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AI, UCaaS and 5G offer partners the biggest opportunities

New research from BT Wholesale has revealed the technologies that offer channel partners the biggest opportunities, with AI, UCaaS and 5G coming out on top.

The company employees and IT decision makers across industries. Key findings include 75 per cent of IT decision makers agreeing that businesses need fewer applications. What’s more, seven in ten (72 per cent) agree employees need simplified ways to collaborate.

Less than half (49 per cent) of IT decision makers already have a UCaaS platform in place, with a third planning to invest in the next twelve months. BT Wholesale said the channel needs to develop simple business language and use cases to demonstrate the positive impacts UCaaS has on collaboration, wellbeing and productivity.

The research also revealed that appetite for AI is evenly matched between decision makers and employees. Six in ten IT decision makers expect to make investments in AI in the coming year, with almost as many employees (59 per cent) wanting their IT decision-makers to invest in AI.

5G is also rising in importance, with most resellers (78 per cent) saying that their customers are asking about related services.

BT Wholesale concluded that the findings show there is a huge amount of opportunity for channel partners this year, including IT decision makers’ appetite for spending, but simplicity and fostering trust will help partners make the most of those opportunities.

Gavin Jones, channel partners director, BT Wholesale, said, “Following a year of rapid change, we wanted this research to hold invaluable lessons for our partners’ business growth. It’s clear that embracing 5G, AI, and cybersecurity is paramount, but trust and simplicity will remain the bedrock of success.

“The channel must pivot from tech talk to customer-focused conversation, fostering strong relationships to support customers as they navigate an ever-changing tech landscape. Through it all, we’re here to support Partner Plus partners in adapting their strategies to today’s and tomorrow’s market.”