State of the Industry
CAUTION, COLLABORATION AND QUIET CONFIDENCE
The IT channel has entered 2026 with a sense of steady confidence, tempered by a year in which almost every part of the ecosystem has been forced to rethink how it operates. The pace of technological change has not slowed, but the way organisations respond to it has become more measured. Partners, vendors and distributors are navigating a landscape defined by AI acceleration, supply chain
unpredictability, shifting customer expectations, and a renewed focus on trust, data sovereignty and long-term value.
A
cross the channel, leaders describe a market that is positive but cautious, innovative but pragmatic, and increasingly geared towards collaboration rather than competition.
David Watts, senior vice president and managing director for
UK & Ireland at TD Synnex, says: “Te IT industry looks to be in a healthy state and continuing to make progress, not only in terms of the value and benefits that technology delivers, but also in terms of DE&I and sustainability.” His view reflects a broader sentiment – that the fundamentals are strong, but the industry is learning to balance ambition with responsibility. Watts emphasises that curiosity and continuous improvement remain
essential. “I think it’s important that we continue to improve on all these fronts – that we continue to be curious, seek out new and better ways to make customer organisations more efficient and effective, and strive to be better suppliers, employers, and corporate citizens, co-workers and peers.” His comments capture a shiſt in tone across the channel. Growth is still the goal, but the route to achieving it is increasingly tied to partnership and transparency. He also notes a cultural shiſt in how organisations relate to each other.
“We are getting better at working together and trusting each other, and this is evidenced by the increasing number of ecosystems, partnerships, and collaborations that are forming to achieve mutual benefit.” In a year
14 | January/February 2026
where complexity has increased, the channel’s instinct has been to pull closer rather than driſt apart. Tat instinct is proving to be one of its greatest strengths.
Change, consolidation and customer expectations Te pace of soſtware development continues to accelerate, and with it, the pressure on organisations to adapt. Josef Al Sibaie, Chief of Staff and Corporate Development Officer at Syspro, describes a landscape where long-term planning has become more difficult. “Artificial intelligence, automation, and digital connectivity are evolving so quickly
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