MSPs are encountering a wide range of difficulties in 2025, yet they remain resilient and continue to push forward.

This is the key takeaway from Auvik’s 2025 IT Trends Report, which outlines the primary challenges currently facing IT and managed service provider (MSP) professionals.

The report, derived from insights provided by C-suite executives and IT professionals across various MSP organizations, highlights growing concerns around burnout, excessive tool usage, and operational inefficiencies as the sector undergoes continuous transformation.

Despite these mounting pressures, MSPs appear ready to respond effectively, with most planning to increase their spending budgets within the coming year.

As MSPs adapt to new expectations in today’s IT environment—such as supporting remote work and integrating AI—they struggle with the expanding complexity of managing multiple tools.

According to the findings, half of all MSPs use ten or more tools to manage client networks, while nearly half (44%) admit that real-time visibility remains limited, hindering effective network monitoring.

In addition, 74% pointed to server monitoring as a contributor to this tool overload, ultimately slowing operations and increasing professional exhaustion.

This growing fatigue has become a serious obstacle, with 60% of respondents reporting moderate to severe levels of burnout. Furthermore, 44% said that workload pressures significantly impact their productivity.

To address this escalating challenge, Auvik suggests that MSPs must prioritize employee well-being by reducing tool sprawl and enhancing training for emerging technologies and workflows.

These pressures are also impeding professional development, with 78% of respondents identifying stress and workload as major barriers to upskilling.

It's not that these professionals are underperforming—it's that current conditions make it difficult to complete necessary tasks efficiently.

Auvik recommends that MSPs strengthen resilience through workflow automation, integrated platforms, and stronger mentorship and training programs.

Opportunity knocks for MSPs

Despite the many challenges, promising opportunities lie ahead for MSPs. Around 70% of providers reported plans to increase their budgets over the next twelve months, with over half (51%) anticipating increases of 51% or more.

This rise in investment presents strong growth potential for MSP partners offering co-managed or fully-managed services, particularly those capable of handling cloud and SaaS monitoring.

Additionally, since 34% of respondents admitted to lacking mature AI governance policies, there is an opening for MSPs to take the lead by incorporating updated AI-related knowledge, training, and policy frameworks into client agreements.

Looking to the future

As AI adoption and hybrid working models accelerate, Auvik emphasizes that the most successful MSPs will be those that streamline operations, invest in staff development, and strategically prepare for upcoming technological shifts.

“MSPs can stand out by providing access to certified and knowledgeable experts, especially in an era of rapid tech innovation,” the company noted in a blog post.

“Proactive monitoring capabilities for areas such as SaaS, networking, and cloud infrastructure are essential for modern business environments. Closing internal skill gaps and minimizing tool complexity are equally crucial.”

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