OVHcloud, a global cloud services provider and the European market leader, presents its forecast of the key trends that will shape the development of cloud computing and related solutions in 2026.

The coming year will intensify efforts in the area of digital sovereignty—a topic that finally gained prominence in European debate last year and began to influence business decisions. Stricter regulatory requirements, the need for full control over data and infrastructure, and rising energy costs will determine the choice of solutions and providers. The new year will bring not only further technological development, but also a redefinition of how technologies are implemented—based on open ecosystems and environmental responsibility.

1. Digital sovereignty – a condition for competitiveness

While digital sovereignty was once mainly a subject of debate, since 2025 it has increasingly become a tender criterion, part of security strategies, and a factor in operational risk assessment. As a result, sovereign cloud solutions are no longer an alternative option but are becoming the reference architecture.

“Sovereignty is no longer just a trend but a real market requirement. From GDPR to NIS2, DORA, the AI Act and the Data Act—all strengthen data control and infrastructure auditing. In Poland, we see a shift from interpreting regulations to enforcing them in EU-regulated sectors,” notes Grzegorz Soczewka, VP Sales OVHcloud CEE. “Building local technological standards and interoperability is a prerequisite for the development of the European cloud ecosystem and our competitiveness.”

2. Openness and interoperability – the decline of closed ecosystems

Closed platforms are gradually giving way to open technologies that enable multicloud and hybrid deployments. Interoperability is becoming a key element of IT strategy, as flexibility, price predictability, and the ability to integrate different environments freely affect real costs and business growth.

3. Democratization of AI – technology accessible to all

Artificial intelligence is no longer reserved exclusively for the largest organizations, although Polish companies still face many challenges. OVHcloud’s study “(Un)ready for AI – between hype and implementation” shows that despite AI enthusiasm declared by 75% of respondents, only 7% of companies actually use it in business processes, while 47% remain observers. In 2026, ensuring access to AI through partnership models—with transparent rules, predictable costs, and data portability—will be crucial, while strengthening sovereign AI as a pillar of technological independence and organizational resilience.

“AI is expected to deliver real market advantage, automate routine and time-consuming processes, and provide production-ready solutions—not just prototypes. Real productivity, not experimentation,” adds Grzegorz Soczewka.

4. Scaling infrastructure in the spirit of ‘sustainable by design’

In 2026, pressure to reduce the environmental impact of technology will intensify. Data fuels AI growth, but energy remains the key resource—both in availability and origin. The International Energy Agency estimates that data centers already account for about 2% of global electricity consumption, making this area the focus of increasing debate and regulation.

OVHcloud has long pursued a Green IT by design strategy, developing integrated infrastructure using renewable energy and liquid cooling technologies. This approach delivers leading efficiency metrics: PUE of 1.1–1.3, WUE of 0.26, and CUE of 0.20—well below market averages. The company is also developing its own photovoltaic farms in France with a total capacity of 50 MW as part of a long-term energy independence strategy.

5. Quantum technologies and Edge + AI – a new chapter of innovation

At its latest OVHcloud Summit, the company announced the launch of Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS), providing cloud-based access to quantum computers.

“This opens the door to applications where classical algorithms reach their limits—from advanced scientific computing and molecular modeling to drug development, large-scale simulations, defense and security use cases, and integration with AI solutions,” explains Grzegorz Soczewka. The platform offers both physical quantum processors and emulators, enabling algorithm testing without investing in costly infrastructure.

At the same time, the Edge + AI concept will develop rapidly, enabling AI models to run directly where data is generated. This addresses challenges related to costs, data transmission latency, and regulatory requirements. Edge services—including Local Zones available in the CEE region, as well as on-premise and air-gapped solutions—will play a growing role. This model allows AI to be deployed directly on the OVHcloud On-Prem Cloud Platform (OPCP), ensuring full data control, low latency, and compliance with regulatory and security requirements.

2026: a time of conscious transformation

The year 2026 will be a period of intensive transformation in these areas. Success will favor providers and customers who focus on sovereignty, openness, flexibility, and innovation—while maintaining environmental responsibility. It will be the moment when cloud computing, AI, and quantum technologies converge into a shared ecosystem that forms the foundation of the digital economy.