All About Auvik

Auvik is a cloud-based network/IT management platform designed for IT professionals and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Auvik helps users maintain network health, improve operational efficiency, and address issues proactively. For organizations looking to optimize their IT infrastructure, Auvik stands out as a leading cloud-based network monitoring and management solution.

This article explores Auvik’s journey from inception to a prominent player in network management, and its product suite. We’ll explore the company's founding, key milestones, and how its products have evolved with advancements in network technologies. We’ll also discuss the challenges faced by Auvik and how it has addressed them, culminating in a spotlight on its flagship product and one other notable product.

The Founding of Auvik and Its Growth Journey

Auvik was established in 2011 by Alex Hoff, Marc Morin, and David Yach, three engineers driven by the desire to simplify IT management amidst technological transitions. While employed at various tech firms in Waterloo—a region known for its tech innovation, including Blackberry—the founders observed a significant challenge: legacy network equipment struggled to integrate with modern, streamlined control systems. Organizations couldn’t afford to replace every outdated device, forcing IT professionals to make reactive, manual adjustments with limited visibility into the overall network. They envisioned a user-friendly platform that would enable IT professionals to both view and manage their networks remotely.

Thus, Auvik was created. Early adopters were initially attracted by Auvik’s automated mapping tool but continued to use the platform for its seamless automation features. As the company grew, it expanded globally and enhanced its offerings to include SaaS and Wi-Fi management capabilities. Today, Auvik oversees one million network devices and three million SaaS applications across 100,000 networks, while providing monitoring services for over 10 million devices. As the world increasingly embraces hybrid and remote work models, Auvik continues to drive IT innovation, supporting flexible work environments and helping users operate effectively from any location.

Founders and Key Contributions

As Auvik founders, Hoff, Morin, and Yach brought a wealth of experience from their backgrounds in technology and engineering. Their collective goal was to address the inefficiencies in traditional network management tools, recognizing that legacy equipment often failed to integrate seamlessly with newer, more user-friendly models. This gap in the market led them to create a cloud-based platform that would offer comprehensive network visibility and control.

Alex Hoff played a pivotal role in shaping Auvik’s product strategy and early development. As Chief Strategy Officer, Hoff is responsible for defining the long-term vision and strategic direction of Auvik. Before assuming this role, he played a key role in leading sales, customer success, product development, and engineering as the company expanded. His vision for a simplified, user-friendly platform was crucial in defining Auvik’s core features, including the automated network mapping tool. His technical expertise and strategic insight helped establish Auvik as a key player in the IT management space and positioned it for global expansion.

Marc Morin served as Auvik's first CEO, guiding Auvik through its early stages of development and growth. Under his leadership, the company established itself in the network management space and began expanding its product offerings and market reach. Morin’s role was essential in expanding Auvik’s reach and integrating advanced functionalities that enhanced the platform's appeal to a global audience. His leadership was instrumental in scaling the company and enhancing its product offerings.

David Yach served as Auvik's CTO between 2012 and 2019. He played a crucial role in developing Auvik's technology and product offerings, leveraging his extensive experience in software development and engineering to help build and scale the company's network management platform. Yach’s work ensured that Auvik’s platform was robust, scalable, and capable of integrating with other IT management tools. His emphasis on customer needs and technical solutions helped refine Auvik’s products and improve user experience.

Together, Hoff, Morin, and Yach combined their technical expertise, strategic vision, and market understanding to create and develop Auvik. Their collaborative efforts led to the creation of a powerful cloud-based network management platform that addresses the complexities of modern IT environments. Their shared vision of simplifying network management and improving IT operations through automation has driven Auvik’s success and growth.

Evolution of Auvik Product Suite

Auvik’s product suite has undergone significant evolution since its inception, reflecting the company’s growth and the increasing demands of IT professionals. Auvik's first product focused on cloud-based network monitoring and management, offering essential features such as network performance monitoring, asset management, and traffic analysis. This early solution laid the foundation for Auvik’s core offerings, setting the stage for future advancements. Auvik has continuously enhanced its products to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge tools for network and IT management.

In recent years, Auvik has continued to innovate and expand its product suite. The appointment of Douglas Murray as CEO, along with the strategic acquisitions of companies such as MetaGeek, Boardgent, and Saaslio marked a new phase of growth. New offerings, including SaaS Management and Wi-Fi Management solutions, were introduced to address the evolving needs of enterprises. By 2024, Auvik had surpassed 1.5 million network devices under management and acquired its first Auvik Endpoint Management customer, underscoring its ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive IT management solutions.

Here’s a timeline of key events and milestones:

• 2011: Auvik is founded by Alex Hoff, Marc Morin, and David Yach with the goal of transforming network management through cloud-based solutions.
• 2013: Raised CAD$6M in Series A financing, and reached 21 employees.
• 2014: Launched beta networking monitoring & management product.
• 2015: Celebrated first paid subscriber with a Baby Duck toast, establishing a tradition.
• 2016: Won HTG Rookie of the Year award, and increased to 34 employees.
• 2017: Launched the first MSP Summer Treat Wave, won HTG Partner Favorite award, and grew to 86 employees.
• 2018:
  • Won Most Valuable Software at Channelnomics MSP Awards.
  • Expanded to 176 employees.
  • Raised CAD$20M in Series C financing.
  • Launched Auvik certification program.
  • Signed first international distributors.
  • Won Most Innovative Product award at DattoCon EMEA.
  • Acquired Talaia, a Spanish network traffic analytics company.
• 2019:
  • Reached 200 employees.
  • Ranked 3 on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50™.
  • Ranked 12 on Deloitte’s 2019 Technology Fast 500™.
  • Ranked 25 on Startup 50 of Canada’s Top New Growth Companies.
  • Ranked 4 on Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
  • Launched Auvik TrafficInsights flow analytics feature.
  • Served 2,000+ customers globally.
• 2020: Launched new resources and features to support IT professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2021: Great Hill Partners invested US$250M in Auvik.
• 2022: Appointed Silicon Valley veteran Douglas Murray as CEO. Acquired MetaGeek, Boardgent, and Saaslio. Expanded to 305 employees.
• 2024: Surpassed 1.5M network devices under management across more than 100K networks, and acquired the first Auvik Endpoint Management customer.

Auvik Core Product Offering

Here are Auvik's core product offerings available in the market today:

1. Auvik Network Management: Auvik’s flagship product offers unparalleled network visibility and control with a cloud-based solution that can be up and running in under an hour. Key features include:

• True Network Visibility: Gain a complete view of your network’s infrastructure and performance.
• Asset Management: Efficiently manage all your IT assets to ensure smooth operation and reduce downtime.
• Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor network performance to quickly identify and address issues.
• Traffic Analysis: Analyze network traffic to optimize performance and security.

2. Auvik SaaS Management: Auvik’s SaaS Management solution provides a comprehensive view of your entire SaaS ecosystem. This new offering is designed to uncover, manage, and secure your SaaS applications, eliminating the risks associated with Shadow IT. With this tool, you can:<

• Discover and Monitor SaaS Applications: Get visibility into all the SaaS applications in use within your organization.
• Manage and Secure: Efficiently manage and secure your SaaS ecosystem to protect against potential threats and vulnerabilities.
• Track Employee Usage: Monitor how employees use SaaS applications to ensure compliance and optimize resource allocation.
• Receive Security Alerts: Be promptly alerted to any security issues, allowing for quick resolution and enhanced protection.

3. Auvik Wi-Fi Management: The newly introduced Wi-Fi Management solution ensures the performance and security of your enterprise’s Wi-Fi network. This tool is designed to:

• Facilitate On-Site Diagnosis: Make diagnosing Wi-Fi issues straightforward and efficient.
• Uncover Interference Sources: Identify and resolve sources of interference to maintain optimal Wi-Fi performance.
• Provide In-Depth Insights: Gain detailed insights into your Wi-Fi network to enhance both performance and security.

Challenges and How They Were Addressed

Auvik’s journey from inception to the present has been marked by several significant challenges, each of which the company has addressed with strategic solutions.

• Early Market Penetration and Growth: From its inception, Auvik faced the challenge of establishing itself in a competitive market saturated with well-known network management solutions. Launched in 2014, the company needed to differentiate its cloud-based product and build credibility quickly. Auvik addressed this challenge by focusing on unique features such as rapid deployment and comprehensive network visibility. The positive feedback from early adopters and the growing customer base helped the company gain traction and establish its presence in the industry.
• Scaling Operations and Expanding Capabilities: As Auvik experienced growth, scaling operations and expanding its product capabilities became crucial. Managing increased customer demand, hiring additional talent, and enhancing the product to meet evolving needs required substantial resources. To overcome these challenges, Auvik raised significant funding through Series A and Series C rounds, which supported its growth. Strategic hires and acquisitions, including Talaia and later MetaGeek, Boardgent, and Saaslio, helped the company rapidly expand its capabilities and offerings.
• Adapting to Emerging Trends and Market Needs: The rapid pace of technological advancement and shifting market trends presented another challenge for Auvik. The rise of SaaS applications and the growing need for robust Wi-Fi performance required the company to adapt its product suite. Auvik addressed these emerging needs by introducing new solutions such as SaaS Management and Wi-Fi Management. The launch of features like Auvik TrafficInsights also ensured that the company remained relevant by providing deeper insights into network traffic.
• Identifying and Catering Target Market: One of the major challenges Auvik faced was identifying and catering to its target market. Traditional network management tools were often unsuitable for MSPs due to their reliance on managing single, cohesive networks rather than a diverse array of devices and vendors. Auvik adapted by developing solutions tailored to MSPs' unique needs, which became a significant niche for the company. This pivot allowed Auvik to establish itself in a specialized market and address the specific requirements of MSPs, thereby solidifying its position.
• Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges, particularly for IT management firms. With a sudden shift to remote work and increased demand for reliable network management, Auvik needed to support its customers effectively. The company responded by launching new resources and features designed to help IT professionals maintain network continuity and manage the surge in remote work demands. This agile response underscored Auvik’s commitment to addressing critical needs during the crisis.
• Maintaining Growth and Innovation Amidst Increased Competition: Finally, as Auvik continued to grow, maintaining its competitive edge amidst increasing competition was essential. The company faced competition from both established players and new entrants in the IT management space. To sustain its market position, Auvik focused on innovation, strategic investments, and acquisitions. The appointment of Douglas Murray as CEO and the expansion of its team allowed the company to drive innovation and enhance its product offerings, solidifying its leadership in network and IT management solutions.

Flagship Product: Auvik Network Management

Auvik Network Management is a cloud-based software platform designed to simplify and enhance the management of IT networks. It provides comprehensive tools and features for network visibility, control, and automation, targeting the needs of IT professionals and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Here’s a breakdown of what Auvik Network Management offers:

Key Features:

• Network Discovery and Management: This feature includes inventory management and documentation, allowing for a thorough understanding of your network infrastructure.
• Interactive Network Mapping: This map enables you to view multiple sites simultaneously or drill down into specific devices, making it easier to manage and understand complex network topologies.
• Intelligent Network Traffic Analysis: The platform allows for intelligent analysis of network traffic, helping users identify who is on the network, what they are doing, and where their traffic is going.
• Quick Access to Device Details: Auvik streamlines device investigation by providing quick access to detailed information from a centralized location.
• Remote Network Access: Auvik allows users to access and troubleshoot their network from anywhere, providing the flexibility to resolve issues without the need to be physically present.
• Automated Configuration Backups: Auvik manages configuration backups automatically, providing access to current device configurations.
• Integration with IT Platforms: Auvik integrates with various IT platforms, allowing users to customize alerts and send them to platforms they already use.

Why Do We Recommend It?

Auvik Network Management platform excels in delivering real-time visibility and intelligent traffic analysis, enabling IT professionals to quickly identify and resolve network issues. I found that its automated documentation and configuration management simplify routine tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing manual workload. A 14-day free trial is available on request.

Who Is It Recommended For?

Auvik is particularly suitable for MSPs and large organizations that require robust network management solutions. MSPs benefit from Auvik’s ability to manage multiple client networks from a single dashboard, while large organizations with complex, distributed networks can leverage its extensive visibility and automation capabilities.

Notable Product: Auvik SaaS Management

Auvik SaaS Management offers a robust solution for overseeing and optimizing your SaaS environment. It provides a visual dashboard that displays key information about all your applications, including desktop, SaaS, cloud, and business apps. This visualization helps IT teams maintain a clear and comprehensive view of their software ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Automated Documentation: Auvik SaaS Management simplifies the documentation process by automatically cataloging and updating information for all desktop, SaaS, cloud, and business applications.
• SaaS Inventory & Health Score: The platform provides a powerful SaaS Health Score, which evaluates the performance and reliability of your applications. This feature offers actionable insights and recommendations, helping organizations optimize their application inventory and make informed decisions about their software assets.
• Enhanced Security Logs: Auvik enhances IT visibility with comprehensive security logs. These logs provide detailed information about the security status of your applications, enabling IT teams to monitor and address potential security issues effectively.

The platform also automates the documentation of these applications, reducing manual effort and ensuring that all relevant data is accurately captured. Auvik SaaS Management includes a robust SaaS Health Score that evaluates the performance and reliability of your applications, along with comprehensive security logs that enhance IT visibility and management. These features collectively enable more effective oversight, improved security, and streamlined management of your SaaS environment.

Why Do We Recommend It?

We recommend Auvik SaaS Management for its efficient approach to overseeing your application ecosystem. Its automated documentation feature simplifies the management of a diverse range of applications.

I noted that the platform’s SaaS Health Score provides actionable insights and recommendations, allowing organizations to proactively optimize their application performance and address potential issues before they impact operations. Auvik SaaS Management integrates seamlessly with Auvik’s network management platform, providing a unified view of your entire IT infrastructure. A free trial is available on request.

Who Is It Recommended For?

Auvik SaaS Management is particularly suitable for IT departments and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) that need to manage and optimize a diverse set of applications across various environments. Organizations with complex application portfolios, including desktop, cloud, and SaaS applications, will benefit from the platform's ability to automate documentation and provide detailed health assessments.

Wrap-Up

Auvik has established itself as a leading provider of cloud-based network management solutions through its innovative products and commitment to addressing the needs of IT professionals and MSPs. By focusing on automation, real-time visibility, and IT management tools, Auvik has successfully met the challenges of modern network environments and continues to deliver value to its users. With flagship products like Auvik Network Management and notable offerings such as Auvik SaaS Management and Auvik Wi-Fi Management, Auvik remains a key player in the network management landscape.

From its founding in 2011 to its current status as a leading player in network management, Auvik has continuously evolved its product suite to keep pace with advancements in network technologies, and delivers on its promise to “Wow our customers.” With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, Auvik is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of network and IT management.