Cloud technology is changing faster than ever. What used to be a one-off move to “get to the cloud” is now an ongoing journey of improvement. And, as we head into 2026, the way organisations think about security, sustainability, and scalability will continue to evolve, which will bring both new challenges and fresh opportunities.
Our cloud consultant, Geordie Kingsbeer shares his thoughts on where we’re heading next…
1. Smarter data security
The old idea of building a strong “wall” around your systems to keep threats out no longer works. By 2026, cloud security will focus on identity – knowing exactly who or what is accessing your systems – and it will be powered by AI (such as anomaly detection, automated threat response and predictive risk scoring) to make protection automatic.
AI will continuously monitor how users and applications behave, spotting anything unusual and acting before problems can occur. Instead of reacting to attacks, systems will protect themselves in real time.
Businesses will need to plan security into every part of their cloud setup from the start. Having strong expertise in Security and Compliance will be key to building platforms that are secure and compliant by design, not by chance.
2. Greener clouds and leaner costs
It is estimated that 21% of enterprise cloud infrastructure spend (equivalent to $44.5 billion) in 2025 is wasted on underutilised resources.
Sustainability and cost control are merging. By 2026, cutting carbon and managing spend will go hand in hand, driven by tighter regulations and a growing demand for more responsible operations. As a result, organisations will seek Cloud Assessments to uncover how every part of their cloud environment is being used. Wasteful or idle resources will be identified and eliminated in a bid to improve efficiency, save money, and reduce environmental impact all at once.
Those who align financial performance with sustainability will free up budget for innovation while meeting ESG targets confidently. Our Cloud Assessments and Cost Optimisation services help you see exactly where savings – and sustainability gains – can be made.
3. Edge and Cloud become one
More data is being processed at the “Edge” – on factory floors, in devices, and across distributed sites. By 2026, these local systems will fully connect with central cloud platforms, creating one unified, hybrid intelligent ecosystem.
Success will depend on having the right partner to design, build, and manage this connected environment end-to-end. From Cloud Migrations to continuous DevOps and Application Development and ongoing Managed Services, the ability to bring Edge and Cloud together seamlessly will define the next generation of agile, scalable businesses.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be about making cloud technology smarter, and more sustainable. The most forward-thinking organisations will see this as an opportunity to innovate and grow responsibly.
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We help startups and scaleups design and manage cloud environments that are ready for what’s next.
If you’re ready to accelerate your journey, let’s talk about your 2026 cloud strategy and how IDS Cloud can help you build with confidence.
