Execute, simplify, unify: A look at Acre’s 2026 playbook

PLANO, Texas—When Acre Security CEO Kumar Sokka sent a letter to partners at the start of the year, the message was clear - 2025 was about listening; 2026 is about executing. 

Sokka described the letter as a “full-circle moment” tied back to his first communication when he became CEO last June. “I’ve visited hundreds of customers and held partner sessions around the world,” he said. “This year’s letter was about closing the loop - here’s what you told us, here’s what we’ve delivered, and here’s what’s coming next.” 

Unification and investment in platforms partners rely on 

Acre’s 2026 roadmap reflects two repeated partner requests: unify the platform experience around cloud-first technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) and continue investing in the on-prem systems many integrators still depend on. 

“Partners were very clear - innovate fast, but don’t abandon the platforms that made Acre successful,” Sokka said. That dual commitment anchors Acre’s “bridge” strategy, designed to support legacy systems while easing migration to newer platforms. 

Sokka said the feedback was especially strong from regional integrators in North America, many of whom built their businesses on Acre’s longstanding on-prem offerings.  

AAC becomes the foundation of a unified ecosystem 

Central to that approach is Acre Access Control (AAC), the enterprise first cloud platform built with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Its architecture separates the core and integration layers, enabling faster development and deeper interoperability across the full Acre portfolio. 

In Europe, access and intrusion will be fully integrated by the end of 2026. In North America, access, video and visitor management will expand this year, with unified intrusion to follow in early 2027.  

Modernization without disruption: Acre Bridge 

For customers not ready to move fully to the cloud, Acre is introducing Acre Bridge, which connects existing controllers and long installed proprietary systems to AAC. The first deployment began in January on a legacy platform in Dublin. 

“You can keep your hardware installed while moving all your access data to the cloud,” Sokka said. “It eliminates the mandatory rip and replace. You can phase hardware replacement over time.” 

Acre Bridge supports both Mercury MP Series Controllers and Acre’s new Smart Controller, offering competitive options for takeovers and migrations. Acre will debut the device at ISC West.  

Acre Solutions to streamline complex deployments 

Acre is also launching Acre Solutions, a services organization built to help integrators manage complex migrations, custom integrations and enterprise-level implementations. 

“Every migration is different,” Sokka said. “Acre Solutions gives integrators a white-glove option for environments that require deeper software or integration work.” 

The organization will also provide training, vertical-specific integrations, and deployment support - always routed through integrators. 

“We never take this direct,” Sokka emphasized. “It will always be enabled through our integrator.”  

A faster-moving industry, and team to match 

Sokka said the pace of change in security continues to accelerate, driven by cloud adoption, unification, and AI. “Now, the acceleration is incredible,” he said. “Acre has the right mission, the right impact, and the right team to match where the industry is going.” 

As he looks at 2026, Sokka keeps the message simple: listen, execute, deliver. 

“Partners told us what they needed,” he said. “Now it’s about bringing it to life - together.”