In this TechBytes spotlight, host Rob Grimes sits down once again with Jon Kelly, Chief Revenue Officer of Mako Networks, to continue a conversation that began months earlier—one that has become even more relevant as retailers and restaurant operators plan for 2026. Drawing from extensive quarterly reviews with national brands, Jon shares a frontline perspective on what operators are prioritizing as they navigate rising costs, rapid digital transformation, and increasing pressure to streamline their technology stacks.
A major theme emerging across the industry is the shift back to edge computing. After years of pushing workloads to the cloud, operators are realizing that AI-driven video, computer vision, and other high-bandwidth applications perform more efficiently when processed locally. Jon explains why edge performance, AI acceleration, and intelligent failover systems will be essential infrastructure in the coming year.
The conversation also exposes surprising blind spots—none bigger than the hidden expense of legacy POTS phone lines, where some operators are unknowingly paying hundreds of dollars per line per month. Jon shares real examples uncovered during Mako’s site surveys, including stores paying for unused or misdirected lines. This simple oversight represents one of the biggest areas for cost recovery across retail.
Another major topic is the explosion of IoT devices, each with its own connectivity, SIM cards, and data plans. As stores accumulate sensors, kiosks, displays, pumps, and smart equipment, operators are now burdened with a patchwork of independent networks. Jon outlines how organizations are consolidating these siloed systems into a unified, secure networking framework—leveraging tools like Mako’s dual-SIM failover, centralized monitoring, and intelligent traffic prioritization.
A highlight of the discussion is the introduction of the ‘Makoverse,’ Mako’s ecosystem of pre-established, PCI-compliant connections to key applications such as payments, loyalty, signage, and more. This framework allows operators to activate approved technologies, instantly reducing complexity, vendor sprawl, onboarding time, and cost.
The episode closes with a powerful warning: the rise of embedded AI, both as an operational tool and as a cybersecurity threat. With AI-powered attacks becoming dramatically more sophisticated, Jon emphasizes the critical need for secure networking foundations, policy enforcement, and consolidated visibility.
Packed with real-world examples, industry insights, and actionable guidance, this episode is essential listening for any operator preparing their 2026 technology roadmap.
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