BCStrategies Experts Talk Technology Pricing in 2026

A collection of independent consultants and analysts discuss what they are seeing and what organizations should know related to UCaaS, CCaaS, and AI pricing in 2026. Overall prices are increasing, and licensing is becoming more complicated. However, there are things you can and should do to manage your costs. Get insights and advice from this leading collection of BCStrategies Experts, including Joseph Williams, Beth English, Robert Harris, Chuck Vondra, Blair Pleasant, Chris Marron, Jon Arnold, and Kevin Kieller. Chapter Summary 00:00 – Introduction: Kevin Kieller introduces the "near and dear" topic of AI-driven pricing shifts and industry changes. 00:47 – The 20% Price Lift: Joseph Williams discusses the "sticker shock" of 2025 and the noticeable shift toward platforms like Google Meet. 03:30 – Complexity & Connectivity: Beth English breaks down the hidden costs of SIP trunks, SBCs, and the unpredictability of token-based AI. 06:04 – Microsoft’s License Hike: Kevin details the upcoming 8% to 33% increases for E and F series licenses hitting in mid-2026. 07:09 – Vendor Tactics & Captive Customers: Robert Harris exposes "revenue growth strategies" that target existing customers during renewals. 10:45 – Unbundling the Contact Center: Chris Merin analyzes the fragmentation of AI pricing, where transcription and summarization are often billed separately. 14:06 – The Cost of TCO Modeling: Chuck Ensell highlights "hidden" fees, such as vendors charging for licenses months before actual deployment. 16:45 – The $5,000 "Small Print" Alert: A cautionary tale about a massive Azure bill triggered by leaving a security agent running unnecessarily. 17:56 – Outcome-Based Loyalty: John Arnold compares the frustration of UC pricing to the "cord-cutting" era of cable TV and calls for better vendor tools. 21:42 – Hybrid & Resolution Pricing: Blair Pleasant explains the experimental move toward paying only when a customer interaction is actually resolved. 26:12 – The "Enshittification" Forecast: Final predictions on the disruption of the current oligopoly and the future of pricing predictability.