Summary:
1. Emma Dennard, VP Northern Europe at OVHcloud, predicts that 2026 will see organizations planning migrations due to security and sovereignty concerns, alongside strong growth in the industry from the AI revolution.
2. Geopolitics entered the boardroom in 2025, and the real consequences will be seen in 2026 as companies take concrete action in the wake of sovereignty debates.
3. Migration and planning for data management will be key in 2026, as businesses start to move data for cost, control, and security benefits, driven by the increasing need for AI and cloud infrastructure.
Article:
As we look ahead to 2026, Emma Dennard, VP Northern Europe at OVHcloud, foresees a year of significant change in the technology industry. With organizations increasingly concerned about security and sovereignty issues, there is a growing need for migrations to ensure data is stored in compliant and secure locations. Additionally, the industry is set to experience strong growth driven by the AI revolution, with AI data centers and GPUaaS providers emerging to support this growth.
In 2025, the impact of geopolitics on businesses became apparent, setting the stage for tangible consequences in 2026. The discussions around sovereignty and data management have prompted companies to reassess their strategies and consider moving data to more secure and controllable environments. While migrations may take time to implement, 2026 will see the beginning of this movement as organizations start to prioritize data sovereignty.
The complexity of the technology industry means that any change, especially in data management and migration, requires careful planning. In 2026, businesses will focus on mapping their data against its sensitivities and needs, determining which data can be stored in hyperscale clouds and which requires more secure storage solutions. This strategic approach to data management will lead to more migrations throughout the year as organizations seek to enhance cost-efficiency, control, and security.
The success of AI in driving data center growth cannot be overlooked, with AI accounting for a significant portion of cloud’s expansion in 2025. As businesses continue to invest in AI technologies, the demand for diverse data center solutions will increase, leading to a more varied industry landscape globally. Despite concerns about rising component prices, the growth of AI and cloud infrastructure will fuel the data center industry in 2026, creating opportunities for both European players and hyperscalers to meet the evolving needs of businesses.
In conclusion, 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the data center ecosystem. With a focus on sovereignty, security, and growth driven by AI, organizations will need to adapt their data management strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of the technology industry. By prioritizing data sovereignty, planning migrations, and embracing the AI revolution, businesses can position themselves for success in the dynamic and competitive market of 2026.
