This IDC Perspective takes a look at top connectivity challenges, timelines for connectivity transformation, top areas for investment growth, and the impact of AI. Retailers face the onslaught of internal and external pressures to deliver a high-value experience to customers in physical stores and online. Higher levels of automation and increased importance of data intelligence had accelerated the timelines for retailers to adopt faster, more reliable, and secure connectivity technologies. As AI-driven transformation takes center stage, the massive increase in data and automation puts connectivity as a top priority to keep customers loyal and employees productive."61% of retailers expect to be extensively connected across their physical and digital footprints by the end of 2026, a significant jump from 2024," commented Paul Hughes, research director, Future Enterprise Connectivity Strategies at IDC. "Retail organizations are expected to invest significantly in new AI-driven connectivity platforms and tools and are following a similar pattern to other industries with AI, and while the cloud providers are their top partners for AI strategy, we expect many will look to managed connectivity services and providers as the way to stay ahead of the curve from a network perspective and allow key employees to stay focused on the business."
Executive Snapshot
Situation Overview
Top Connectivity Trends and Challenges
Addressing Operational Efficiency, Revenue Growth, Innovation, and Customer Experience
Advancing Network Infrastructure — Top Areas for Investment
Enterprise Network-Centric Solutions and Services
AI Investment in Networking and Operations
Advice for the Technology Buyer
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