ATL242
ATL242 – CES 2026: Infrastructure Technology
Episode Summary
In ATL242, hosts Randy Johnston and Brian Tankersley continue their CES 2026 coverage by focusing on infrastructure technology and what it means for accounting firms and finance teams. The discussion moves beyond flashy gadgets to the foundational technologies powering AI, automation, and modern cloud platforms. Key themes include data center evolution, chip architecture, edge computing, battery technology, connectivity standards, and cloud hyperscalers.
The hosts explain why infrastructure matters more than ever as AI workloads explode, forcing firms to rethink compute, storage, and energy consumption. They break down the growing importance of ARM-based processors, specialized AI chips, and how companies like Amazon, Apple, and NVIDIA are reshaping performance-per-watt expectations. Attention is also given to battery innovation, sustainability, and how power efficiency will dictate future device and server design.
For accounting professionals, the episode connects these trends directly to software reliability, data security, AI pricing models, and vendor selection. The takeaway is clear: understanding infrastructure is no longer optional. Firms that grasp where computing power, storage, and networks are headed will be better positioned to evaluate AI tools, manage risk, and make smarter long-term technology investments.
Memorable Quotes
- Brian Tankersley (00:03:12)
“AI isn’t magic — it’s infrastructure, and infrastructure decisions are now business decisions.”
- Randy Johnston (00:08:45)
“What we saw at CES is that power efficiency matters more than raw speed.”
- Brian Tankersley (00:14:30)
“ARM is no longer a mobile story; it’s a data center story.”
- Randy Johnston (00:21:10)
“If your vendor can’t explain their infrastructure, you should be nervous.”
- Brian Tankersley (00:27:55)
“The future of accounting technology depends on batteries, chips, and bandwidth.”
Companies and Products Mentioned
| Company / Product | X (Twitter) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology Lab | @ATLcpatech | https://facebook.com/cpatechnology | https://linkedin.com/company/cpa-practice-advisor | https://instagram.com/cpatechnology |
| CPA Practice Advisor | @CPAPractice | https://facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor | https://linkedin.com/company/cpa-practice-advisor | https://instagram.com/cpapracticeadvisor |
| TaxBandits | @TaxBandits | https://facebook.com/taxbandits | https://linkedin.com/company/taxbandits | https://instagram.com/taxbandits |
| Amazon / AWS | @awscloud | https://facebook.com/amazonwebservices | https://linkedin.com/company/amazon-web-services | https://instagram.com/amazonwebservices |
| Apple | @Apple | https://facebook.com/apple | https://linkedin.com/company/apple | https://instagram.com/apple |
| NVIDIA | @nvidia | https://facebook.com/NVIDIA | https://linkedin.com/company/nvidia | https://instagram.com/nvidia |
| ARM | @Arm | https://facebook.com/Arm | https://linkedin.com/company/arm | https://instagram.com/arm |
