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Chicago: 312-554-7550
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St. Louis : 314-432-1661
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Metro East IL : 618-346-8324
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Central IL : 217-528-0500
Empowering Your Internal Team
Computerease offers flexible Co-Managed IT and Cybersecurity services designed to act as a seamless extension of your internal IT team. We provide the specialized skills, project bandwidth, and 24/7 security oversight you need to enhance your capabilities, reduce risk, and make your internal IT department a strategic powerhouse.
Your Internal IT Team is Your Greatest Asset.
We're Here to Make Them Rockstars.
Your internal IT team holds invaluable institutional knowledge. They understand your business workflows, your company culture, and your people better than anyone. But even the most talented IT departments are stretched thin. They're juggling daily support tickets, critical infrastructure maintenance, long-term strategic projects, and a constantly evolving cybersecurity landscape. It's an impossible balancing act.
This is where many organizations believe they have only two choices: burn out their internal team or replace them with a fully outsourced provider.
We offer a better way.
Co-Managed IT is not about replacement; it's about reinforcement. Our model is built on partnership. You maintain full control over your IT strategy and day-to-day priorities. We provide the supplemental resources, specialized expertise, and operational support to fill the gaps, allowing your team to focus on high-impact initiatives that drive business growth.
Who Are Co-Managed IT Services For?
Our services are tailored for organizations with established internal IT teams (from a single IT manager to a department of 10+) who are facing common growth challenges:
Overwhelmed IT Staff
Your team is buried in reactive support tickets, leaving no time for strategic projects.
Coverage Gaps
You lack reliable support during employee PTO, after-hours, or on weekends, leaving your business exposed.
Skills Shortages
You need specialized expertise for a specific project (like a cloud migration or security audit) but can't justify a full-time hire.
Mounting Security Risks
Your team lacks the time, tools, or specific CISSP-level expertise to manage advanced cybersecurity threats and compliance mandates effectively.
Stalled Projects
Critical IT initiatives are constantly delayed due to a lack of bandwidth.
If these challenges sound familiar, a co-managed partnership is the strategic solution to unlock your IT department's full potential.
A Flexible Framework: Co-Managed Services Tailored to Your Needs
We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our Co-Managed IT and Cybersecurity services are modular, allowing you to select the exact level of support your business requires. We become a seamless extension of your team, integrating with your existing tools and processes or providing tools and process where yours are lacking.
1. Helpdesk & Service Desk Augmentation
Free your internal experts from the constant stream of password resets and basic troubleshooting. We can provide tiered support that complements your team perfectly.
Overflow Support
During peak hours or busy seasons, our helpdesk can absorb the ticket overflow, ensuring your end-users receive prompt support while your team focuses on priorities.
After-Hours & Weekend Coverage
Stop stretching your IT staff thin with on-call rotations. Our 24/7/365 helpdesk provides round-the-clock support, ensuring your business is covered no matter the time of day.
Tier 1 Triage
Let us handle the initial triage of all support tickets. We resolve what we can and escalate more complex issues to your internal team with detailed notes, saving them valuable time.
2. Project-Based Support & IT Consulting
Leverage our deep bench of certified engineers and project managers to accelerate your IT initiatives. We can lead a project from start to finish or provide the specific skills needed to assist your team.
Cloud Migrations (Microsoft 365 & Azure)
We ensure a smooth, secure, and efficient transition to the cloud, handling everything from planning and data migration to post-launch support.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Whether it's a server refresh, network overhaul, VoIP rollout or SD-WAN deployment, we provide the expertise to design and implement a modern, resilient infrastructure.
Office Moves & Expansions
We manage the complex logistics of IT relocation and new office build-outs, ensuring seamless connectivity from day one. Our nationwide reach provides onsite resources in major US cities, perfect for companies expanding their footprint.
3. Co-Managed Cybersecurity & vCSO Services
Cybersecurity is a full-time job that requires specialized tools and expertise. Our CISSP-led security team provides the advanced capabilities needed to protect your organization without the cost of building an internal Security Operations Center (SOC).
24/7/365 SOC Monitoring
Our enterprise-grade SOC acts as your round-the-clock security watchdog. We monitor your network, endpoints, and cloud environments for threats, investigate alerts, and provide actionable remediation guidance. This is a level of oversight that smaller MSPs with limited resources cannot match.
vCSO (Virtual Chief Security Officer) Consulting
Gain executive-level security leadership without the executive salary. Our vCSO services help you develop a strategic security roadmap, build a robust cybersecurity program, manage risk, and communicate effectively with your board and leadership team.
Compliance & Audit Support (CMMC, SOC 2, HIPAA)
Navigating compliance is complex. We are your CMMC compliance partner, guiding you through the certification process. We assist with SOC 2 readiness and ensure HIPAA technical controls are in place for healthcare organizations. We provide the evidence, policies, and reports needed to pass audits with confidence.
The Strategic Advantage of a True Security Partner
In a co-managed model, cybersecurity is where a partnership truly shines. Many internal IT teams are brilliant generalists but may lack the niche, up-to-the-minute expertise of a dedicated security professional. Our CISSP-led team doesn't just install software; we provide strategic guidance.
Our CISSP-Led Approach vs. Standard IT Security
Standard IT Security
Focuses on installing tools like firewalls and antivirus.
Reacts to alerts as they appear.
Basic knowledge of compliance frameworks.
Security is one of many responsibilities.
Limited by internal resources and tools.
Computerease CISSP-Led Co-Managed Security
Focuses on building a comprehensive security program based on risk management principles.
Proactively hunts for threats and analyzes intelligence to anticipate attacker moves.
Deep, certified expertise in CMMC, SOC 2, and HIPAA, guiding you through the audit process.
Security is the sole focus, providing executive-level strategy through vCSO services.
Leverages a multi-million dollar, 24/7/365 Security Operations Center (SOC) and enterprise-grade tools.
Partnering with us for security means your internal IT team is freed from the immense pressure of being solely responsible for your organization's defense, allowing them to collaborate with us and focus on user productivity and business applications.
Empowering Key Industries Across the Midwest
We combine broad market experience with deep industry-specific knowledge, providing targeted co-managed IT solutions for businesses in St. Louis, Chicago, Springfield, Decatur, and Peoria.
Co-Managed IT for Healthcare
Internal IT teams at hospitals and clinics are tasked with ensuring EHR uptime, managing medical devices, and supporting clinicians. We augment these teams by providing HIPAA-compliant 24/7 helpdesk support, managing the security of patient data (ePHI), and assisting with the technical requirements for passing HIPAA audits.
Co-Managed IT for Manufacturing
For manufacturers in Central Illinois and beyond, downtime on the plant floor is not an option. Your internal team keeps the ERP and production systems running. We partner with them to provide 24/7 infrastructure monitoring, manage robust backup and disaster recovery solutions to protect against supply chain disruption, and secure the growing number of IoT devices on your network.
Co-Managed IT for Financial Services
Accounting and financial advisory firms in Chicago and St. Louis handle highly sensitive client data. Their IT teams are focused on supporting financial applications and end-users. We act as their co-managed cybersecurity partner, providing SOC monitoring, FINRA/SEC compliance support, and advanced threat protection to safeguard their reputation and prevent costly data breaches.
A Clear & Collaborative Partnership Model
We designed our co-managed framework to eliminate turf wars and create a harmonious, effective partnership. Your team always stays in the driver's seat.
Typical Division of Responsibilities
Your Internal Team Owns
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1
Strategy & Control
Final say on IT priorities, budget, and business-specific decisions.
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2
Business-Specific Applications
Deep support for your proprietary software and workflows.
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3
End-User Relationships
Onsite support and direct interaction with your staff and leadership.
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4
Daily Priorities
Managing the day-to-day IT needs of the business.
Computerease Augments
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1
Execution & Bandwidth
Project management, vendor coordination, and extra hands for major initiatives.
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2
Core Infrastructure Support
24/7 monitoring and maintenance of servers, networks, and cloud platforms.
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3
Remote & Escalation Support
Handling ticket overflow, after-hours coverage, and complex technical issues.
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4
Security & Compliance
CISSP-led strategy, vCSO guidance, SOC monitoring, and audit support.
This is a starting point. During our onboarding process, we work with your IT leadership to customize this model, ensuring roles are clearly defined and align perfectly with your team's strengths and your business's goals. We can integrate with your existing ticketing system (PSA) and documentation tools or provide our own enterprise-grade platforms.
On-Demand Expertise for a Fraction of the Cost
Hiring for specialized IT skills is expensive and time-consuming. Building an internal 24/7 SOC is often financially unfeasible for most organizations. A co-managed partnership gives you immediate access to a deep bench of talent on a flexible, operational expense basis.
Consider the cost of hiring for just a few key roles:
Senior Cybersecurity Analyst
$120,000+
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
$130,000+
Network Architect
$140,000+
Building a 24/7 SOC
$1,000,000+ annually
The Co-Managed Advantage
Our co-managed model provides access to all this expertise and more for a predictable monthly fee, allowing you to scale your capabilities up or down as projects and business needs change.
FREE IT Assessment, No Obligation!
Are you completely fed up with chronic computer problems and escalating IT costs? Do you worry that your backups and IT security are lacking? Do you have a sneaking suspicion that your current IT guy doesn't have a handle on things? Our free, 57 point IT Assessment will reveal and show you how to eliminate all your IT problems and never pay for unnecessary IT expenses again.
Complete this form to schedule your IT Assessment!
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Services
Managed IT Services
Network Security
Data Backup And Recovery
Cloud Computing
Business IT Solutions
VoIP & Communications Service
IT Consulting & Implementation
Managed Print Services
Co-Managed IT Services
Cybersecurity
Frequently Asked Questions about Co-Managed IT
Absolutely not. Our model is designed to support, strengthen, and empower your existing team. We work in partnership, not as a replacement. Your team retains control and gets the credit for an improved IT function.
No. We're designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing tools and processes. We can work within your current ticketing system, documentation platform, and other IT management tools. If you need enhanced tools, we can provide our enterprise-grade platforms, but the choice is always yours.
Our onboarding process begins with a comprehensive discovery phase where we meet with your IT leadership to understand your environment, challenges, and goals. We then work collaboratively to define roles and responsibilities, integrate with your existing systems, and establish communication protocols. The entire process is designed to be smooth and non-disruptive, typically taking 2-4 weeks depending on the scope of services.
Cybersecurity insurance providers increasingly require organizations to demonstrate robust security controls and monitoring. Our 24/7 SOC monitoring, CISSP-led security program, and compliance support provide the documented evidence insurers require. We help you implement the technical controls, maintain audit logs, and provide the reports needed to secure better insurance rates and pass carrier audits.
Absolutely. While we're headquartered in the Midwest with a strong presence in St. Louis, Chicago, Springfield, Decatur, and Peoria, our nationwide reach provides onsite resources in major US cities across the country. For remote locations, our 24/7 helpdesk and remote support capabilities ensure your team receives consistent, high-quality support regardless of location.
A Virtual Chief Security Officer (vCSO) provides executive-level security leadership without the executive salary. Our vCSO services include developing your strategic security roadmap, building a comprehensive cybersecurity program, conducting risk assessments, managing vendor security relationships, ensuring compliance with regulations, and communicating security status and needs to your board and executive leadership. It's like having a seasoned CISO on staff, but at a fraction of the cost.
Take the First Step Toward a Stronger IT Department
Stop letting your internal IT team drown in reactive tasks. Empower them with the partnership, tools, and expertise they need to become a true strategic asset for your organization.
Schedule a free, no-obligation IT assessment with our team. We will conduct a high-level review of your current environment, discuss your challenges and goals, and demonstrate how a co-managed partnership can be tailored to make your IT team—and your entire business—more successful.
This isn't about finding flaws; it's about finding opportunities.
Computerease
The Strategic Partner for Your Internal IT Team
Providing Co-Managed IT & Cybersecurity Services in Chicago, St. Louis, and Across the Nation