Unisys has released its annual "Top IT Insights for 2026" report, forecasting a pivotal shift from AI experimentation to functional, high-ROI deployments that reshape enterprise priorities. The report, based on expert analysis, identifies ten key trends, including the rise of task-specific AI applications, a strategic focus on quality improvement over cost reduction, and the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography and resilient recovery strategies.
Unisys forecasts a move from large-scale AI projects to focused, task-based deployments in 2026.
Three AI apps will break through as repeatable, high-ROI: chatbots, coding agents, and service assistants.
AI investment focus will shift from cost reduction to improving decision quality and outcomes.
Organizations will train smaller, specialist AI models on clean, task-specific data sets.
Entry-level coding roles will shrink due to AI automation, but mass AI-driven layoffs are not expected.
Critical trends include post-quantum cryptography, AI-accelerated cybersecurity, and data sovereignty driving regional clouds.
The report anticipates a maturing of enterprise AI strategy, moving beyond hype to practical integration. Mike Thomson, CEO of Unisys, outlined the shift: “In 2026, we are going to see more functional deployments of AI, a focus on quality rather than cost-cutting, and the emergence of AI applications that will deliver repeatable, ROI-driven results.” This will manifest in packaged, quickly deployable applications like AI coding agents and service assistants that fold into existing workflows.
A significant prediction is the move away from massive, generalized data sets toward smaller, cleaner, and task-specific data for training more efficient and accurate specialist models. Regarding the workforce, the report forecasts a reduction in entry-level coding positions due to automation but dismisses fears of mass AI-driven layoffs. Instead, productivity gains are expected to be redirected toward backlog reduction and customer experience improvements.
The insights highlight escalating cybersecurity challenges, noting that AI will accelerate both attacks and defenses. Consequently, the metric for success will shift from breach prevention to recovery speed. The report also stresses the growing imperative of post-quantum cryptography and the impact of data sovereignty laws, which will fuel the creation of regional and national cloud zones. Finally, the era of wholesale "lift-and-shift" cloud migration is declared over, with future focus on optimized, hybrid workload placement.
These trends collectively paint a picture of a more strategic, nuanced, and resilient approach to technology adoption in the coming year, with AI becoming a deeply integrated tool for quality and efficiency rather than a standalone transformation project.
About Unisys
Unisys is a global technology solutions company that powers breakthroughs for the world's leading organizations. Our solutions – cloud, AI, digital workplace, applications and enterprise computing – help our clients challenge the status quo and unlock their full potential.
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