CBTS Named to CRN’s Inaugural 2026 AI Innovators List

Recognition places CBTS among the top North American solution providers setting the standard for AI services 

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CBTS, a leading North American technology services company, today announced it has been named to the 2026 AI Innovators list by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company.

CRN’s inaugural AI Innovators list recognizes North American solution providers building AI-powered solutions for customers. The recognition comes as more organizations look to move AI beyond initial pilots and into the workflows and technology environments they operate every day.

“CBTS brings together the best technology in the world with engineers who stand behind it every day,” said CBTS CEO Kristin Russell. “Our AI engineers help clients identify the best use cases for measurable outcomes, operate AI company-wide, and help to secure the environment around the clock. That continuity matters when the business depends on the result, and it’s why the world’s leading companies keep choosing to build with CBTS.”

Engineering AI-ready infrastructure across North America

For three decades, CBTS has designed, built, and run technology infrastructure for mid-market and enterprise organizations across the United States and Canada. Its work spans AI, networks, data centers, cloud, and security. CBTS serves more than 3,000 clients, including government agencies, highly regulated industries, and Fortune 100 leaders.

CBTS partners with leading technology vendors across the AI ecosystem, including Anthropic, Cisco, AMD, Dell, Fortinet, HPE, NVIDIA, Palo Alto Networks, and many others. Its certified engineers bring those technologies together to design, deploy, and operate the infrastructure and security clients need to put AI into everyday use and keep it running.

As a result, CBTS has a median client tenure of more than 15 years and a Net Promoter Score in the top 1% of B2B service providers.¹

“Our 2026 AI Innovators honorees are helping shape the next generation of business transformation through the imaginative use of artificial intelligence,” said Jennifer Follett, Vice President, U.S. Content and Executive Editor at CRN, The Channel Company. “By delivering forward-thinking solutions that create value for their customers and technology partners alike, they are pushing the industry forward and setting a high standard for innovation. We are honored to recognize their contributions."

CBTS keeps investing ahead of what clients need next. In September, CBTS acquired Recovery Point Systems, adding disaster recovery centers, cyber resiliency, and AI infrastructure hosting to its portfolio. The acquisition makes CBTS one accountable partner that can design, deploy, protect, and operate the full AI stack.

The AI Innovators recognition builds on CBTS’s inclusion in several other CRN lists in 2026:

• CRN 2026 MSP 500 Elite 150
• CRN 2026 Solution Provider 500
• CRN 2026 Tech Elite 250

Additional resources

• CRN: 2026 AI Innovators list
• CRN: How 15 solution providers are transforming their businesses
• CBTS: Forge AI maturity diagnostic

About CBTS

CBTS is a leading technology services company that designs, builds, and operates resilient technology foundations for mid-market and enterprise organizations across North America. Offering expertise in AI, data, applications, platforms, and security, CBTS combines the technical depth of a large integrator with the flexibility and client focus of a specialized partner. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, CBTS and its OnX Canada division serve more than 3,000 clients. CBTS has been named CRN Tech Elite 250 for seven consecutive years and ranks #49 on the CRN Solution Provider 500. Learn more at cbts.com.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

© 2026 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Citations

1. CBTS 2025 client survey. Industry average from ClearlyRated’s 2024 NPS Benchmarks for the B2B Services Industry.