C1 Unveils Key IT Investment Priorities for 2026
C1 has released an insightful report detailing the IT investment priorities for CIOs as they approach the year 2026. Conducted through in-depth conversations with CIOs and senior technology leaders from various sectors, this research has unveiled a common understanding among leaders: the focus moving forward will be on reducing expenses, enhancing security measures, and implementing modernization strategies without exposing their organizations to unnecessary risks.
Top Considerations for 2026
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, AI continues to generate significant interest. However, the primary focus for CIOs in 2026 is to achieve cost savings. The budget cuts and consolidations from 2025 are expected to transition into more disciplined investments that are measurable and closely linked to business outcomes, steering clear of trend-driven decisions. Key themes guiding these IT investments have emerged from the report:
1. Start Small, Win Fast
CIOs express the intention to adopt a more pragmatic approach to AI implementation. Many leaders plan to commence with small-scale, high-confidence use cases that can quickly demonstrate their value. The goal is to expand the use of AI only after establishing a solid foundation in identity, security, data, and infrastructure. This method emphasizes creating an intelligence-driven operation that evolves and improves with time.
2. AI as an Interaction Channel
As organizations navigate the complexities of modern interaction, many CIOs see AI as an essential channel. It is increasingly viewed as an enabler that provides real-time insights and automates workflows, facilitating smarter interactions across various platforms.
3. Strengthening Security Fundamentals
Research indicates that most security breaches originate from basic access failures, contrary to assumptions about the prevalence of advanced attacks. The emergence of AI-generated content, including audio and video imitating real individuals, has introduced new threats. Consequently, identity management and protecting against deep fake technology are set to become priority investment areas in 2026.
4. Enhancing Customer and Employee Experiences
CIOs understand that a poor experience for employees typically leads to a negative experience for customers. Therefore, it is vital to focus on enhancing both areas concurrently, with agent experience playing a crucial role in this equation.
Strategic Insights from C1 Leaders
Leigh Juul, Chief Revenue Officer at C1, emphasized the consistent message from CIOs: the importance of wise investments that center on core fundamentals. Juul noted that organizations aligning cost-control measures with thoughtful modernization strategies are more likely to position themselves favorably for future challenges.
Furthermore, Hassan Kassih, Vice President of Capabilities at C1, highlighted that despite the pressure from budgets, CIOs are committed to moving forward with AI. Their focus remains on practical applications that yield tangible benefits while minimizing risks. The eight investment priorities articulated in C1’s report provide a realistic framework for achieving substantial results.
About C1
C1 excels at making modernization a reality. The firm delivers secure, practical solutions that foster AI-driven collaboration and robust security, ensuring measurable outcomes from the very start. With an emphasis on real-world results, C1 integrates industry-leading technologies with substantial expertise across advisory, professional, and managed services. Serving sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and finance, C1 crafts solutions that are faster, simpler, and more resilient—transforming ideas into measurable value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the C1 report on IT investment priorities highlight?
The report outlines key priorities for CIOs, including cost reduction, security enhancement, and practical AI adoption strategies.
How should CIOs approach AI implementation in 2026?
CIOs are encouraged to start with small, manageable AI projects that can demonstrate quick value before scaling their efforts.
What are the primary challenges highlighted in the report?
Major concerns include basic security failures and the risks associated with AI-generated content, necessitating a focus on identity management.
How does C1 define its role in modernization?
C1 focuses on delivering tangible results by integrating advanced technologies with deep expertise in various service areas.
Why is employee experience crucial for customer satisfaction?
An improved employee experience directly correlates with better customer service, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to both areas.
