The 2026 Tech Elite 250
via CRN
The rapid speed at which businesses and organizations are implementing and utilizing AI-based technology is putting big demands on the expertise and services provided by the IT solution providers, systems integrators and strategic service providers they work with.
That means channel companies must stay at the top of their game, prepared to meet their customers' needs with the right products and services combined with the right business and technology skills
Not surprisingly, the most successful solution providers today are those that maintain the highest levels of training and certification from the IT vendors they partner with and occupy the top tiers within those vendors' partner programs.
The annual CRN Tech Elite 250 recognizes solution providers in the U.S. and Canada that have achieved top-tier status within partner programs at many of the leading IT vendors.
This year's list includes solution providers that have achieved top partner program status with Adobe, Amazon Web Services, Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Dell Technologies, F5, Fortinet, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Intel, Nutanix, Nvidia, Palo Alto Networks, Rackspace, Red Hat, SAP, SentinelOne, Sophos, Trend Micro and Zscaler.
Fifteen of the solution providers on this year's list have made the Tech Elite 250 every year since its 2011 inauguration, including World Wide Technology.
World Wide Technology
Previous Tech Elite Appearances:
2025; 2024; 2023; 2022; 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013; 2012; 2011
What is the most significant technology challenge facing your customers in 2026?
The biggest technology challenge customers face in 2026 is turning AI potential into real, measurable impact. While AI capabilities are accelerating, organizations struggle to adopt and operationalize them quickly enough to generate a performance and efficiency flywheel. The risk isn't an AI collapse‚ it's falling behind due to slow execution. Capturing AI's value requires multidisciplinary teams that can evaluate emerging platforms and guide continuous innovation, supported by strong executive alignment and consistent communication. Companies must also commit to upskilling their workforce to fully leverage AI in this rapidly evolving landscape.
What were the most significant investments your company made in 2025 to boost its technical capabilities and why did you make them?
In 2025, WWT made significant investments to enhance its technical capabilities by acquiring Softchoice. This strategic acquisition aimed to bolster WWT's AI, cloud, and software offerings, particularly targeting the small and mid-sized business markets across North America. The integration of Softchoice's expertise in software, cloud, and modern workplace solutions with WWT's global scale and advanced lab environments enables the delivery of comprehensive, high-impact solutions. This move aligns with WWT's commitment to driving digital transformation and expanding its client base in the SMB sector.