This white paper examines the operating model retail small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are working toward, why achieving it has historically been difficult, why IT modernization can no longer be deferred, and how integration is enabling measurable progress. It highlights practical AI use cases already delivering value in retail environments today and outlines how Dell Technologies — working alongside partners such as Intel and Microsoft — helps retail SMBs modernize in a way that is secure, scalable and aligned to real-world store operations