In 2026, the way businesses leverage Artificial Intelligence will look dramatically different. At ECW Networks & IT Solutions, we have always prided ourselves on being ahead of the curve when it comes to technology that delivers real value to our clients. That’s why I, Eric Weast, am personally taking the next step, embarking on a series of AI certifications through Microsoft, to ensure ECW is ready to help our clients navigate this next frontier.

Why This Matters

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword. From streamlining workflows to enhancing cybersecurity and improving customer experience, AI is transforming every industry. But as exciting as these advancements are, they also come with challenges, with security, compliance, and privacy being at the top of the list.

That’s where Small Language Models (SLMs) and Private AI come in. Unlike large, public AI models that raise concerns about data security, SLMs and Private AI give organizations more control. They allow businesses to harness AI’s power while keeping their data secure, private, and compliant with industry standards.

This is the direction the industry is headed, and ECW intends to lead.

The Path Forward

My goal is to complete several Microsoft AI certifications over the coming months, focusing on:

• Responsible AI Practices: Ensuring we build solutions that respect privacy and ethics.
  
• AI Engineering & Development: Learning to design, deploy, and manage AI systems at scale.
  
• Data & Security Integration: Strengthening our ability to create AI solutions that protect client data.
  

These certifications will not only expand my own expertise but will position ECW to offer SLM and Private AI solutions by 2026, giving our clients a powerful, secure way to innovate without compromise.

What This Means for Our Clients

For our clients, this commitment means peace of mind. You will have access to:

• AI solutions tailored to your industry, not generic, one-size-fits-all tools.
  
• Private, secure deployments, keeping your data where it belongs.
  
• Ongoing strategic guidance, helping you use AI responsibly and effectively.
  

Looking Ahead

I see this as more than a certification journey. It’s the next chapter in ECW’s mission to empower businesses through technology. By investing in AI expertise today, we’re laying the foundation for solutions that will make your operations smarter, more efficient, and more secure in the years to come.

If you’re as excited about the future of AI as I am, stay tuned. I’ll be sharing updates along the way, and when 2026 comes, ECW will be ready to bring Private AI to your business.