At KML Computer Services, we work alongside internal IT departments every day to fill gaps, provide expertise, and ensure technology doesn’t become a bottleneck. In this article, we’ll break down when Co-Managed IT support makes sense, the benefits of this hybrid approach, and real-world examples of how businesses have partnered with KML to create resilient, scalable IT environments.
What is Co-Managed IT?
Before diving into when to seek co-managed support, it’s important to define what it is—and what it isn’t. Co-Managed IT is a partnership model where your existing IT staff retains control over day-to-day operations, but an external Managed Services Provider (MSP) like KML Computer Services supplements your team with additional resources, tools, and expertise. This approach doesn’t replace your internal IT; it empowers them.
KML’s Co-Managed IT services include:
- 24/7 Monitoring & Management
- Help Desk Support for overflow or after-hours needs
- Cybersecurity tools & threat detection
- Specialized project assistance
- Procurement and vendor management
- Backup and disaster recovery solutions
- Access to senior-level engineers for escalations
Think of it as adding muscle to your IT department—without the overhead of hiring, training, and retaining additional full-time staff.
Signs It’s Time to Supplement Your Internal IT
Every organization is different, but there are common indicators that your IT team could benefit from outside support. Here are the top signs it’s time to consider a Co-Managed IT partnership:
1. Overworked and Overwhelmed IT Staff
IT professionals are expected to juggle everything from password resets to complex infrastructure projects. When your team is constantly putting out fires, proactive tasks like system upgrades, patch management, and security hardening often fall by the wayside. This reactive cycle increases vulnerability and burnout.
How KML Helps: We offload routine tasks, provide Help Desk coverage, and ensure proactive maintenance so your IT staff can focus on strategic initiatives.
2. Skill Gaps or Specialized Needs
Even the most talented IT professionals can’t be experts in everything. If your team lacks expertise in areas like cybersecurity, cloud migrations, or advanced networking, bringing in specialists prevents costly mistakes.
Client Example:
Melanie Triska, IT Manager for Oxford Companies, shares:
“Their expertise is top-notch – from large scale network hardware refreshes to smaller one-off projects and troubleshooting help. The engineers are highly skilled and do a great job working with our sys admin to keep us safe and secure. I would recommend them 100%.”
Oxford Companies, a major real estate group managing over 2.5 million square feet, relies on KML for specialized projects their internal staff doesn’t have time or resources to tackle alone.
3. Increasing Cybersecurity Threats
Cyber threats evolve daily, and internal IT teams often struggle to keep pace with the latest defenses. If your organization lacks dedicated cybersecurity personnel or relies on outdated tools, you’re at risk.
How KML Helps: Our Co-Managed IT offerings include advanced cybersecurity tools like Threat Detection & Response, email threat protection, endpoint monitoring, and vulnerability assessments. We help your team build a layered, modern defense.
4. Difficulty Retaining or Hiring IT Talent
The technology talent shortage is real. Hiring qualified IT staff takes time and money—and turnover can leave you exposed.
Client Example:
Daniel Trueblood from Georgia Theatre Company II, explains:
“I needed to fill staffing gaps. KML does pretty great work and you can rely on them when you need them.”
For a multi-state entertainment company with 25 theaters across GA, SC, Virginia, and Florida, staffing challenges are inevitable. By partnering with KML, they filled those gaps without compromising reliability.
5. IT Projects Keep Getting Delayed
Do projects like hardware upgrades, cloud migrations, or new office setups constantly get postponed because your internal team is swamped? Delays often lead to security risks, lost productivity, and falling behind competitors.
How KML Helps: We assist with project planning, execution, and provide additional manpower to meet deadlines—without overwhelming your core team
6. Lack of 24/7 Monitoring and Support
If your IT support stops at 5 PM but your business keeps running, you’re exposed to downtime and extended outages.
With KML Co-Managed IT:
- We provide continuous monitoring
- Immediate alerts for system failures
- Help Desk availability after-hours or during staff PTO
- Peace of mind knowing your environment is always watched
Benefits of Co-Managed IT with KML
Supplementing your IT team with KML isn’t just about plugging holes—it’s about empowering your entire organization to operate more efficiently and securely. Here are some key benefits:
✅ Flexibility
Scale services up or down based on your needs—whether it’s ongoing support or temporary project help.
✅Cost-Effective Expertise
Access a team of senior engineers, security experts, and Help Desk technicians without the cost of full-time hires.
✅Enhanced Security
Leverage enterprise-grade cybersecurity tools and practices to strengthen your defenses.
✅Reduced Burnout
Allow your internal IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives instead of constant firefighting.
✅Business Continuity
Ensure critical systems stay operational, even when internal resources are stretched thin or unavailable.
✅Collaboration, Not Competition
KML works with your internal team, respecting their knowledge and providing resources to make them more effective—not replacing them.
What Does Co-Managed IT Actually Look Like?
When you partner with KML for Co-Managed IT, the process is seamless and tailored to your business. Your internal IT team remains in control of day-to-day operations while we step in to fill the gaps — whether that’s providing after-hours Help Desk support, monitoring your systems 24/7, or bringing in senior-level expertise for complex projects. It’s a collaborative relationship designed to strengthen your IT environment, improve security, and give your staff breathing room — without disrupting your existing structure.
Real Client Success Stories
Oxford Companies: Trusted Partnership for Over 5 Years
Industry: Commercial and Residential Real Estate
Size: 1,000+ Residential Beds, 2.5 Million Sq Ft Commercial Space
KML Services: Co-Managed Support, Firewall Management, Project Assistance
Melanie Triska, IT Manager, highlights the seamless collaboration:
“We have worked with KML for over 5 years and are extremely satisfied. Their expertise is top-notch—from large scale network hardware refreshes to smaller one-off projects and troubleshooting help. The engineers are highly skilled and do a great job working with our sys admin to keep us safe and secure. I would recommend them 100%.”
By partnering with KML, Oxford Companies strengthened their security posture, tackled major infrastructure projects, and empowered their internal sys admin—without the strain of doing it alone.
Georgia Theatre Company II: Reliable Support Across the Southeast
Industry: Entettainment
Locations: GA, SC, Virginia, Florida
Size: 25 Theaters
KML Services: CCTV, Management Software, Staffing Support
Daniel Trueblood shares how KML became an extension of their team:
“I needed to fill staffing gaps. KML does pretty great work and you can rely on them when you need them. They always try to find a solution and even expand their knowledge and abilities for what you need.”
“Recently, KML sold me something that I essentially didn’t need and we worked it out together and they took care of it. It was fixed quickly… It speaks volumes.”
Georgia Theatre Company relies on KML for reliable, honest support—even beyond technical expertise. That level of trust is what defines a true co-managed partnership.
Is Co-Managed IT Right for You?
Co-Managed IT is ideal for:
- Mid-size businesses with small IT teams
- Organizations expanding locations, workforce, or technology footprint
- Companies facing talent shortages or turnover
- Businesses concerned about cybersecurity gaps
- IT teams bogged down with daily tickets, delaying strategic projects
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why KML tailors every Co-Managed partnership to your specific needs.
Typical Co-Managed Services Included with IntelleMANAGE:
- 24/7 Monitoring & Alerting
- Unlimited Help Desk for overflow or after-hours
- Cybersecurity Tools: Endpoint Detection, Email Protection, Backups
- Vendor Management & Procurement
- Escalation Support from Senior Engineers
- Project Planning & Implementation Assistance
- Regular IT Health Checks & Reporting
Strengthen, Don’t Replace Your Internal IT
Your internal IT team is invaluable. They know your business, your systems, and your goals. But they can’t—and shouldn’t—do it all alone. Supplementing your internal IT with KML’s Co-Managed Support provides the best of both worlds:
- Keep your internal team focused on what they do best
- Gain access to expert resources when you need them
- Strengthen security, reduce burnout, and accelerate projects
When technology demands outpace your capacity, partnering with a trusted provider like KML Computer Services helps your business stay secure, efficient, and competitive.
Ready to Empower Your IT Team?
If your internal IT staff is overwhelmed, facing skills gaps, or your business is growing beyond your current capacity, KML Computer Services can help.
Contact us today to explore how Co-Managed IT support can complement your existing team and give your business the technical advantage it deserves.
Sidney Rossi with over 25 years of software sales, including hardware and software, is not only seen as a leader in the technology industry, but a proven performer.
