Gartner flags six trends set to reshape infrastructure and operations in 2026

As enterprises brace for another year of rapid technology change, Gartner has identified six key trends that will significantly impact infrastructure and operations (I&O) over the next 12–18 months. Unveiled at its IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference, the trends underscore how I&O leaders must balance agility, governance, sustainability and geopolitical realities while extracting real value from AI.

“I&O leaders must be aware of all of these trends and prepare to act on the ones that are most likely to impact their organizations,” said Jeffrey Hewitt, VP Analyst at Gartner. “By understanding the full impact of these emerging trends, enterprises can implement effective tactics, get ahead of the curve and maximize the value of their I&O operations in 2026.”

Hybrid computing moves to the core

At the foundation of Gartner’s outlook is hybrid computing, an emergent approach that orchestrates across diverse and sometimes incompatible ...