Distributed support combines features of the centralized and decentralized models.
An organization has a distributed support model when local staff provide initial support coordinated by and with escalation to a second level, central support staff. Each department or unit has its own local, first tier IT support staff that provide custom support to meet its IT support needs. Second tier support for assistance with planning and solving the most difficult questions is provided by a centrally managed group of highly skilled IT staff. Management at the second level is typically responsible for assisting with recruiting, hiring, training and supervising first level support staff. A third tier of support is also typically provided by senior IT professionals supporting the network, security, administrative applications, and other specialized services.