Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights The Future of IT: Agentic AI, Market Readiness, and the Evolving Role of Industry Associations with Jay McBain and Ryan Morris
Two powerhouse experts, Ryan Morris and Jay McBain, join host Dave Sobel to discuss the emerging landscape of agentic AI, exploring the balance between hype and reality. They delve into the implications of AI technologies, particularly in the context of IT service providers and managed services. The conversation highlights the recent launch of Atera's autopilot feature, which claims to autonomously handle a significant portion of level one support tickets, raising questions about market readiness and the potential impact on traditional roles within the industry.
Morris and McBain emphasize the need for managed service providers to adapt to this rapidly evolving environment. They identify two distinct mindsets among providers: those who feel threatened by AI and those who are eager to embrace its potential. The discussion underscores the importance of understanding business processes and implementing data governance policies to ensure responsible AI deployment. As AI tools become more integrated into workflows, the experts stress the necessity for providers to focus on higher-level tasks and strategic growth rather than getting bogged down in routine operations.
The conversation also touches on the role of industry associations in supporting IT service providers during this transition. Sobel prompts the experts to consider what these organizations should prioritize, such as community building, training, and lobbying efforts. Morris and McBain argue that associations must evolve to remain relevant, focusing on delivering tangible value to their members rather than merely fostering a sense of community. They highlight the need for associations to measure their effectiveness based on the success and growth of their members.
Finally, the experts discuss the potential for new business models to emerge in the agentic AI landscape. They suggest that the shift towards consumption-based pricing models will require providers to rethink their strategies and focus on driving customer adoption and utilization of AI technologies. As the industry navigates this transformative period, the insights shared by Morris and McBain provide a roadmap for IT service providers to thrive in an increasingly automated world.
💼 All Our Sponsors
Support the vendors who support the show:
👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/
🚀 Join Business of Tech Plus
Get exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.
👉 https://businessof.tech/plus
🎧 Subscribe to the Business of Tech
Want the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?
📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe
📰 Story Links & Sources
Looking for the links from today’s stories?
Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:
🎙 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/28908079
YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftech
Facebook: 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.