AI Automation at CRN’s Best of Breed Conference: Insights from Industry Leaders

For today’s managed service providers (MSPs), staying ahead of the curve requires not just knowledge but also the right connections.

At this year’s CRN Best of Breed Conference in Atlanta, industry leaders gathered valuable insights on automation, AI, and the future of MSPs. In this blog post, we’ll explore key takeaways from the event, highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration.

Conference Overview

The Best of Breed Conference has established itself as a premier event for MSPs, bringing together a diverse audience eager to learn and network. This year’s conference, held in Atlanta, continued the trend of exceptional content and networking opportunities. With a focus on automation and security, attendees were encouraged to engage in discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Security panel discussions at this year’s conference included insights from Zscaler, ThreatLocker, Sophos, and more. Opus Interactive’s CEO, Shannon Hulbert, and AE, John Nelson, discuss takeaways in the YouTube video embedded below.

Keynote Insights

Doug Holtz-Eakin, Former Director of the Congressional Budget Office, provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of our country’s economy. He discussed the implications of fluctuating tariffs, which have compelled businesses to adopt automation as a means of adapting to rising costs. Takeaway thoughts included that while budgets remain static, the need for efficiency is paramount. Automation emerged as the theme of the conference, with many providers seeking innovative ways to do more with less.

Networking Opportunities

One of the standout features of the conference continues to be its ability to foster connections. John shares his experience of networking with professionals from renowned organizations like PAX8, IBM, and Ingram Micro. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and information sharing among attendees. The venue itself facilitated easy navigation and interaction, making it a hub for fruitful discussions.

Real-World Applications of Automation

Shannon and John discussed the various IT Service Management (ITSM) platforms that are evolving to meet the demands of modern businesses. Automation tools are becoming essential as the industry shifts towards hybrid and multi-cloud environments. The Opus Teams emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all cloud strategy; instead, providers must leverage a mix of public and private cloud solutions to optimize their operations. Among the standout ITSM platforms from the conference were Halo and Moovila.

The Role of the OPUS Partner Program

As part of their ongoing efforts to support MSPs, Opus Interactive’s Partner Program aims to augment the service offerings of MSPs without imposing minimum sales requirements. The program allows for white labeling, enabling partners to retain valuable client relationships while enhancing their service capabilities. Through this collaboration, Opus seeks to empower MSPs to navigate the complexities of the cloud landscape effectively.

Conclusion

The Best of Breed Conference served as a reminder of the importance of innovation, collaboration, and automation in the tech industry. Attendees left with a wealth of knowledge and valuable connections that can drive future growth. Key takeaways include the need for preparedness in the face of unforeseen challenges, the growing role of AI and automation in service delivery, and the significance of building strong partnerships in the MSP community.

Tags: #BestOfBreedConference #Automation #ManagedServiceProviders #CloudSolutions #Networking #ITSM #OpusInteractive #IndustryInsights #TechnologyTrends