Top three large business tech trends in 2026

AI, of course, dominates the tech trend predictions again in 2026. But when you read any technology outlook for 2026 closely, you’ll see that one theme runs through all the prognostications. Secure connectivity is of maximum importance, and it’s no longer just about speeds and feeds — it’s about accessing AI, bolstering cybersecurity and ensuring resilience.

Implementation of AI has proven to require an enormous demand for data storage, data transfer, and compute power. This has significant implications for bandwidth requirements as well. Connectivity needs for AI usage focus on high bandwidth, low latency, reliable connections, and robust network infrastructure to manage the data generated and processed. 

Fiber networks are well-suited for AI applications due to their high bandwidth and low latency capabilities. To capitalize on the promise of AI, organizations need fast and reliable access to the internet, cloud services, and applications with a secure dedicated internet connection backed by a 100% uptime service level agreement guarantee, end-to-end.

Meanwhile, it's not just C-Suite types that are excited by AI possibilities. The IBM Institute for Business Value found that employees at large business are enthusiastic as well: “61% say AI makes their job less mundane and more strategic.”

What business leaders are saying about AI in 2026

An ISACA poll found that 62% of respondents named AI and machine learning as top technology priorities for 2026, but 63% also said that that the most significant cyberthreats for this year will be AI-driven. These findings reflect the growing need for bolstering cybersecurity with every implementation.

AI can significantly amplify DDoS threats by enabling attackers to launch smarter, faster, and more adaptive attacks, making them harder to detect. However, empowering cyberdefense with AI-driven tools can deliver real-time anomaly detection and automated mitigation. We are in an arms race where cyberdefenders can now rely on AI and machine learning for dynamic, intelligent defense against evolving, multi-vector assaults. 

Cyberdefense solutions exist that incorporate extensive AI and machine learning capabilities. This technology automates detection, analysis, and mitigation processes to counter sophisticated AI-driven attacks. 

Unified Communications in an AI environment

According to UC Today, “Enterprise communications aren’t what it was five years ago. It’s not even what it was last year.” Hybrid teams are evolving, and AI is popping up in every app. Companies considering Unified Communications (UC) solutions need to investigate how these solutions respond and if they have evolved to fit the lightning speed and heightened cybersecurity requirements of the AI age. 

UC has become what is most often a fully managed, cloud-based solution that helps organizations securely and reliably bring together calling, messaging, and video conferencing in a comprehensive application. AI features can be used to accelerate automation, personalization, and insights, driving efficiency through chatbots, intelligent routing, meeting summaries and sentiment analysis.

Resiliency is essential 

With AI resources and more of their business-critical capabilities located in the cloud, enterprises are demanding a better connectivity experience in 2026. Regarding the need for increased cybersecurity, organizations are seeking managed security services available to augment their connectivity options. 

Many organizations have put plans in place to maintain consistently available connectivity. One of the best ways tech leaders can achieve this is to diversify internet connections geographically and physically.  Network redundancy supports business continuity by providing an alternative route for data in transit, mitigating the effects of a point of failure anywhere along the critical data path. 

There are options to insure network resiliency in the face of unplanned outages. Organizations should seek solutions with a wide range of speeds to choose from, SLAs guaranteeing 100% availability and support from a team of local technicians.

Your goals are our priority. Let’s talk. 

Spectrum Business delivers comprehensive enterprise-class connectivity solutions designed specifically for Small, Mid-Market and Large Businesses. Our approach combines robust infrastructure with expert support and management services, creating a foundation for business success that grows and evolves with clients’ needs.

Our end-to-end connectivity offerings encompass everything from high-performance fiber and wireless networks to advanced SD-WAN and security services. Spectrum Business can make network management and security easier with a complete solution that includes design, connectivity, configuration, equipment, installation and ongoing US-based support for all your locations nationwide. 

Our network solutions are built on the Cisco, or Fortinet FortiGate and FortiCloud platforms - and all these solutions use AI in their cybersecurity features. Additionally, we offer managed security services with unified threat management, DDoS protection and other solutions that can address your cybersecurity concerns.

Find out more about how our solutions are tailored to your connectivity goals.