Westcon-Comstor identifies key gaps in channel readiness for AI-driven networking
Research shows opportunity for partners with the right skills and capabilities to lead new era of network transformation
SINGAPORE – 18 November, 2025 – More than eight in ten (82%) channel partners in Singapore say they cannot yet design and deliver AI-ready networking solutions despite strong customer demand, according to new research from global technology distributor Westcon-Comstor.
The multi-country survey of senior decision makers at 500 partners, from managed service providers (MSPs) to value-added resellers (VARs), found that just 18% of Singapore-based respondents currently offer advanced, AI-integrated network services.
That’s below the global average of 26% and the lowest proportion of any of the five countries covered by the survey.
Readiness gaps
Meanwhile less than a third (28%) of Singaporean partners believe their customers’ current network infrastructures are fully prepared and optimised to support AI workloads – suggesting a gap between customer requirements and partners’ ability to meet them. This compares to a global average of 33%.
Most Singaporean partners (61%) say they are developing their AI capabilities, with a further 20% “exploring” AI while offering traditional networking services.
This is broadly in line with the other countries covered by the research: Australia, Spain, UAE and the UK – but the findings do suggest that partner readiness challenges are particularly acute in Singapore.
Most partners in Singapore report that they are already supporting customers in certain aspects of network transformation such as visibility, security and automation.
Only a minority, however, are active in more emerging areas such as zero-trust architecture (39%) and intent-based networking (31%). This highlights a need for partners to upskill in advanced technologies to drive the next wave of network transformation.
Barriers to transformation
The research, part of Westcon-Comstor’s Future Ready programme of channel analysis, offers a partner perspective on the barriers they and their customers face when modernising networks for the AI era, from integration with existing systems to security and compliance.
In addition to these hurdles, end-users reported struggling with internal skill gaps and uncertainty around technology choices – creating a clear opening for partners with the requisite skills and capabilities to step in as strategic advisors.
Growth opportunities
Indeed, despite challenges, partners are clear that the AI era creates new avenues for growth.
When asked about growth areas in AI-driven networking over the next 12–18 months, 48% of Singaporean respondents cited AI-powered network observability and diagnostics – making it the single biggest potential driver of new revenues locally.
Other high-growth opportunities identified by Singapore partners include:
- Edge-to-cloud data routing and optimisation (46%);
- AI-enhanced network security analytics (45%)
- Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) offerings (34%).
Generational shift
“Singapore has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, but this research highlights a critical gap in AI-ready networking capabilities,” said Wilson Ho, Managing Director, Asia, Westcon-Comstor. “With only about one in five channel partners currently offering advanced AI-integrated services, the time to act is now. Singapore’s channel partners have a unique opportunity to be leaders in the region, transforming challenges into growth by embracing AI-driven solutions and building the expertise needed to support intelligent networks. Those who seize this moment will play a big role in their customers’ transformation journey.”
“AI is changing the game, and partners have a rare window to step up as true strategic advisors,” said Patrick Aronson, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Asia-Pacific at Westcon-Comstor. “Customers are hungry for intelligent, adaptive networks – but the gap between ambition and readiness is real. The partners who lean in now, build capability and get closer to the customer will be the ones leading the next wave of growth.”
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Westcon-Comstor PR team
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