2026 Trends to Watch: Cloud Computing

Roy Illsley

Chief Analyst, IT Operations

Roy’s key areas of research include cloud computing, cloud-native technologies, IT strategy, IT operational management, and data center technologies. He also advises on quantum computing, automation, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and workspaces. Roy uses his extensive experience combined with Omdia’s surveys and market data to understand how technologies will add benefit to businesses.

He works in the enterprise team and has over 40 years’ experience in the IT sector working for a variety of consultancy and end-user companies with experience in defense, utilities, automotive, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods industries. He joined Butler Group as a senior analyst in January 2006. Roy has worked on many major report projects, white papers, and primary research. He also delivers keynote speeches globally. He has a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in electronic engineering and telecommunications, an international MBA, and is a Member of the Institute of Engineering Technology (MIET) that holds the registered status of a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Michael Azoff

Chief Analyst, Cloud Native Computing

Michael is a chief analyst on Omdia’s cloud and data center team, where he covers a range of topics related to the cloud, data center, AI, software development, Agile, and DevOps. He also provides consulting to clients and support for Informa Tech events, with a focus on cloud native computing.

Michael was previously a consulting analyst at GigaOm, covering AI and software development. Prior to this, he was chief analyst at Kisaco Research, where he introduced an analyst chart on AI chips. Michael was also a distinguished analyst at Informa companies, including Ovum, for 17 years. After completing his PhD in solid-state electronics at the University of Sheffield (England), Michael worked at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and published academic papers. He went into R&D, built neural networks, launched a startup for his Prognostica Microsoft Excel add-in for time series forecasting, and published a book, Neural Network Time Series: Forecasting of Financial Markets.

Raymond Zhan

Senior Principal Analyst, Cloud & AI

Raymond is a senior principal analyst in the Enterprise research team, specializing in cloud and artificial intelligence (AI). He focuses on market research, technology analysis, and delivering strategic insights within the converging landscape of cloud computing and AI. His areas of expertise include dedicated cloud, cloud infrastructure, AI cloud, and model as a service (MaaS).

Prior to joining Omdia, he served as a vice president at Baidu AI Cloud Industrial’s Technology Research Institute, focusing on business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) strategies, as well as AI ecosystem development. He also played a key role in the strategic planning of geospatial technology at Twenty First Century Aerospace Technology. Additionally, he held expert committee positions at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) for the enterprise-grade AI application technology promotion initiative and the Global Carbon Neutral Technology Alliance. With extensive experience in enterprise digital transformation consulting, solution architecture, and product design, he specializes in integrating emerging and forward-looking technologies into practical business applications and strategies.