Data Security Tops IT Modernization Concerns as Hybrid Environments Expand
Event summary
- 69% of IT leaders cite data security as their top modernization concern, per Rocket Software's 2026 survey.
- Only 25% of IT leaders are extremely confident their infrastructure can support AI workloads.
- 51% of respondents say bridging cloud and on-premises environments is difficult.
- 48% of organizations still rely on older systems for critical operations, with only 35% of IT leaders believing their teams have the necessary skills.
The big picture
As enterprises accelerate AI integration and modernization, data security has emerged as the primary challenge, overshadowing even hybrid IT complexity. The survey highlights a critical tension between rapid technological evolution and the operational readiness of IT teams, particularly in securing expanding data environments. With only a quarter of IT leaders confident in their AI infrastructure, the race to modernize securely is intensifying.
What we're watching
- Security Infrastructure
- How IT leaders will address the gap between AI adoption and infrastructure readiness.
- Hybrid IT Complexity
- Whether enterprises can overcome data quality and governance challenges in hybrid environments.
- Workforce Development
- The pace at which organizations reskill teams to support legacy and modern systems.
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