Artificial intelligence is becoming a practical part of everyday work, influencing how people work, collaborate, create content, and access information. In a recent SCW-hosted webinar, “AI-Ready Workforce in 2026: How Dell Laptops and Desktops Power the Next Era of IT,” Dell Client Solutions Specialist Daniel Payne and SCW’s Kim Cullen Prather discussed how AI-ready devices are shaping workplace and classroom environments. 

A key theme of the discussion was the shift toward AI processing on the device itself. Dell’s latest commercial laptops and desktops include built-in neural processing units that support features such as improved video and audio quality in virtual meetings, real-time transcription, document summarization, and accessibility enhancements. Running these workloads locally can reduce reliance on cloud connectivity and help organizations keep sensitive data within their own environments. 

The conversation also focused on how organizations can better align device capabilities with real-world workloads. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Dell emphasized matching performance levels to how users actually work, whether that involves everyday productivity, frequent collaboration, data analysis, or more specialized technical tasks. This approach helps IT teams plan device refreshes that support both current needs and emerging AI-driven workflows without overcomplicating standardization. 

Several practical use cases were highlighted, particularly in education, government, and field-based roles. Educators can use AI-assisted tools to adapt lesson materials for different learning levels, staff can collaborate more effectively during virtual meetings, and mobile workers can perform tasks even when network connectivity is limited. 

For education and public sector organizations, SCW supports access to these Dell solutions through multiple cooperative purchasing contracts nationally. These established agreements allow agencies to procure technology through compliant purchasing pathways while reducing the time and administrative effort typically associated with procurement. 

As AI capabilities continue to mature, understanding how end-user devices support these tools will be an important part of technology planning. The webinar provided a practical look at how organizations can prepare their workforce for the next phase of AI adoption. 

If you would like to watch the recorded webinar, please contact your SCW account manager.