AutoCon 3: Throw Out the Playbook, AI Is Here to Stay

At NAF’s AutoCon 3 event in Prague, Itential’s Chief Architect, Peter Sprygada hits the main stage to share why yesterday’s playbooks aren’t enough for today’s AI-driven world. He introduces the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and the new Itential MCP Server — an open-source framework that lets large language models act on network workflows without sacrificing security, governance, or auditability.

Whether you’re exploring your first AI proof-of-concept or ready to scale autonomous operations across multi-domain environments, this talk delivers the practical insights you need to move forward with confidence. AI isn’t going anywhere, and it’s going to have a profound impact on network automation.

Key Takeaways

• How MCP and the Itential MCP Server create a secure bridge between LLMs and network workflows.
• Why controlled, audit-ready AI beats one-off scripts for delivering consistent outcomes at scale.
• Real-world northbound (observability) and southbound (direct change) use cases already adding value today.
• Practical steps for introducing AI incrementally — so you capture quick wins without risking uptime.
• Where the community is headed next and how you can get involved in shaping AI-native infrastructure operations.