When it first became feasible to run real-time traffic on IP networks, Cisco’s mantra became: “Video is the new voice.”
This was good for Cisco, the dominant manufacturer of IP switches and routers, because that traffic, especially the video, ate up a lot of network capacity, so enterprises needed to buy bigger, more expensive networking gear. Cisco is a much more diversified technology player than it was 20 years ago, and what enterprises must do today to support modern enterprise technology is much more complex than just bandwidth and quality-of-service. Architecting an IT infrastructure involves the public cloud, various forms of datacenters, and application services, working alongside the traditional local and wide-area network connectivity.
And the AI revolution will impact this infrastructure in more complex ways than in the previous generation, where “throwing bandwidth at the problem” could be at least a significant part of the solution. As CIO Dive reported recently, citing a report from S&P Global, the rise of AI, especially Agentic AI, will put new pressure on the infrastructure – and the professionals who must keep it up and running (and secure).
Agentic AI-based tools “are bringing a new set of capacity demands and security considerations,” CIO Dive reported. “Most infrastructure strategies moving forward will require data flows and interaction across hybrid environments, S&P Global said in the report.”
This intersection of AI and the infrastructure will be one of our areas of focus at Enterprise Connect 2026, March 10 – 12 in Las Vegas. Most notably, the conference program features a session from Sorell Slaymaker, a veteran of enterprise IT organizations as well as a seasoned analyst/consultant, who will look at ways the IT organization should be optimizing its infrastructure strategy to deal with the influx of AI applications and services you’re called on to support.
We’ve also got sessions from two security professionals, Scott Murphy of Data Perceptions and Mike Wright of Excellent Design, who will look at the technologies and strategies to address the security aspect that S&P Global calls out. Scott will discuss what you need to do now to arm yourself against identity-based hacks in collaboration sessions, while Mike will discuss the myriad ways in which bad actors are weaponizing AI to turbo-charge their attacks on your network and databases.
Finally, while it’s not an infrastructure topic, we’ve got sessions on a couple of other key topics that intersect with AI in ways beyond LLMs, Agentic, Generative, and all the other AI buzzwords. Blair Pleasant of COMMfusion will lead a session on Reaching AI’s Full Potential with Training, User Adoption, & Skilling, and Irwin Lazar of Metrigy will join attorney Martha Buyer for a discussion of Ethical Considerations for AI in Enterprise Communications.
So while AI is the critical topic, you need to look at it from many angles. Enterprise Connect 2026 is the place to get this multi-faceted view, from the top experts in the communications/collaboration/CX technology industry. I hope you can join us in Las Vegas next March.
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For over 35 years, Enterprise Connect has been the premier event where IT leaders, solution providers, and industry analysts come together to define the future of enterprise communications. As the most trusted conference in the industry, we deliver cutting-edge insights, world-class networking opportunities, and hands-on solutions that drive real business success.
Enterprise Connect is more than an event—it’s an experience that empowers enterprise communications leaders to reimagine the future of work. With elevated content, curated networking, and an engaging atmosphere, it remains the must-attend conference for professionals shaping the industry’s evolution.
Our mission is to equip you with the tools, strategies, and actionable insights needed to address your organization’s unique challenges. With industry transformation in mind, this year’s program introduces fresh new conference tracks, including:
- Legacy Unleashed: Optimizing Your Communications Backbone
- Workplace Reimagined: Engineering Tomorrow's Collaboration
- Tech Disruption Zone: Implementing Without Imploding
- Achieving Transformation: Architecting Your 3-5 Year Roadmap
- Future Shock: Communications Tech Beyond the Horizon
Featuring the most comprehensive program of objective content and an expansive vendor-neutral expo hall, Enterprise Connect is your ultimate resource for advancing collaboration, CX, and AV strategies. Join us to stay ahead, connect with industry trailblazers, and lead the transformation of enterprise communications.