Right now, businesses around the world are making big technology decisions for 2026. Gartner predicts worldwide IT spending will surpass $6 trillion in 2026, which is a nearly 10% jump from 2025.1 But with that much money going into technology, it can be easy to chase the latest trends without thinking about whether they actually solve your problems.
The organizations getting the best results are the ones making strategic choices, not just following the crowd. At C4, our solution consultants help teams navigate these changing tech trends with guidance backed by real strategy. Let's walk through what's coming in 2026 and what you should be thinking about right now.
Understanding the business technology shifts happening this year can give you a roadmap for making smarter decisions with your IT budget. Here’s what to watch for:
A recent survey found that 80% of CIOs plan to increase their AI budgets in 2026.2 However, the growth of AI adoption is creating new challenges for the businesses using it.
Expect to see stricter regulations around how to train, deploy, and monitor AI models, especially in sensitive industries like finance, healthcare, and education. Companies will need to show that they’re using AI responsibly and protecting customer data at every step.
Luckily, working with partners who understand both the legal and technical sides of AI can keep your business compliant. At C4, we’ll help you evaluate AI-powered solutions that give you the flexibility to innovate – while keeping you compliant with regulations.
IT teams have used automation to streamline back-end processes for years, but that’s all changing in 2026. These tools are now showing up in front-line operations like customer service, finance, HR, and operations, helping businesses cut costs and handle more volume without adding headcount.
The tricky part is that not all automation platforms are created equal. When you're evaluating automation solutions, look for platforms that play well with your current tools and offer strong reporting so you can actually measure what's working.
An estimated 90% of organizations will adopt a hybrid cloud setup by 2027.3 While this approach provides better cost control and more options for data residency, that flexibility also comes with complexity. You need clear strategies for how workloads move between environments, how security policies stay consistent, and how you manage costs across all of it.
C4 helps our customers evaluate cloud platforms and service providers through an unbiased lens. Our goal is to match you with scalable solutions that actually align with your business goals – now and in the future.
Expect these trends to influence decisions across your entire business, from vendor relationships to hiring priorities. If your team is starting to plan for the year ahead, here are a few helpful steps:
Navigating what’s next in business technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At C4, our solution consultants are here to help you evaluate 2026 tech priorities and build a roadmap that fits your business. Ready to talk about what’s ahead? Get in touch with our team.
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