Aviz Networks details SONiC plus observability and Network Copilot at NRF Big Show 2026

At NRF Big Show 2026, Aviz Networks presented an integrated retail networking approach that pairs SONiC with network observability and an AI-assisted Network Copilot, aiming to support open, vendor-neutral deployments across distributed store locations.

Research Overview

Aviz framed retail networks as increasingly distributed and complex as stores add edge AI, in-store analytics, and connected digital experiences. The company described how network reliability, visibility, and automation affect both customer experience and operational efficiency.

At the event, held January 11 to January 13, 2026 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, Aviz demonstrated how retailers can modernize infrastructure using SONiC plus observability and AI-driven operations.

Key Findings

Aviz described three capabilities used together: SONiC for open, vendor-neutral networking; Network Observability for real-time visibility across retail locations; and Network Copilot for AI-assisted network operations. The vendor said the demos showed these components working as one approach rather than separate products.

In the company’s description, the combined approach supports scalable and resilient retail networks while maintaining “vendor neutral flexibility” across modern retail environments.

Technical Breakdown

For networking, Aviz tied SONiC to vendor-neutral operation by running on hardware from multiple vendors, with “the same everywhere” software layer across different hardware underlays. This was presented as a way to keep operations consistent across a retail estate.

For operations, Aviz linked Network Observability to visibility that can support edge AI and in-store analytics using real-time observability data across store locations. Aviz also described Network Copilot as providing AI-assisted operations that address routine tasks and help teams detect issues earlier than manual processes.

Operational Impact

Aviz stated that real-time network observability supports edge AI and in-store analytics. It also described automated network operations as a mechanism for accelerating store rollouts across many locations.

In the event discussions, Aviz associated its approach with maintaining vendor-neutral flexibility, reducing operational costs, and improving uptime and customer experience. The company also described the intent to enable retail innovation without adding more network complexity to manage.

Leadership Perspective

Aviz positioned NRF Big Show as a setting where retail leaders focused on real-world deployment could connect infrastructure decisions to business outcomes. For network teams, Aviz said the focus was moving beyond manual operations and siloed visibility.

Conversation topics described by Aviz included orchestration that adapts to changing customer behavior, visibility across distributed retail network fabrics spanning hundreds of locations, and preparation of infrastructure for new digital and AI-driven experiences.

Aviz Networks’ NRF Big Show 2026 presentation centered on combining SONiC, network observability, and Network Copilot to support vendor-neutral retail networking, real-time visibility, and AI-assisted operations across distributed store environments; this “Blog Signals brief” is a fact-based summary of the vendor blog.