Farewell to 2025, & Key Trends to Watch in 2026

G’day everyone, Craig Stones here.

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it’s a natural time for reflection and a bit of crystal ball gazing. Looking back, 2025 was a year of immense change and adaptation for the IT industry. We navigated policy shifts, grappled with evolving budgets, and continued our march into the cloud. Now, as we look ahead to 2026, the pace isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s accelerating.

After more than 35 years in this dynamic industry, one truth remains constant: our ability to adapt, collaborate, and innovate is what defines our success. The disruptions we face are not roadblocks; they are opportunities to rethink our strategies, strengthen our foundations, and build a more resilient future.

Our ability to adapt, collaborate, and innovate is what defines our success

The Big Picture: What’s Driving Change?

The tech landscape is in a state of perpetual motion. Mergers and acquisitions continue to reshape the End-User Computing (EUC) space, impacting everything from vendor relationships to licensing models. We’ve seen the ripple effects of major moves, like Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, forcing many organisations to confront "bill shock" and re-evaluate their entire technology stack.

This isn't just a financial headache; it’s a strategic crossroad. It’s compelling us to ask the hard questions: Is our current infrastructure still fit for purpose? Are we paying for features we no longer need? This climate has made the "cost viability analysis" more than just a buzzword; it’s become an essential exercise for survival and growth.

Key Trends to Watch in 2026

As we step into the new year, several key themes will dominate our conversations and strategies. These aren't just trends; they are foundational shifts in how we approach technology.

1. Artificial Intelligence: From Hype to Practical Application

AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a practical tool that’s being embedded into the very fabric of our daily operations. In 2026, the focus will shift from experimentation to meaningful implementation. We're moving beyond asking "what is AI?" to "what can AI do for my business?"

The key will be to have a clear outcome in mind. As I've always said, technology for technology's sake doesn't move the needle. Whether it's using AI to enhance security analytics, streamline administrative tasks with co-pilots, or develop the next generation of applications, the goal must be to solve real-world problems.

One of the most critical conversations we'll be having is around security. As one of my colleagues rightly put it, "AI can drive innovation, but without trust, it’s just another risk waiting to happen." Building security-first AI systems is the only way to unlock its true potential.

2. The Hypervisor Renaissance and Hybrid Cloud Reality

The shake-up in the virtualisation market has sparked what I call a "hypervisor renaissance." The dominance of a single platform is over. Organisations are now actively exploring alternatives like Nutanix, Citrix XenServer, and others, seeking flexibility and better cost-performance ratios.

This leads directly into the broader hybrid cloud conversation. A "lift and shift" to the public cloud is not always the answer. A true hybrid strategy is about workload placement—running applications where they make the most sense, whether that’s on-premises for performance and control, or in the cloud for scalability. Platforms that offer a single, consistent management plane across these environments will be the real winners, simplifying operations and reducing the need for extensive re-skilling.

3. Cybersecurity: From Defence to Resilience

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it’s a board-level concern. The baseline for what’s considered "secure" is constantly rising. Meeting standards like the Essential 8 is becoming mandatory, not optional.

However, compliance can’t come at the cost of administrative overload. In 2026, the focus will be on finding targeted, sustainable solutions that reduce complexity. Tools that offer strict application control without drowning lean IT teams in manual work will be invaluable.

Furthermore, business continuity planning must extend beyond the data centre to the endpoint. A perfectly healthy backend is useless if your users' devices are compromised. Having a "Plan B" for your desktops, whether through dual-boot solutions or other recovery technologies, is a critical component of true resilience. Remember, "preparation turns cyber chaos into control; without it, crisis is the rule, not the exception."

Community and Collaboration: Our Greatest Assets

In a world of constant change, none of us has all the answers. The most valuable resource we have is each other. The conversations we have in user groups, at industry events, and even in the comments section of a post like this are where the real learning happens.

I’ve always encouraged people to stay curious and explore technologies outside of their immediate comfort zone. The insights you gain from learning about a different platform or a new approach can spark the innovation that drives your organisation forward. This industry was built on shared knowledge, and that collaborative spirit is more important now than ever.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

The challenges ahead are significant, but so are the opportunities. This is a time of incredible flux, and our ability to adapt will define our success. The way we do things today is not the way we'll do them in a few years, and that’s an exciting prospect.

As we move into 2026, let's commit to asking better questions, seeking out new perspectives, and working together to build more efficient, secure, and innovative technology environments.

What are your thoughts on the year ahead? What trends are you watching most closely in your organisation? I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments below.

Let's start the conversation.