2026 stories - Page 48

8x8 reports a 150% rise in AI-powered customer interactions and unveils new tools enhancing CX with AI-driven insights and secure payment options.

X Reality Group has secured a AUD $5.71 million contract to supply its Operator XR training systems to the Texas Department of Public Safety by 2026.

Jamie Norton, CISO at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, was appointed Vice Chair of ISACA's global board for 2025-2026, enhancing digital trust leadership.

NBN Co and Amazon partner to bring Project Kuiper's LEO satellites, improving broadband for over 300,000 rural and remote Australian premises from 2026.

AI is revolutionising Australia's loyalty sector, driving growth and innovation with a strong focus on ethics, data privacy and workforce transformation.

Atturra will acquire IT firm Blue Connections for up to AUD $25.5 million, expanding its managed services and national presence by August 2025.

Commvault's Q1 revenue rose 26% to USD $282 million, driven by strong subscription growth and a 24% jump in annualised recurring revenue.

Atturra will acquire Blue Connections for AUD $18 million cash, boosting its managed IT services and expanding its presence in Victoria and across Australia.

Launchd has acquired Australian influencer agency Hoozu to boost its global creator strategy and expand its influencer marketing capabilities.

LevelBlue reports cyber incidents tripled to 17% in early 2025, driven by a 1,450% rise in social engineering attacks like fake CAPTCHA schemes.

Optimizely launches new CMS features to boost AI search visibility, helping businesses adapt content for the rise of generative engine optimisation and AI-driven search.

Nayax debuts its Android POS in Australia with a rental model under AUD $1/day, boosting unattended retail with flexible, cost-effective payment tech.

Australian spending on low Earth orbit satellite services is set to reach AUD $664 million by 2026, driven by rising consumer and business demand nationwide.

Qualtrics has refreshed its Partner Programme with new tiered tracks to boost global partner growth and enhance experience management capabilities.

NiCE to acquire Cognigy for USD $955 million, combining AI platforms to enhance global customer experience with advanced conversational AI solutions.

SOUTHSTART secures AUD $2 million from South Australian Government, ensuring its innovation festival continues through 2028 with expanded startup opportunities.

Vertiv is set to acquire Great Lakes Data Racks for USD $200 million, enhancing its AI-ready infrastructure solutions in the data centre sector.

Ricoh launches the IM C401F A4 colour desktop printer in Australia, designed for hybrid and enterprise workspaces with fast, secure, and sustainable performance.

Only 6% of SSH servers support post-quantum encryption, leaving vital data at risk amid growing quantum computing threats, finds Forescout research.

In FY2026, managed services providers must harness AI, hybrid cloud, and data-driven security to grow and meet evolving client needs in a complex landscape.