Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a critical success factor for businesses worldwide. With the advent of AI, businesses can automate mundane tasks, enhance efficiency, improve accuracy and speed up problem resolution. One company that has successfully integrated AI into its core operations is Atera, a comprehensive IT management platform. In a recent interview with TechForge, Gil Pekelman, the CEO of Atera, shed light on how AI is revolutionizing the IT industry and what the future holds for AI.
Atera, launched in 2016, is a single platform that ensures all IT needs are managed under one roof. The platform offers a range of services including patching, security, ongoing support, alerts, automations, ticket management, reports, and analytics. The unique feature of Atera is its single codebase and single database, which simplifies IT management and onboarding. Presently, Atera boasts over 12,000 customers in 120 countries, with the U.S. and the U.K. being the biggest markets.
From the inception, Atera dedicated itself to integrating AI into its company’s DNA. The goal was always to use data to identify problems and alert humans to fix or avoid issues. Over the years, Atera has shifted its focus to automating mundane IT tasks, thus freeing up professionals for more engaging work. The introduction of Chat GPT and Open AI tools propelled Atera to pioneer Action AI, a trend that moves beyond dialogue to real-world action. Unlike generic Generative AI, Action AI interacts with hardware and software to autonomously perform tasks.
Pekelman also discussed Atera’s two innovative AI software, Autopilot and Copilot. Autopilot is a widget on your computer that understands and autonomously fixes common problems within set boundaries. In contrast, Copilot is a comprehensive tool designed to augment IT professionals. It can run network tests, reach a conclusion and create the action required to solve the problem. However, the final decision to execute the action remains with the IT professional. While Autopilot is still in the beta phase, Copilot has been launched and is saving IT professionals nearly half of their workday.
When asked about the advice he would give to companies considering integrating AI technologies into their operations, Pekelman stressed the importance of choosing the right and secure generative AI tools. The CEO added that while AI offers numerous advantages, it is crucial to pick a tool that reaps the benefits without compromising on security.
Looking ahead, Pekelman believes that AI is set to become significantly more intelligent and aware. He predicts a dual advancement in AI’s intelligence and its empathetic interactions, which will transform how humans engage with AI. The CEO added that recent breakthroughs in understanding AI’s mechanisms will not only enhance its functionality but also ensure its security and ethical use.
As for Atera’s future plans, the company is excited about the upcoming launch of Autopilot in a few months. While Copilot has already been instrumental in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, Autopilot represents the next significant advancement. By automating and resolving common IT issues, Autopilot allows IT professionals to focus on more strategic and rewarding activities, ultimately improving overall productivity and job satisfaction.
