strategy sessions and collaborative roadmap development mean you’re not just hiring help—you’re gaining a trusted ally who is invested in your long-term technology strategy.

Brightworks’ Unique Approach to Co-Managed IT Services

Brightworks Group is distinct in its flexibility, expertise, and focus on partnership. Our team takes time to understand your organization’s unique environment, goals, and growth trajectory, delivering support that integrates seamlessly with your internal operations. Unlike other firms, Brightworks elevates your IT capacity without compromising your internal team’s autonomy or institutional knowledge, making our co-managed IT services the perfect way to extend your IT capabilities while retaining control and transparency.

Why Choose Brightworks for Co-Managed IT Services?

When it comes to co-managed IT services companies, Brightworks sets itself apart with a strategic and collaborative approach designed to empower your internal IT team, not replace them. Any company looking to enhance its IT operations can benefit from our services, especially when facing resource constraints or the need to manage a new IT project. We understand that every organization’s needs are unique, which is why our solutions are meticulously tailored to fit your existing infrastructure, culture, and business goals. By partnering with Brightworks, your company gains instant access to specialized expertise and advanced resources, significantly accelerating your team’s capabilities and productivity.

What advantages does Brightworks offer with co-managed IT services?

Brightworks’ co-managed IT services are built around the principles of flexibility, transparency, and partnership. Our approach delivers enhanced co-managed IT support by actively listening to your staff’s challenges and proactively addressing them with best-in-class solutions. We augment your team’s strengths and fill in any skill or resource gaps, ensuring your IT operations maintain exceptional efficiency with minimal risk. Clients consistently note significant improvements in incident response times, network stability, and security posture due to our proactive monitoring, which helps resolve issues before they escalate.

How does Brightworks integrate with existing IT staff?

Unlike many co-managed it services MSP providers, Brightworks prioritizes seamless integration. We offer a truly collaborative experience, working alongside your internal staff and existing staff rather than operating in silos. Our onboarding process ensures a smooth transition and clear role definitions, eliminating confusion and building trust. Regular strategy sessions help to align our services with your team’s evolving needs, whether it’s supplementing your helpdesk or providing advanced cybersecurity expertise. As trusted partners, our goal is to elevate your team’s performance, not overshadow it.

How does Brightworks compare to other co-managed IT services companies?

Brightworks doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all contracts or rigid, impersonal service plans. Our approach is customizable at every level, enabling your organization’s needs to be met with scalable support that grows with your business. Other providers may offer similar-sounding services, but Brightworks distinguishes itself through exceptional communication, deep expertise, and a relentless focus on your long-term success. We combine proactive risk management, continuous improvement, and strategic insight to keep your business agile and resilient—advantages you simply won’t find with standard or cookie-cutter solutions.

By partnering with Brightworks, you gain more than just another provider; you gain a dedicated ally committed to your organization’s IT excellence. Let us show you how truly effective co-managed IT support can transform your internal IT operations, empower your team to focus on strategic initiatives, and drive meaningful business outcomes.