For many IT departments, the thought of outsourcing IT is equivalent to job self-destruction. But the reality is far from it. Businesses all over are outsourcing the daily grind of technology to free up their internal IT teams, releasing them from the shackles of day-to-day technology issues for more innovative projects.

When you’re bringing on a co-managed IT services provider, there are a few essential elements you want to look for to give your internal IT department the well-deserved break they need from solving base-level IT problems.

Here, we’ve compiled the top services you need from your co-managed IT services provider.

24/7 Network Monitoring

Network monitoring is one of the best ways to keep a handle on your technology. But IT teams are not often 24 hours. With 24/7 network monitoring from an outsourced provider, you can ensure your technology is running smooth, even while your staff is away.

Preventative Maintenance

One of the easiest ways to prevent technology problems is through patches and updates. Unfortunately, this isn’t as easy as it seems. In fact, half of PCs are running on outdated software. This leaves many workstations vulnerable to cyberthreats. Patching and updating needs to happen frequently and with the least amount of disruption.

Backup Management

You need a solid backup and disaster recovery plan to ensure business continuity. Outsourcing the management of backups means those backups will be tested thoroughly, giving you the best chance of recovery after disaster.

Level 1 Help Desk & Ticketing

Most IT teams spend their days bouncing from workstation to workstation fixing any number of tasks for employees. With a strong outsourced help desk ticketing system, your employees can have problems resolve with even greater efficiency.

Help Desk Software as a Service

Software-as-a-service is taking the business world by storm. By 2020, cloud-based software will be the default option. With help-desk SaaS, you get the tools you need to remain productive.

Managed IT Security

It’s imperative to have strong cybersecurity processes and procedures in place. Blocking incoming threats means placing effective security tools at your perimeter. Likewise, you want your staff thoroughly trained in crypto-prevention. Managed IT security can get you there.

Related: Signs That You Need Managed IT Services

Dedicated Service Teams

You want an outsourced IT team that knows your business and supports your internal IT team. You co-managed service provider should have a dedicated team for your business, with field, help desk and network operations center (NOC) teams ready always prepared to handle any IT-related issues.

Compliance Monitoring

Keeping with due diligence in terms of the regulators is a full-time job in itself. HIPAA, SSAE 16, PCI/DSS: Regardless of your regulatory jurisdiction, you need compliance monitoring that keeps you up-to-speed with the latest regulatory requirements.

Strategic Planning

One of the most innovative ways to employ a co-managed IT services provider is to utilize their industry knowledge to help you plan strategic technology moves. Think of this as having a CIO on retainer to guide you to your goals.

Learn more about managed IT services for business.