Automation, AI, SaaS Management, and MSP Growth with Mark Ralls of Auvik

Dave Sobel engages in a conversation with Mark Ralls, the president of Auvik, a company specializing in network monitoring and management. The discussion begins with an exploration of the transformative potential of automation and AI in the IT landscape. Ralls emphasizes Auvik's role in proactively monitoring networks, providing customized alerts, and integrating critical data into platforms used by their partners. He highlights the importance of ensuring that technicians receive relevant information in a timely manner, which is crucial for effective troubleshooting.As the conversation progresses, Ralls shares insights into Auvik's recent feature release called North Star, which enables technicians to visualize network paths and identify issues more efficiently. This feature aims to streamline the troubleshooting process, allowing technicians to pinpoint problems quickly. Ralls expresses excitement about the future of automation and AI, indicating that Auvik is actively working on expanding its automation capabilities to enhance the overall user experience.The discussion then shifts to the challenges and opportunities within the realm of SaaS management. Ralls explains Auvik's differentiated approach to SaaS management, particularly in addressing shadow IT and security risks associated with shared credentials. He underscores the importance of proactive alerting and monitoring to help partners manage costs and improve security. Ralls believes that Auvik's focus on security within SaaS management is a significant value-add for their partners, setting them apart from other vendors in the market.Finally, Ralls reflects on the evolving dynamics in the MSP space, where the balance between vendor consolidation and best-of-breed solutions continues to shift. He emphasizes Auvik's commitment to putting partners first, offering flexible solutions that cater to their needs, whether through direct engagement or integration with other platforms. As the episode concludes, Ralls shares his optimism for the future, noting a resurgence in growth within the MSP community and Auvik's ongoing efforts to support their partners with innovative tools and solutions. Supported by: https://www.huntress.com/mspradio/  💼 All Our SponsorsMSP Radio is supported by our partners: LogMeIn · Opentext · Transit AI · Guardz · Pax8 · ABC Solutions · Rythmz · ScalePad · CometBackup · TimeZest Supporting the IT services community through insights, analysis, and transparency. 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.