2026 Data Center &
Infrastructure Report
This report examines leading trends in IT advances and strategies. Learn how your peers are preparing for smarter, more effective data center and infrastructure management.
Key findings
IT leaders must delve deeper to leverage AI, reinforce security governance and target significant budget gains.
AI
Transform AI pilots into enterprise value
While many organizations experiment with AI, most remain stuck in pilot or trial phases. In 2026, CIOs must lead efforts to scale from arbitrary proofs of concept to production-ready AI solutions that deliver measurable ROI.
Managing AI control and usability requires a clear understanding of the ramifications for cybersecurity and compliance landscapes. IT leaders should establish an AI governance framework to ensure safe, ethical and compliant use.
Security
Reinforce security for external threats and internal risks
Cybersecurity is a core priority. Protecting against the evolving threat landscape is becoming increasingly regulated and expensive. More sophisticated phishing attacks, automated vulnerability scans and rapidly adapting malware continue to advance courtesy of AI. Organizations must ensure proper governance and educate employees on in-house AI use to prevent serious internal risks.
Budget
Target effectively to optimize the IT budget
Optimizing IT infrastructure costs is an age-old challenge. Balancing technical upgrades, hardware refreshes, performance, reliability and security within tight budgets requires precision. Too many organizations try to tackle a wide range of cost savings at once, often with poor or limited effect. Instead, identify two or three areas of IT focus to make a significant financial impact.
Targeting top priorities
IT teams are focusing efforts on controlling costs, improving security and retooling internal processes for smarter spending, greater resilience and increased efficiency.
Reducing IT costs
Strengthening security
Improving internal processes
“Be laser-focused on the 2–3 areas that can drive significant impact.”
From the Expert
Nick Ockwell
Chief Information Officer
What’s your strategy for 2026?
Explore shared insights and findings on IT budgets, AI, Infrastructure, outsourcing and more to inform your next steps.
