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2026 Channel Trends: AI, Security, and M&A

Channel Insider’s team breaks down 2026 channel trends, including AI adoption, MSP security, cyber resilience, M&A, and partner programs.

Written By

Victoria Durgin

Jun 22, 2026

2 minute read

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In this episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV, Victoria Durgin is joined by Channel Insider staff writers Jordan Smith and Louis Miller for a mid-year look at the biggest IT channel trends shaping 2026.

The team discusses AI adoption, the “SaaS apocalypse” debate, AI-powered cyber threats, MSP security opportunities, services-led revenue, cyber resilience, cyber insurance, partner program evolution, and continued M&A consolidation across the MSP market. They also recap insights from recent event coverage, including Dell Technologies World and Scale Computing.

Topics include:
AI in the channel, MSP services, cybersecurity, cyber resilience, partner programs, AWS Marketplace, Anthropic, OpenAI, M&A consolidation, and what partners should watch in the second half of 2026.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to Channel Insider: Partner POV
01:10 Victoria Durgin introduces Jordan Smith and Louis Miller
01:43 Favorite stories and standout trends from H1 2026
04:08 The “SaaS apocalypse” and broader tech market concerns
04:29 Event reporting from Scale Computing and Dell Technologies World
07:29 AWS Marketplace, customer AI demand, and the partner opportunity
08:49 The state of AI in the channel
11:43 Why enterprises cannot rip and replace SaaS overnight
14:43 Dell, local AI, infrastructure, and the partner ecosystem
16:42 Anthropic, OpenAI, IPO momentum, and formal channel programs
18:52 Security, AI guardrails, compliance, and machine identities
19:32 AI-powered attacks, phishing, and social engineering risks
21:25 What MSPs need to know about the 2026 threat landscape
25:08 Enterprise security demand and MSPs as trusted advisors
26:39 Services revenue outpacing product revenue
29:41 Cyber resilience, disaster recovery, and ransomware preparedness
31:43 Cyber insurance and outcome-based security conversations
33:06 MSP M&A, consolidation, and platform-based mega-MSPs
35:08 Second-half 2026 predictions
40:06 Partner program evolution, MDF, incentives, and vendor competition
41:41 APIs, MCP, integrations, and platform-based tooling
42:54 Why AI and enterprise vendors need the channel
45:32 Where to follow Channel Insider’s coverage

Victoria Durgin

Victoria Durgin is a technology communications professional and editorial leader specializing in channel technology, cloud marketplaces, managed service providers (MSPs), technology distribution, and partner ecosystems. As Managing Editor of Channel Insider, she oversees editorial strategy and content development focused on helping technology vendors, solution providers, and channel partners navigate an evolving IT landscape. With nearly a decade of experience spanning technology journalism, corporate communications, content strategy, and digital publishing, Victoria has developed deep expertise in the business side of technology. Her work includes creating executive thought leadership content, industry analysis, case studies, and channel-focused reporting that helps organizations better understand market trends, partner relationships, and technology buying decisions. Before leading Channel Insider, Victoria built experience across local journalism, business reporting, social media communications, and corporate marketing. She has worked closely with technology vendors, cloud providers, and managed service organizations to develop content that highlights industry innovation, business growth strategies, and successful channel partnerships. Her portfolio includes case studies featuring mid-sized MSPs across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Victoria's work has appeared in Channel Insider, The Valley Ledger, and Medium. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Environmental Studies from Susquehanna University. Through her reporting and editorial leadership, she helps technology professionals stay informed about the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the global IT channel.

2026 Channel Trends: AI, Security, and M&A

Timestamps

Victoria Durgin

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