If you have an internal IT team in Indianapolis, you already know the challenge: your people understand your business inside and out, but they can’t cover every security gap, after-hours emergency, or infrastructure project on their own. That’s where co-managed IT fills the gap. MIS Solutions provides co-managed IT services that work alongside your existing staff to strengthen coverage, deepen expertise, and keep your technology aligned with your business goals.
Choosing the right co-managed IT provider means finding a partner who respects your team’s knowledge while adding capabilities they can’t deliver alone. This comparison breaks down six providers serving Indianapolis businesses, evaluating each on support depth, cybersecurity strength, strategic guidance, and local responsiveness.
Quick guide: 6 best co-managed IT providers for Indianapolis businesses
- MIS Solutions: Best overall co-managed IT provider for Indianapolis businesses with dedicated vCIO leadership and layered cybersecurity included from day one
- Exact IT Consulting: Midwest-focused IT consulting with 24/7 helpdesk support and project management capabilities
- GadellNet: Indianapolis-based provider offering managed and co-managed IT for small businesses, schools, and nonprofits
- Techlocity: Local IT provider with 24/7 support and a 90-day onboarding trial for Indianapolis SMBs
- Tech365: IT support provider serving Noblesville, Fishers, and Carmel with a focus on small business technology
- Diverse Tech Services: Indiana’s MBE-certified IT provider with 25 years of Midwest operations and a structured operating model
How we chose the best co-managed IT providers for Indianapolis
Finding a co-managed IT provider is different from hiring a fully managed service. You need a partner who fits into your existing team structure rather than replacing it. We looked at providers who understand how to split responsibilities clearly and add value where internal IT teams typically need the most help.
Here is what we evaluated:
- Co-managed service model clarity: Does the provider offer a defined co-managed program, or do they simply rebrand their managed IT services? You need a partner who understands shared responsibility.
- Cybersecurity depth: Your internal team handles daily operations, but advanced threat monitoring, endpoint protection, and incident response often require specialized tools and dedicated analysts.
- Strategic IT leadership: A co-managed provider should bring technology planning, roadmapping, and budgeting support so your internal staff can focus on execution.
- Local Indianapolis presence: When you need on-site help for a server migration or office buildout, a provider with technicians in the Indianapolis area makes a measurable difference.
- Scalability and flexibility: Your co-managed needs will shift as your team grows. The provider should adjust coverage levels without locking you into rigid packages.
- Help desk and escalation support: Co-managed IT works when your internal team can escalate complex tickets to experienced engineers who respond quickly.
The 6 best co-managed IT providers for Indianapolis businesses
1. MIS Solutions: Best overall co-managed IT provider for Indianapolis
MIS Solutions delivers co-managed IT services designed specifically for Indianapolis organizations that have internal IT staff and need additional expertise, capacity, and strategic guidance. Rather than replacing your team, MIS Solutions works alongside them, providing cybersecurity services, help desk escalation, systems administration, and project support where your staff needs it most.
What sets MIS Solutions apart is the dedicated Virtual CIO assigned to every co-managed engagement from day one. Your vCIO learns your operations, builds your technology roadmap, manages vendor relationships, and meets with you quarterly to align IT decisions with where your business is heading. This level of strategic guidance is uncommon among Indianapolis providers.
MIS Solutions brings 23 years of experience supporting businesses across Cincinnati, Dayton, and Indianapolis. With a 98.7% customer satisfaction rating and a team of in-house certified engineers (no outsourced help desk), your internal IT team gets direct access to senior-level support whenever they need it. The company supports over 95 organizations and more than 6,000 end users across North America.
MIS Solutions also provides managed IT services, layered cybersecurity through a Zero Trust approach, dark web monitoring, managed detection and response, and cloud services. That means your co-managed arrangement can grow with your needs without switching providers.
MIS Solutions features
- Dedicated vCIO from day one: Your named technology strategist conducts network discovery, plans your IT budget, and creates a forward-looking roadmap that your internal team can execute against. This is included in every co-managed engagement.
- In-house help desk with escalation support: When your internal team encounters a complex issue, they escalate directly to MIS Solutions’ US-based certified engineers. Average helpdesk response time is five minutes.
- Layered cybersecurity included: MIS Solutions’ Zero Trust approach combines endpoint protection, managed detection and response, email security, identity protection, and dark web monitoring rather than leaving security as an optional add-on.
- Proactive 24/7 monitoring: Your network, endpoints, and critical systems are monitored around the clock with proactive patching and recovery testing built into the service.
- Vendor management handled for you: When your software provider and internet vendor are pointing fingers, MIS Solutions makes the calls so your internal IT team stays focused on the work that matters.
- Predictable fixed monthly pricing: No unexpected charges. Project work, server replacements, and migrations are included in your plan. What you’re quoted is what you pay.
MIS Solutions pros and cons
Pros:
- Every co-managed engagement includes a dedicated vCIO and strategic IT planning from day one
- In-house US-based help desk with an average five-minute response time and no outsourced support
- Layered cybersecurity, vendor management, and project work are included rather than billed separately
Cons:
- MIS Solutions primarily serves the Tri-State Area (Cincinnati, Dayton, Indianapolis), so organizations outside this region may have limited on-site support availability
- The on-site onboarding process during the first 60 days requires coordination between your internal team and MIS Solutions’ technicians
- Organizations looking for a purely on-demand repair arrangement may find MIS Solutions’ proactive, strategy-driven approach more comprehensive than they initially expect
2. Exact IT Consulting: Midwest IT consulting with 24/7 helpdesk coverage
Exact IT Consulting is headquartered in Indianapolis with an additional office in Lexington, Kentucky. The company provides managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud hosting, phone systems, and backup and disaster recovery services to Midwest businesses. Exact IT Consulting has accumulated over 180 five-star Google reviews.
Their managed IT model provides access to a team of engineers ranging from enterprise-level specialists to desktop support technicians. The company offers flat-rate pricing for managed services with guaranteed response times through a 24/7 help desk, and their preventative maintenance program covers system health monitoring and equipment lifecycle tracking.
Exact IT Consulting features
- 24/7 help desk with guaranteed response times: Your team can submit tickets by call, email, or online portal with documented service level agreements in place.
- IT project management: Exact IT Consulting handles IT projects that might otherwise pull your internal team away from daily responsibilities.
- CMMC Level 2 support: The company provides IT support aligned with CMMC requirements for organizations in defense-related supply chains.
Exact IT Consulting pros and cons
Pros:
- Indianapolis-headquartered with a local presence and additional Midwest office coverage
- Flat-rate managed IT pricing with no per-incident billing
- Over 180 five-star Google reviews from Midwest business partners
Cons:
- The company does not list a defined co-managed IT service tier on its website, which may require custom scoping for shared-responsibility arrangements
- Service coverage is limited to the Midwest, with offices only in Indianapolis and Lexington
- Publicly available information about cybersecurity-specific service depth is limited compared to providers with dedicated security programs
3. GadellNet: Co-managed and managed IT for schools and nonprofits
GadellNet operates from Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Denver, offering managed and co-managed IT services. The company is a Certified B Corporation and has received multiple Best Places to Work in Indiana awards. GadellNet serves small businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations with IT support, managed services, cybersecurity, and strategic consulting.
Their Indianapolis office provides support desk, project, cybersecurity, and account management capabilities. GadellNet positions itself as a provider that fills the IT gap for organizations that lack the resources for a full internal IT department or need supplemental support.
GadellNet features
- 24/7 managed and co-managed IT services: Includes IT support, strategic services, project management, and cybersecurity for Indianapolis-area organizations.
- B Corporation certification: GadellNet is a Certified B Corporation, which may be relevant for mission-driven organizations evaluating provider values.
- Multi-city presence: Offices in Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Denver provide geographic coverage across the Midwest and Mountain West.
GadellNet pros and cons
Pros:
- Serves schools, nonprofits, and small businesses with specific experience in mission-driven organizations
- Multiple Midwest and regional offices for broader on-site coverage
- B Corporation certification reflects a commitment to social impact standards
Cons:
- The company serves multiple metros, which may mean Indianapolis resources are shared across locations
- Service focus on schools and nonprofits may not align with the needs of manufacturing, construction, or professional services firms
- Publicly available detail on co-managed service structure and escalation procedures is limited
4. Techlocity: Local Indianapolis IT support with 90-day trial
Techlocity is an Indianapolis-based IT provider offering managed IT, co-managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud services for small to mid-sized businesses. The company offers 24/7 support and reports a 99.75% customer satisfaction score. Techlocity provides a 90-day trial period for new organizations, allowing businesses to evaluate the relationship before committing long-term.
Their co-managed IT program is positioned as a partnership model where Techlocity combines its technical resources with your internal team’s business knowledge. The company has 75 combined years of IT experience across its team.
Techlocity features
- Co-managed IT service tier: Techlocity offers a defined co-managed IT program that pairs external support with your internal IT function.
- 90-day onboarding trial: New organizations can evaluate the service during a 90-day period before making a longer commitment.
- Same-day response commitment: Techlocity reports same-day responses and next-day on-site availability when needed.
Techlocity pros and cons
Pros:
- Defined co-managed IT service offering specifically for businesses with internal IT teams
- 90-day trial period reduces commitment risk for new engagements
- Indianapolis-local team with same-day response and next-day on-site capability
Cons:
- The company primarily serves Indianapolis-area SMBs, which may limit scalability for multi-location businesses
- Publicly available information about vCIO or strategic IT planning services is not prominently documented
- Limited detail on the specific cybersecurity tools and monitoring platforms used in their co-managed program
5. Tech365: Small business IT support in greater Indianapolis
Tech365 serves small businesses in the Noblesville, Fishers, and Carmel areas of greater Indianapolis. The company offers what it calls “White Glove Managed IT,” which combines proactive oversight with personalized attention. Tech365 has over 100 five-star Google reviews and focuses on daily support, security, compliance, and long-term IT planning for local SMBs.
Their service model emphasizes remote support resolution, with most issues handled without on-site visits. Tech365 also provides security and compliance services, cloud services, data backup and recovery, and web development.
Tech365 features
- White Glove managed IT: A support model combining proactive monitoring, personalized account management, and regular system oversight.
- Remote-first support approach: Most technical issues are resolved through remote support, reducing disruptions to your workday.
- Security and compliance services: Includes security policy management and compliance support for businesses handling sensitive data.
Tech365 pros and cons
Pros:
- Over 100 five-star Google reviews from small businesses in the greater Indianapolis area
- Focused on the northern Indianapolis suburbs (Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel) with local knowledge
- Remote-first support model keeps resolution times short for routine issues
Cons:
- The company does not prominently list a co-managed IT service tier, so businesses with internal IT teams may need to negotiate custom arrangements
- Geographic focus on northern suburbs may limit on-site availability for downtown or south-side Indianapolis businesses
- Service scale is oriented toward smaller organizations, which may not match mid-market complexity
6. Diverse Tech Services: MBE-certified IT provider with 23 years of Indiana operations
Diverse Tech Services has operated from Indianapolis since 1999 and holds Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification. The company offers managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud services, and hardware procurement. DTS serves organizations across industries including law firms, construction companies, and professional services firms, and holds a 4.9-star rating across 143 Google reviews.
Their “Complete IT” model takes an opinionated approach to managed IT. Rather than offering a menu of services, DTS assesses your environment and builds an operating model that includes what the outcome requires at a predictable monthly cost.
Diverse Tech Services features
- Complete IT operating model: DTS assesses your business, builds the operating model, and includes necessary capabilities rather than offering individual line items.
- MBE certification: As Indiana’s MBE-certified IT provider, DTS may meet supplier diversity requirements for organizations with those purchasing criteria.
- 24/7 security monitoring: The company provides around-the-clock security monitoring with identity, email, endpoint, and recovery hardening.
Diverse Tech Services pros and cons
Pros:
- 25 years of Indianapolis-based operations with documented regional experience
- MBE certification supports supplier diversity requirements for qualifying organizations
- Structured operating model includes necessary security and support capabilities in one monthly cost
Cons:
- The “Complete IT” model takes an all-inclusive approach, which may not align with organizations looking for a flexible co-managed split of specific responsibilities
- Publicly available detail on co-managed service structure and how DTS shares responsibilities with internal IT teams is limited
- The opinionated operating model means less customization at the component level compared to providers offering modular service tiers
Comparison table: The best co-managed IT providers for Indianapolis
| Provider | Dedicated vCIO Included | In-House Help Desk | Defined Co-Managed Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIS Solutions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exact IT Consulting | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| GadellNet | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Techlocity | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tech365 | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Diverse Tech Services | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
How do you know when your internal IT team needs co-managed support?
The decision to bring in a co-managed IT provider usually surfaces when your internal team starts falling behind on projects, security updates, or strategic planning. If your IT staff spends most of their time on help desk tickets and one-off repair tasks, they have little bandwidth left for the initiatives that move your business forward.
Look for these patterns: recurring security gaps that never get fully addressed, projects that stay on the backlog for months, inconsistent patch management across your network, and difficulty covering after-hours or vacation periods. According to a 2026 ITreviews guide on co-managed IT, the model works particularly well for organizations with 50 to 250 employees and one to three internal IT staff.
Co-managed IT does not mean your internal team is failing. It means your business has grown to the point where one or two people cannot realistically handle 24/7 monitoring, advanced cybersecurity, vendor management, and strategic IT planning on top of their daily responsibilities.
What should you expect during the first 90 days with a co-managed IT provider?
The first 90 days of a co-managed engagement set the tone for the entire relationship. Your provider should start with a thorough assessment of your current IT environment, documenting systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and mapping how responsibilities will be divided between your internal team and the provider’s engineers.
During this period, expect your provider to onboard monitoring tools, establish escalation procedures, and configure security controls across your endpoints and network. MIS Solutions, for example, assigns a dedicated vCIO who conducts the initial network discovery and spends the first 60 days on-site to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
By the end of the first quarter, you should have clear documentation of who owns which responsibilities, defined response time expectations, and a technology roadmap aligned with your business goals. If your provider has not delivered these items within 90 days, that is a signal worth paying attention to.
Why MIS Solutions is the best co-managed IT provider for Indianapolis
MIS Solutions gives Indianapolis businesses with internal IT teams something most providers do not: a named technology strategist who knows your environment, your goals, and your budget from day one. The dedicated vCIO is not an add-on or an upgrade tier. It is included in every co-managed engagement because strategic guidance is what separates co-managed IT from basic help desk overflow.
MIS Solutions protects your business with layered cybersecurity that covers endpoints, email, identity, and dark web exposure. Your internal team stays focused on the work they do well while MIS Solutions handles the specialized security operations, after-hours monitoring, and vendor coordination that stretch most in-house staff thin. With an office in Indianapolis and a 98.7% customer satisfaction rating, MIS Solutions delivers enterprise-grade capabilities with local responsiveness.
If your internal IT team needs depth, coverage, and a strategic layer they can count on, contact MIS Solutions to schedule a consultation and learn how co-managed IT can strengthen your operations.
FAQs about co-managed IT providers in Indianapolis
What is co-managed IT and how does it differ from fully managed IT?
Co-managed IT is a shared-responsibility model where an external provider works alongside your internal IT team rather than replacing them. MIS Solutions’ co-managed IT program provides cybersecurity, help desk escalation, strategic planning, and project support while your internal staff retains day-to-day operations and business-specific knowledge.
How much do co-managed IT services cost in Indianapolis?
Co-managed IT pricing varies based on the number of users, devices, and the scope of services included. MIS Solutions offers predictable fixed monthly pricing with no unexpected charges, so your IT budget stays consistent. The most accurate way to get pricing is through a consultation that evaluates your specific environment.
Can co-managed IT help with cybersecurity for Indianapolis businesses?
Yes. One of the primary reasons Indianapolis businesses choose co-managed IT is to add cybersecurity expertise their internal team cannot maintain alone. MIS Solutions includes layered cybersecurity with endpoint protection, managed detection and response, and dark web monitoring as part of its co-managed services.
What size business benefits most from co-managed IT?
Organizations with 20 to 250 employees and one to three internal IT staff members typically benefit most from co-managed IT. MIS Solutions works with businesses in this range, providing the additional capacity and expertise that internal teams need without the cost of hiring additional full-time staff.
How do you split responsibilities between internal IT and a co-managed provider?
The split depends on your internal team’s strengths and where they need support. MIS Solutions assigns a dedicated vCIO who defines the responsibility matrix during onboarding. Common divisions include internal IT handling user support and business applications while MIS Solutions manages security monitoring, infrastructure, vendor relationships, and strategic planning.