January’s NRF 2025 big show provided a dynamic platform for industry leaders to showcase groundbreaking advancements in retail technology. CBTS took center stage, engaging with key partners like Cisco, Juniper Networks, Palo Alto Networks, and Retail Tech Inc. (RTI) to discuss transformative strategies that enhance efficiency, security, and customer experience in the retail sector. As the role of technology in the retail industry continues to expand, these collaborations are driving the next wave of digital transformation.
Read more: Innovating retail: Technology as a catalyst for business wins
Cisco and Splunk: Powering data-driven retail experiences
Cisco Retail Sales Leader Donald Hall shared insights into Cisco’s acquisition of Splunk and how its integration with Cisco’s Meraki solutions is reshaping the retail landscape. By leveraging Splunk’s advanced data visualization and observability capabilities, retailers can extract actionable insights from vast data pools to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement. Reinforcing Cisco’s strong partnership with CBTS, Hall emphasized the seamless IT model that benefits both retail and hospitality businesses. In a discussion with CBTS Field CTO Jon Lloyd, Hall praised CBTS’ expertise in accelerating the adoption of Cisco’s technology stack, driving innovation, and enabling transformative retail strategies. “One thing I love about CBTS are not only the people we get to work with because they’re such great people,” said Hall, “but I think for retailers, what they like is flexibility and you guys bring that in a maximum way that most others do not.”
Juniper Mist: AI-Driven retail networking
Jon Lloyd also spoke with Juniper Networks Chief AI Officer and CTO Enterprise Bob Friday about how Juniper Mist is revolutionizing retail networking. By shifting from traditional network management to an AI-driven, client-to-cloud experience, Juniper Mist enhances reliability, optimizes operations, and ensures seamless connectivity—especially during peak hours. Working together to elevate technology in the retail industry, CBTS and Juniper Networks deliver modernized applications, scalable platforms, and integrated security solutions. Lloyd highlighted AI innovations like Mist and Marvis AI, which enable CBTS to provide superior service that allows retailers to focus on their business without concerns over network downtime and also demonstrates where AI-driven solutions are shaping the future of connectivity and customer interactions. “That’s really why we are winning so big in the retail space with partners like you: it’s really around changing the paradigm from just managing network devices to actually managing that whole cloud client to cloud user experience,” said Friday. “Retail customers are looking for help in managing their networks, you know, and with partners like CBTS, it’s really around co-managing it…I think that is what retail customers are looking for.”
Palo Alto Networks: Strengthening retail security with AI
Retail security is evolving rapidly, and Lloyd sat down with Palo Alto Networks Head of Retail Solutions Kenneth Ogami to review the latest advancements. With retailers investing $25 billion in AI in 2024, the industry is shifting towards integrating digital and analog solutions. Ogami discussed Palo Alto Networks’ Prisma SASE 3.0 and how it streamlines security by consolidating tools and data, enhancing efficiency, and improving threat detection. The conversation also underscored the role of managed security service providers like CBTS in leveraging AI-driven insights to reduce alert fatigue, allowing retailers to focus on customers while Palo Alto Networks secures their operations. The integration of advanced security solutions further demonstrates how technology in the retail industry is crucial for safeguarding digital and physical assets. “That’s where machine learning and our AI Solutions really come [together],” said Ogami, “with each of our components using one data leg to provide that exact piece of information you need to take action on.”
CBTS and Retail Tech Inc. (RTI): A game-changing retail IT partnership
At NRF 2025, CBTS and Retail Tech RTI showcased their transformative partnership in retail technology, joining forces to address key challenges such as store openings, employee retention, security, and AI integration. RTI specializes in procurement, logistics, and deployment, while CBTS enhances these capabilities with managed services, in-store expertise, and cutting-edge solutions like Managed Voice, contact center, SASE, SD-WAN, and security. Together, they streamline IT operations from installation to ongoing support, improve inventory management, automate processes, and strengthen security. This partnership responds to the increasing reliance on technology in the retail industry to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. “I think CBTS is a logical extension of Retail Tech Inc. (RTI),” said Tom Devine, Retail Tech Inc.’s Senior Client Executive. “Where you do the manage services, we’re the feet on the street in the stores, and you bring that expertise and you get us back to corporate where we’re typically only playing in the stores.”
Driving the future of technology in the retail industry
CBTS’ presence at NRF 2025 reinforced its role as a leader in providing innovative retail solutions. By partnering with industry giants like Cisco, Juniper Networks, Palo Alto Networks, and Retail Tech Inc. (RTI), CBTS is engaged in driving a new era of retail IT—one that prioritizes security, efficiency, and seamless customer experiences. As the retail industry continues to evolve, technology in the retail industry must evolve as rapidly to keep retail business operations as nimble as changing customer expectations. CBTS remains committed to empowering businesses with cutting-edge technology and strategic expertise.
For more information on how CBTS is shaping the future of retail, visit our website or contact us today!
