Digitalization is becoming increasingly verticalized, with strategies and investments tailored to each industry’s unique needs. Retailers focus on real-time engagement, omnichannel experiences, and personalized journeys, investing in cloud-native apps, edge computing, and analytics. Utilities prioritize grid reliability, safety, and compliance, adopting industrial IoT, SCADA, and cybersecurity. A business-optimized network (BON) aligns network performance, scalability, and security with business goals, transforming infrastructure from a passive utility into a strategic enabler. We explore the transition from generic networks built on datasheets to purpose-built BONs designed for business outcomes here.