Jimmy Hatzell made the strategic decision to establish an AI as a service venture tailored for the MSP sector due to his observation of a gap in the market. He perceived a lack of existing AI solutions catered specifically to MSPs and their clientele. With this vision in mind, Hatz AI was created to empower MSPs in offering AI-as-a-Service, featuring AI applications, vector storage, and customized large language models (LLMs). The official unveiling of the startup’s platform took place on Thursday, with the scheduled availability set for March.
In an exclusive discussion with CRN, Hatzell, the co-founder and CEO of Hatz AI, expressed his motivation behind the initiative, emphasizing the necessity of bridging the AI utilization gap for MSPs. He highlighted the prevalent efforts of emerging enterprises in integrating AI within their operational frameworks but underscored the challenges faced by smaller businesses in adapting to this technological shift. Hatzell drew from his firsthand experience to underscore the advantages of leveraging AI for enhanced performance, noting the significance of professionals guiding clients through this transition akin to their handling of security, IT, and other critical system issues.
Prior to founding Hatz AI, Hatzell held positions at CyberQP in Vancouver, Canada, initially serving as the director of marketing before assuming the role of vice president of income.
Hatzell elaborated on the support structure and documentation system that Professionals engaging with Hatz AI can anticipate. The platform introduces a suite of applications under the “wedding structure,” enabling MSPs to market and oversee these tools for their end users. The initial offerings include an AI conversational assistant and an AI software developer, empowering MSPs to craft bespoke applications for their clientele. Additionally, custom LLMs and vector storage integration within the record-keeping system cater to the needs of small enterprises utilizing the Hatz AI platform.
The software boasts multi-tenant control through an MSP admin dashboard and is fueled by the LLM engine Mido. By tailoring AI software and workflows to suit their clients’ requirements and furnishing functionally managed AI assistants, MSPs can seamlessly integrate AI into their service portfolios.
According to Hatzell, empowering Professionals to create their own large language models or customize existing models is pivotal in delivering top-notch services to clients. The document system’s vector storage capability facilitates data retention in AI-friendly formats for easy reference and utilization.
Securing $2.5 million in seed funding from Vestigo Ventures, Hatzell and co-founder Aiden Kehoe are channeling these resources towards product development and marketing initiatives.
Timothy Guim, president and CEO of PCH Technologies based in Sewell, New Jersey, commended the potential of Hatz AI in ushering AI into the corporate landscape through the MSP sector. PCH Technologies, as an early accessibility partner, anticipates leveraging the platform to offer AI services effectively, gathering valuable insights from early adopters of AI technology. This strategic positioning is poised to provide PCH Technologies with a competitive edge in the AI market, particularly as small and medium-sized businesses seek guidance in navigating the AI landscape.
Partners collaborating with Hatz AI exercise full control over the data utilized to train the AI systems. Hatzell emphasized the flexibility for partners to either train models using client data or develop proprietary models based on this data. Various data security measures are in place to safeguard sensitive information, including the utilization of open-source and self-hosted LLM designs, alongside plans for private cloud deployments to ensure data confidentiality.
In the forthcoming months, Hatz AI aims to streamline integrations with prominent PSA platforms, enhancing its compatibility and utility within the MSP ecosystem.
Michael Goldstein, CEO of LAN Infotech in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, praised Hatz AI for its potential to engage MSPs in the realm of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Goldstein noted the distinctive value proposition of Hatz AI in simplifying processes and charting a strategic roadmap for future advancements. He expressed confidence in the platform’s ability to resonate with MSPs, offering a pathway towards enhanced operational efficiency and client service.
Wayne Hunter, founder and CEO of AvTek Solutions in Allen, Texas, envisioned Hatzell’s endeavors as pioneering initiatives in the realm of AI within the MSSP domain. Hunter underscored the significance of staying at the forefront of AI advancements, emphasizing the competitive advantage that embracing such technologies can confer upon MSPs. By leveraging AI to augment existing workflows and drive operational efficiencies, MSPs stand to elevate their service quality and market positioning, ultimately translating into enhanced profitability and client satisfaction.
