Composable Infrastructure and AI Workload Optimisation: Combating Spiralling Power and Compute Costs
IDC research shows a combined 60% of organisations in Europe are either already using cloud to build AI solutions or else planning to do so in 2026. As AI moves from pilot into production, the infrastructure choices you make now will set the economics of the whole programme for years. And there have never been more options on the table.
You can run workloads on public cloud from the hyperscalers. You can keep them on private cloud or on-premises where control, latency, or data residency really matter. There are neoclouds built specifically for AI, offering GPU-dense compute at a fraction of what traditional providers charge. And out at the edge, AI- and TPU-enabled devices can now handle specific workloads on their own, away from hosted models, which cuts your reliance on centralised infrastructure and trims the token spend that goes with it.
AI sovereignty adds another dimension: IDC research shows that when asked how they have handled or expect to handle the migration of AI/Machine learning services to sovereign cloud, 80% said they will work with their existing cloud services provider to add sovereign cloud controls to the existing solution, while 20% said they will migrate the existing solution to a new solution provider that can offer sovereign cloud controls. Within all this, customers are hampered by challenges. IDC research consistently finds that users are hampered by high costs, high complexity and a lack of skills to enable their digital ambitions.
So how do you weigh all this up? Join Insight and IDC to work through the evidence behind each approach, where the real costs sit, and how to navigate your next move with confidence.
Sponsored By:
HPE
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) is the global edge-to-cloud company that helps organizations accelerate outcomes by unlocking value from all of their data, everywhere. Built on decades of reimagining the future and innovating to advance the way people live and work, HPE delivers unique, open, and intelligent technology solutions as a service. With offerings spanning Cloud Services, Compute, High Performance Computing & AI, Intelligent Edge, Software, and Storage, HPE provides a consistent experience across all clouds and edges, helping customers develop new business models, engage in new ways, and increase operational performance. For more information, visit: www.hpe.com.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) is the global edge-to-cloud company that helps organizations accelerate outcomes by unlocking value from all of their data, everywhere.
Lenovo
Lenovo is a US$83 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #153 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Guided by its vision of “Smarter Technology for All”, Lenovo is executing a Hybrid AI strategy that spans Personal AI – one personal AI, multiple devices; and Enterprise AI – helping customers turn data into insights and value. This strategy is delivered through the Group’s commitment to world-class innovation and a full-stack AI portfolio, including devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets, accessories), infrastructure solutions (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), as well as software, solutions, and services. With a global footprint spanning more than 21 research and development locations and a global supply chain that includes more than 30 manufacturing sites across 11 markets, Lenovo is widely recognized for its operational excellence. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). Learn more at www.lenovo.com and follow the latest news in our newsroom.
Rahiel Nasir
Research Director, European Cloud & Lead Analyst, Worldwide Digital Sovereignty
IDC
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Rahiel Nasir
Rahiel Nasir is responsible for leading and contributing to IDC’s European cloud and cloud data management research programs, as well as supporting associated consulting projects.
Nasir has been watching technology markets and writing about them throughout his professional life.
Prior to joining IDC, he was a research analyst with 451 Research (now part of S&P Global Market Intelligence), where he covered the datacenter infrastructure and services markets across the EMEA region.
Nasir started his career as a consumer technology journalist with Haymarket Publishing where he rapidly worked his way up the ranks to become editor of a number of high-profile magazines, including What Hi-Fi?.
Following a successful career as a freelance technology journalist, he joined BBC Focus magazine as deputy editor before moving on to become editorial director of a number of B2B magazines, such as Networking+ which includes news and features about the technologies of voice and data networks for enterprise users, as well several publications targeted at vendors and service providers involved in the business and technologies of wireless communications in Africa, South Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Nasir has made numerous appearances on TV, radio, and in the press as a consumer technology spokesperson, and has also spoken at ICT industry events as a presenter, panelist, and moderator.
He was educated at the University of Manchester in England where he studied English and American and classical literature, as well as at the Postgraduate School of Journalism at City University, London.
Lee Wilkinson
Chief Strategist & Distinguished Technologist – EMEA Cloud Platforms
Insight
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Lee Wilkinson
Mark Fletcher
Chief Solutions Architect and Technical Director
HPE
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Mark Fletcher
Mark Fletcher is a growth-focused, multi-country leader who builds high-performing, customer-centric teams that deliver class-leading execution. As enterprise AI shifts from experimental pilots to production scaling, Mark helps organizations align hybrid cloud infrastructure with clear customer value and financial accountability. Dedicated to driving measurable outcomes for clients and partners, he bridges the gap between complex technology strategy and business impact. Mark works directly with enterprise leaders to optimize spend and performance—ensuring technology investments scale predictably while delivering continuous, long-term ROI for the customers they serve.
Roger Dickinson
Cisco Cloud and AI Infrastructure Outbound Technical Marketing
Cisco
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Roger Dickinson
Roger Dickinson is part of Cisco’s worldwide Cloud & AI Infrastructure team, advising enterprises on how to translate AI industry trends into business outcomes. He helps leaders address adoption challenges and make strategic infrastructure decisions that accelerate value creation. His technical expertise spans the full AI stack—from secure infrastructure to building AI Factories, and operationalising AI across hybrid multicloud environments
Simone Larsson
Head of Enterprise AI, EMEA
Lenovo
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Simone Larsson
Simone Larsson is Head of Enterprise AI, at Lenovo across Europe and META. She leads the regional strategy to help enterprises scale AI from experimentation to production through AI ready, more sustainable infrastructure and hybrid AI solutions. With 20+ years in technology and the last decade focused on AI strategy and transformation, Simone has held leadership roles at Accenture and Dataiku, advising enterprise customers across manufacturing, FMCG, and the public sector. Recognised for her thought leadership in generative AI, frugal AI, and ESG aligned innovation, she is known for a pragmatic, values driven approach to enabling enterprise-wide adoption.
Simone has also chaired the AI Council at BIMA, contributed to AI ethics work via the Corporate Digital Responsibility Forum, serves on the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, and the Advisory Board of her alma mater- Cambridge Judge Business School.