Fractional IT Part 3 – Navigating the Landscape: Areas to Consider with Fractional IT/Co-Managed IT

In Part 2 of our Fractional IT series, we explored similarities between Fractional IT and Fractional General Counsel. Now, let us delve into Part 3: Areas to Consider with Fractional IT/Co-Managed IT. As businesses increasingly opt for a blended approach to IT management, it is essential to set clear parameters and understand the nuances of shared responsibilities. Here are key considerations and potential challenges to address, along with recommendations to tailor the approach to your specific situation:

• Setting Parameters: Internal vs. Outsourced Responsibilities In-House IT Manager’s Role: When leveraging fractional IT or co-managed IT services, the in-house IT manager plays a crucial role in defining the boundaries of responsibility. It is essential to establish clear guidelines on which team—internal or outsourced—is responsible for specific areas of IT management.
• Potential Hardships with Restricted Access: One challenge that arises with restricted access to systems is the potential for friction between internal and external teams. Limited access may hinder collaboration and hinder efficient problem-solving, particularly in urgent situations. Recommendation: Consider a balanced approach that allows for collaboration while maintaining security protocols.
• Specialized Areas of IT Development: This involves creating and maintaining software applications tailored to the organization’s needs. While some businesses may have internal development teams, others may rely on external developers or contractors for specialized projects. Recommendation: Evaluate your organization’s development needs and determine the most cost-effective and efficient approach.
• Cloud Infrastructure Migration and Ongoing Management: Moving to the cloud offers numerous benefits, but it requires careful planning and ongoing management. Fractional IT providers can assist with migration strategies, architecture design, and continuous optimization of cloud resources. Recommendation: Assess your organization’s readiness for cloud migration and consider partnering with experts to ensure a smooth transition.
• Support and Troubleshooting: Determining who fields tier one support calls and manages onboarding/offboarding processes is crucial for maintaining efficient IT operations. Tier 1 Calls: Depending on the agreement, tier one support may be managed by either the internal IT team or the fractional IT provider. Clear communication channels and standardized processes are essential to ensure timely resolution of user issues. Recommendation: Establish clear protocols for triaging and escalating support requests to minimize downtime and maximize user satisfaction. Onboarding and Offboarding: Fractional IT providers can streamline the onboarding and offboarding process by managing user accounts, access permissions, and device provisioning. However, coordination with HR and other departments is necessary to ensure a seamless transition for employees. Recommendation: Foster collaboration between IT and HR departments to streamline onboarding/offboarding processes and minimize administrative overhead.
• Hardware Purchasing and Deployment: Managing hardware procurement and deployment involves sourcing, purchasing, configuring, and maintaining IT equipment such as computers, servers, and networking devices.
• Coordination with Vendors: Whether the responsibility lies with the internal IT team or the fractional IT provider, effective coordination with vendors is crucial to ensure timely delivery and proper configuration of hardware. Recommendation: Develop strong vendor relationships and leverage the expertise of your IT partners to make informed decisions about hardware procurement and deployment.
• Lifecycle Management: From asset tracking to end-of-life disposal, managing the hardware lifecycle requires careful planning and documentation to optimize costs and maintain security. Recommendation: Implement robust asset management practices and establish clear processes for decommissioning outdated hardware to minimize risks and maximize efficiency.

Conclusion As businesses navigate the complexities of fractional IT and co-managed IT arrangements, it is essential to address key areas of responsibility and potential challenges. By setting clear parameters, collaborating effectively, and leveraging the expertise of both internal and external teams, businesses can maximize the benefits of this hybrid approach to IT management. Remember to tailor your approach to your specific situation and organizational needs. Stay tuned for Part 4, where we will explore best practices for selecting and partnering with a fractional IT provider.