15 Jun 2026
This article examines the current state of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) in relation to the Gartner Hype Cycle.
Gartner
Gartner observes that initial AI infrastructure investments, often subsidized by vendors, frequently fail to achieve full return on investment. This suggests vendor incentives can obscure underlying cost inefficiencies. While some AI initiatives, particularly in IT Service Management, show significant payoff, enterprises must look beyond initial subsidies for long-term financial sustainability and value realization.
The firm emphasizes a critical need for organizations to reassess AI investment strategies as direct operational expenditures for integration are expected to increase. Enterprises must prepare for a transition from vendor-supported growth to managing potentially higher, direct costs. This strategic shift requires proactive financial planning to ensure sustained AI utilization and value realization beyond the initial adoption phase.
Gartner also highlights evolving risks in specialized AI projects, with some potentially failing. However, recent analysis suggests migrating to mainframes could be a more cost-effective alternative for some organizations compared to other solutions, despite potential vendor lock-in concerns. This presents a nuanced view on infrastructure choices, balancing cost-efficiency against strategic risks and maturity assessments like the Hype Cycle.
Last updated June 21, 2026
Coverage
4 May 2026
According to Gartner Vice President Analyst Alessandro Galimberti, migrating to an IBM mainframe could be more cost-effective for VMware users than adopting Broadcom's new licensing, despite potential risks associated with vendor lock-in and skill challenges.
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Gartner analysts predict that a significant majority of AI-powered mainframe migration projects will fail, with a substantial percentage of vendors in this sector expected to cease operations.
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According to Gartner research, only 28% of artificial intelligence infrastructure projects fully achieve their return on investment, with ITSM being the area most likely to yield positive results.
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According to Gartner, software vendors and cloud providers are currently absorbing the projected one trillion dollar increase in artificial intelligence expenditures, but end-users are expected to face long-term cost escalations.