If you missed our recent webinar, here is a recap of the biggest trends we saw in 2025 and what they signal for technology planning across state, local government, and education in 2026. 

2025 in Review: What IT Equipment & Software was Bought and Why? 

Across thousands of quotes and orders this year, mobility continued its rapid climb. Notebooks and mobile devices accounted for more hardware volume than desktops and servers combined. This reflects ongoing needs for hybrid work, field operations, and 1 to 1 learning environments. Power and resilience also rose in importance, with UPS units and supporting infrastructure representing a meaningful share of spend as agencies worked to protect network closets, security systems, and new facilities. 

Software played a larger role in 2025 as well. While enterprise suites like Microsoft and Google remain foundational, there was strong growth in mission specific tools such as security awareness and phishing simulation software, endpoint detection and response, backup and disaster recovery solutions, classroom and student safety applications, and automated patching tools. Customers requested nearly two million software licenses this year, which shows continued movement toward digital workflows and stronger cybersecurity practices. 

Security data provided one of the clearest stories. Video surveillance hardware alone surpassed traditional printing equipment in total spend for the first time. Agencies also invested in analytics, retention, and storage to support these systems. We saw a wider range of manufacturers represented in purchasing decisions, which indicates that customers are more willing to consider competitive pricing, alternative brands, and strong warranties as budgets continue to shift. 

Cooperative contracts also continued to expand. In several states, more than 90 percent of our total sales were purchased through a cooperative or a state contract. Limited staffing and tight timelines are leading many teams to rely on co-ops for faster and fully compliant purchasing. In addition, a growing number of state contracts now reflect or adopt cooperative contract structures. 

Looking Ahead: What Will Shape IT Planning in 2026 

Early 2026 conversations and quoting activity point to several trends gaining momentum. AI ready infrastructure is becoming a new baseline for both endpoints and back-end systems. After two years of significant camera deployment, many agencies will now turn their attention to storage and retention upgrades. Power and resilience continue to evolve into core infrastructure as networks expand across buildings and campuses. 

Software renewals will increase as stimulus era grants come to an end, which will also encourage agencies to evaluate consolidation opportunities. Ongoing staffing shortages in both IT and procurement are driving greater reliance on cooperative contracts, bundled purchasing, and more standardized buying pathways. Privacy requirements, data retention expectations, and safety modernization efforts will also influence both hardware and software decisions throughout 2026. 

If you would like a copy of the full webinar recording or support with planning your 2026 IT roadmap, your SCW account manager is ready to help.