In our recent webinar on 2025 technology trends, many attendees were interested not only what happened this past year, but how they should prepare for the year ahead. Based on early quoting activity, customer conversations, and the direction of the public sector market, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where planning, partnership, and predictability carry more weight than they have in a long time. 

Across state, local, and education organizations, technology decisions are being driven by a need to modernize while still managing limited resources. AI capable devices and infrastructure are becoming standard requirements for both end users and back-end systems. At the same time, agencies that expanded their camera fleets over the past two years are beginning to evaluate storage, retention, and video management needs. These trends indicate that 2026 will require more than one off purchases. It will require coordinated planning across hardware, software, and infrastructure. 

Power and resilience will also rise in priority as networks continue to expand into new facilities and as more operational technology depends on continuous uptime. Many organizations are working to build power strategies that cover not only traditional server rooms, but also network closets, modular spaces, and safety systems. These decisions benefit from early supplier engagement since availability, compatibility, and installation timelines can vary. 

Another factor that will shape 2026 is the end of stimulus era grants, which supported many technology purchases during the past few years. As those funds conclude, decision makers are returning to lifecycle-based planning and more structured budgeting cycles. This makes it even more important to partner with suppliers who can help identify cost saving alternatives, bundle hardware and software where appropriate, validate equivalencies, and monitor pricing opportunities throughout the year. 

Cooperative contracts will continue to provide a critical path forward. Staffing constraints, compliance expectations, and the desire for audit ready purchasing all point toward the continued growth of co-op use in 2026. Working closely with an experienced supplier can help agencies evaluate which contracts are eligible, which offer the best pricing, and how to streamline procurement without delays. 

The common thread across all these trends is partnership. Agencies that engage suppliers early, communicate upcoming needs, explore equivalent options, and plan multiyear strategies can stretch budgets further and reduce risk. As 2026 begins, the most successful organizations will be those that treat their technology suppliers not as transactional vendors, but as collaborative advisors who can help navigate a rapidly changing landscape. 

If you would like guidance on planning your 2026 purchasing strategy, your SCW account manager is always ready to assist.