U.S. Enterprises Recast Hybrid Cloud Strategies for AI Era

Key Terms

hybrid cloud technical

A hybrid cloud is a computing setup that mixes a company’s own servers with rented services from public cloud providers, letting businesses choose where each application and dataset lives. Think of it like keeping valuables in a private safe while also using a nearby storage unit for overflow; this matters to investors because it influences a company’s costs, flexibility, regulatory risk and ability to scale or offer new services, all of which affect profitability and competitive strength.

colocation services technical

Colocation services rent space, power and network hookups in a secure data center where a company can place its own servers close to major networks or trading venues. For investors, colocation matters because being physically closer to an exchange or cloud hub cuts the time it takes for orders and data to travel—like putting your post office next to the factory to speed deliveries—which can improve trading speed, reduce missed opportunities and support predictable infrastructure costs.

aiops technical

AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) uses machine learning and data analysis to monitor, detect, and resolve problems in an organization’s technology systems automatically. It matters to investors because it can cut downtime and operating costs, speed up fixes, and make digital products more reliable—similar to an autopilot that notices and corrects issues before they disrupt service, which can protect revenue and reduce operational risk.

data sovereignty regulatory

Data sovereignty is the principle that digital information is subject to the laws and control of the country or entity where it is stored or processed. For investors, it matters because where data lives affects a company's legal obligations, costs, ability to sell services across borders, and exposure to government access or restrictions — like owning a house that must follow the rules of the town it sits in.

colocation technical

Colocation is the practice of placing a trader’s computer servers inside or next to an exchange’s data center so their orders travel the shortest possible distance to the exchange’s computers. For investors this matters because even tiny gains in speed can mean better trade prices or reduced slippage—like being first in line at a checkout—so firms that colocate can gain steady, measurable advantages or incur extra costs that affect returns.

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Governance-focused cloud strategies help organizations modernize infrastructure, strengthen resilience, ISG Provider Lens^® report says

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Enterprises in the U.S. are crafting new infrastructure strategies focused on phased modernization programs that combine operational flexibility and controlled AI deployment for measurable business outcomes, according to a new research report published today by Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm.

The 2026 ISG Provider Lens^® Private/Hybrid Cloud — Data Center Services report for the U.S. finds that enterprises are shifting from full cloud migration strategies to AI-ready hybrid operating models that balance on-premises infrastructure with cloud capabilities. As AI adoption increases alongside regulation and the demands of legacy infrastructure, organizations are expanding the use of private cloud, managed hosting and colocation services as strategic components of long-term modernization.

“AI is forcing enterprises to rethink their infrastructure footprint as a foundational business enabler rather than an isolated back-office function,” Anay Nawathe, ISG cloud delivery lead for the Americas. “They are investing in hybrid operating models that improve business outcomes while preparing their environments for AI with the right observability, governance and FinOps controls.”

Many U.S. enterprises are adopting private and hybrid cloud environments that support GPU-intensive AI workloads while meeting data sovereignty, security and regulatory requirements. This approach is especially important in financial services, healthcare and the public sector, where regulations strongly influence cloud deployment decisions. Rather than pursuing disruptive infrastructure changes, organizations are gradually modernizing existing environments to support AI adoption alongside ongoing business operations.

Organizations are also expanding the use of automation, AIOps and predictive analytics to improve infrastructure management. These capabilities reduce manual effort, accelerate incident resolution and improve system performance in complex hybrid environments. Enterprises are pairing these technologies with integrated FinOps capabilities that provide real-time visibility into infrastructure spending, optimize resource utilization and align technology investments with business objectives.

Vendor flexibility has become a leading priority as enterprises seek platform-agnostic operating models that integrate with multiple cloud ecosystems and third-party technologies. Organizations also expect managed services to include embedded disaster recovery, cyber recovery and business continuity capabilities. Together, these priorities enable continuous modernization while improving the resilience of hybrid environments, ISG says.

“Enterprises increasingly expect providers to combine infrastructure expertise with operational excellence and include AI workflows throughout modernization projects,” said Shashank Rajmane, ISG principal analyst and lead author of the report. “Providers that integrate automation, AI-enabled operations and lifecycle services can help clients modernize hybrid environments to improve operational efficiencies and better support long-term business goals.”

The report also explores other trends in private and hybrid cloud and data center services, including the growing importance of outcome-based pricing models and the convergence of managed infrastructure, automation and AI operations into unified operating models.

For more insights into the private and hybrid cloud challenges faced by enterprises in the U.S., along with ISG’s advice for addressing them, see the ISG Provider Lens Focal Points briefing here.

The report evaluates 68 unique providers across four quadrants: AI-ready Infrastructure Managed Services — Large Accounts, AI-ready Infrastructure Managed Services — Midmarket, Managed Cloud Hosting and Resilient Infrastructure Services and Sustainable Colocation Services.

The report names NTT DATA as a Leader in three quadrants. It names Kyndryl, Rackspace Technology and Unisys as Leaders in two quadrants each. Accenture, Capgemini, Coforge, Cognizant, CoreSite, Csquare, CyrusOne, DataBank, Digital Realty, DXC Technology, Ensono, Equinix, Flexential, HCLTech, Hexaware, Infinite Computer Solutions, Infosys, Microland, Mphasis, QTS, TCS, UnitedLayer and Wipro are named as Leaders in one quadrant each.

In addition, Cologix and HPE are recognized as Rising Stars — companies with a “promising portfolio” and “high future potential” by ISG’s definition — in one quadrant each.

In the area of customer experience, CS Global IT is named the global ISG CX Star Performer for 2026 among private and hybrid cloud service providers. CS Global IT earned the highest customer satisfaction scores in ISG's Voice of the Customer survey, part of the ISG Star of Excellence™ program, the premier quality recognition for the technology and business services industry.

Customized versions of the report are available from Rackspace Technology and UnitedLayer.

The 2026 ISG Provider Lens Private/Hybrid Cloud — Data Center Services report for the U.S. is available to subscribers or for one-time purchase on this webpage.

About ISG

ISG (Nasdaq: III) is a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm. A trusted partner to more than 900 clients, including 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is a long-time leader in technology and business services that is now at the forefront of leveraging AI to help organizations achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm, founded in 2006, is known for its proprietary market data and research, in-depth knowledge and governance of provider ecosystems, and the expertise of its 1,500 professionals worldwide working together to help clients maximize the value of their technology investments.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260713266129/en/

Press Contacts:

Laura Hupprich, ISG
+1 203-517-3132
laura.hupprich@isg-one.com

Erik Arvidson, Matter Communications for ISG
+1 978-518-4542
isg@matternow.com

Source: Information Services Group, Inc.