From Tools to Teammates: Why 2026 is the Year of the AI Agent by Adam Karp
For the past few years, we’ve talked about AI as a set of impressive functionalities. We’ve used it to summarize a meeting, sharpen an image, or draft an email. These are great tools, but they are reactive, they wait for us to give them a specific, single-step command.
In 2026, the conversation has fundamentally shifted. We are moving away from "AI functionality" and into the era of the AI Agent.
What is an AI Agent?
If AI functionality is a high-tech hammer, an AI Agent is a digital foreman.
An agent doesn't just perform a task; it pursues a goal. It is a system designed for autonomous, multi-step execution. Instead of you telling the AI to "Find this invoice," you tell the agent, "Audit my travel expenses for Q1 and reconcile them with my bank statements."
The agent then:
reasons through the steps required,
navigates between different apps (email, cloud storage, accounting software),
executes the actions, and
reports back once the goal is achieved.
The New Standard for Managed Services
This shift changes the stakes for how businesses manage their technology. For Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs), the complexity of "Agentic Workflows" can be daunting. It’s no longer just about having the right software; it’s about orchestrating a digital workforce that is secure, compliant, and efficient.
The better MSPs today aren't just utilizing AI to maximize service and protection to their customers but are also able to consult with their SMB clients to help them with strategy and implementation of their own AI to help forward their growth goals. As AI evolves, so too must MSPs to maintain excellence in both technical knowledge and providing customer value.
*** -Adam Karp is the founder and Managing Partner of KL Tech, a premier Managed Service Provider (MSP) based in White Plains, New York. With over 25 years of experience, Adam has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between complex technology and the practical needs of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs).
Under his leadership, KL Tech has evolved into a next-gen technology and security firm known for its "Security First" philosophy. Adam is recognized for helping clients optimize business value while minimizing the inherent risks of modern technology. Beyond infrastructure support, he serves as a strategic consultant, guiding SMBs through the implementation of innovative solutions—including the latest shifts in AI and agentic workflows—to fuel sustainable growth and operational excellence.© 2026 KL Tech
