2026 is underway and many organizations are rethinking what progress really looks like. Instead of bold, all-or-nothing resolutions, business leaders are embracing a more intentional reset. The focus has shifted from rapid transformation to building momentum in the areas that matter most. 

That mindset is clearly reflected in the technology channel. While recent industry predictions have outlined what’s next for the IT ecosystem, insights from TD SYNNEX’s recent annual Direction of Technology report, show how partners are translating trends into real priorities for the future. The report is based on feedback from more than 1,400 channel partners across 40 countries, the data reveal that partners intend to move toward practical progress, measured adoption, and solutions that deliver real outcomes. 

If partners were making New Year’s resolutions, they would not be about doing more. They would be about focusing on what truly enables progress. 

Resolution #1: Make AI mission-critical, not overwhelming 

Artificial intelligence remains central to partner strategies, but the approach is becoming more disciplined. According to the Direction of Technology report, 75 percent of channel partners say AI is critical or very important to their business  

At the same time, the data shows that adoption is entering a more advanced phase. Partners are moving beyond foundational use cases toward higher-impact applications, with 58.4 percent identifying AI-powered cybersecurity and 54.3 percent identifying AI-driven automation as the areas expected to have the greatest industry impact. 

This year’s resolution for many partners is not to adopt AI everywhere at once, but to apply it where it delivers measurable customer value. The report also highlights that translating AI into customer-specific outcomes remains the top challenge, reinforcing why a thoughtful, use-case-driven approach is becoming the norm. 

Resolution #2: Treat cybersecurity as a foundation for growth 

Cybersecurity continues to be a non-negotiable priority across the channel. The Direction of Technology report shows that 80 percent of channel partners already offer at least one cybersecurity solution, underscoring that security is now a prerequisite for participating in the IT ecosystem.  

However, partners are also recognizing that offering security is not enough. Threats continue to evolve, and the report identifies cybersecurity misconfiguration as the number one challenge when deploying IT infrastructure, followed closely by endpoint security concerns.  

This year’s resolution is about strengthening security foundations proactively using integrated architecture. Partners are focused on delivering security that supports business resilience and continuity and not just reacting to threats after the fact. 

Resolution #3: Close the skills gap by redesigning how work gets done 

Skills remain a critical constraint on growth, but the Direction of Technology report makes it clear that the issue runs deeper than training alone. 68.8 percent of leaders say they are concerned about hiring or retaining talent, signaling a broader need to rethink operating models in an AI-enabled future. 

The data shows that the skills gap is closely tied to how work is structured, how teams utilize technology, and how organizations update roles and workflows. Partners are resolving to invest in enablement that goes beyond certifications, and instead focusing on building confidence, redesigning processes, and ensuring AI adoption is sustainable. 

In this context, training and workforce readiness are not just support functions. They are strategic levers for long-term competitiveness. 

Resolution #4: Simplify operations to stay agile in a competitive market 

Operational complexity continues to challenge partners as competition intensifies. The report highlights that increasing competition is the number one challenge partners face when scaling IT operations, reinforcing the need for greater efficiency and focus. 

Rather than adding layers of tools and processes, partners are resolving to simplify. This includes streamlining operations, improving integration across platforms, and leveraging ecosystems that reduce friction. Simplification can allow partners to stay agile while freeing up resources to focus on customer relationships and growth. 

Progress without pressure 

Like the most successful New Year’s resolutions, these priorities are less about sweeping change and more about making steady, intentional progress in the areas that matter most. 

Partners who lead in the year ahead are not waiting for perfect conditions. They are making intentional choices now, grounded in data and shaped by real-world experience. By focusing on AI with purpose, strengthening security foundations, investing in skills, and simplifying operations, partners are positioning themselves to turn today’s challenges into sustainable growth. 

Dive deeper into the Direction of Technology insights shaping partner priorities for the year ahead.