Tech Trends: What to Expect in 2026

The tech world is always changing, and 2026 looks to be no different. Experts are predicting some big shifts in how businesses use technology. Here's a breakdown of what's coming:

IT Budgets on the Rise

• Growth: IT budgets are expected to grow by about 5%.
• Confidence: A sign that companies are feeling more confident.
• Caution: Big companies are still being cautious, but leaders are more optimistic.
• Note: This is about budgeting, not actual sales.
• Staffing Costs: A big part of IT budgets, and AI might change how much companies spend on people.

AI Showing Real Returns

• Measurement: Companies are getting better at measuring AI's savings.
• Usage: More businesses are using AI in ways that make them money.
• Change: A big shift from earlier years when AI was more of an experiment.

Nvidia Pulling Ahead

• Products: Expected to be much better and cheaper than current offerings.
• Demand: Could mean more demand for Nvidia's products.
• Competition: Less competition for Nvidia.

Data Becoming a Big Deal

• Tech Companies: Businesses are building AI tools on top of existing data systems.
• Growth: Companies like Snowflake, Databricks, Oracle, and Microsoft could see more growth.

AI Models Focusing on Business Use

• Improvements: OpenAI and others are likely to make their products better for companies.
• Revenue: Could help them make more money from businesses.

Google Cloud Growing

• Gap Closing: Expected to keep growing and close the gap with AWS and Azure.
• Skills: Their AI and data skills are helping them attract more big companies.

SaaS Companies Facing Challenges

• Tough Year: Might have a tough year due to AI.
• Seats: AI could mean fewer seats are needed.
• Focus: Companies are finding ways to keep making money, focusing on outcomes and AI features.

Security Concerns

• Breach: A major breach could happen where no human credentials are stolen.
• Attack: This could be a new kind of attack that companies aren't ready for.

Hardware Prices Staying High

• Memory Shortages: Keeping prices up.
• Data Center Demand: Also contributing to high prices.
• Upgrades: Could make it harder for companies to upgrade their tech.

AI Affecting White-Collar Jobs

• Hiring: Companies are already limiting hiring because of AI.
• Trend: Expected to continue.
• Demand: However, there will still be demand for specialized workers in areas like data centers.