Where is IBM’s hybrid cloud launchpad?

IBM is not the only major technology provider that has embraced hybrid and multicloud. Hybrid and multi-cloud form one of several pillars of IBM's renewal strategy under Arvind Krishna, who is now just entering his second year as CEO.

So where does IBM find its breakout in hybrid and multicloud? Kubernetes (K8s) is a large part of it, as it provides the formal and de facto standard for hybrid cloud deployment. But K8s is complicated stuff, and if your developers want to focus on apps and data rather than plumbing, that's the gap for managed services to fill. To its credit, IBM is one of the first to get there with Red Hat's offering, but HPE also has its feet inside the door and we expect others like Microsoft, Google, VMware to join in soon.

So where could IBM truly differentiate in hybrid and multicloud? The answer may be surprising, but when you think about it, not so surprising. Hint? It's an area where IBM has been very active for years with its Global 2000 base.

For our take, check out our full post on ZDnet.