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AI Infrastructure Software: Three Graphics Processing Unit Management Scenarios and the One Winning Today

Publisher IDC
Published Mar 02, 2026
Length 7 Pages
SKU # IDC20942295

Description

Graphics processing unit (GPU) resource management is now a central challenge for AI infrastructure software, with IDC projecting that vertically integrated stacks in which GPU vendors control both hardware and software will dominate through 2026. Although Kubernetes and open source alternatives are maturing, they remain dependent on vendor components. Enterprises should plan for vendor-coupled solutions in the near term, explicitly evaluate resource management capabilities, negotiate for future flexibility, and monitor signals for potential market shifts toward open alternatives."Open standards may eventually create real choice in GPU management software, but 'eventually' doesn't help enterprises make infrastructure decisions today. The near-term reality is vendor-driven, and planning should reflect that," said Shahin Hashim, associate research director, Infrastructure Software Platforms, IDC.

Table of Contents

7 Pages

Executive Snapshot

Key takeaways

Recommended actions

Situation Overview

Scenario 1: Vertical stacks dominate

What this looks like

Trade-offs

Scenario 2: Kubernetes becomes the control plane

What this looks like

Trade-offs

Important caveat

Scenario 3: Resource abstraction emerges, whereas scheduling remains platform-specific

What this looks like

Trade-offs:

IDC's opinion

Advice for the Technology Buyer

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