When people discuss AI, they typically focus on models, tools, and emerging capabilities. What often gets overlooked is the technology foundation required to make AI work in the real world.
Learn how enterprise leaders are approaching application modernization, platform engineering, enterprise integration, cloud modernization, and AI readiness from Gartner Applications Summit 2026 insights.
At the Gartner Application Innovation & Business Solutions Summit 2026, held from June 2 – 4, 2026, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV, one message surfaced repeatedly: organizations are not struggling to identify opportunities for AI. They are struggling to make those initiatives work within complex environments built for a different era.
Representing People10 at the summit, Shiva Kumar (Director – Sales) and Dhaval Ladva (Senior Business Development Manager) engaged with leaders focused on enterprise application modernization, cloud transformation, and long-term digital strategy.
“The companies getting the most value from AI aren’t running better pilots. They’re building stronger foundations.”
The Hidden Work Behind Enterprise AI Success
AI adoption continues to accelerate. Gartner predicts that more than 80% of enterprises will use generative AI APIs or models by 2028.
Yet many initiatives never move beyond pilot programs. The challenge is often not the AI itself, but outdated systems, disconnected data, and years of accumulated technical debt.
This is why legacy application modernization is becoming a priority for organizations looking to scale AI. Businesses building an AI-ready enterprise are investing in modern architectures, cleaner integrations, and stronger operational foundations before expanding AI initiatives.
Behind Every High-Performing Engineering Team
One topic that received significant attention throughout the summit was platform engineering.
Research from the DORA program consistently shows that top-performing engineering organizations deploy software more frequently and recover from incidents faster than their peers.
Rather than repeatedly solving infrastructure challenges, organizations are creating shared platforms that improve consistency and reduce friction. As a result, engineering productivity is increasingly being viewed as a business metric rather than purely a technical one.
The Cloud Conversation Has Changed
Cloud discussions have evolved beyond migration.
According to Flexera’s State of the Cloud Report, cloud optimization remains one of the highest priorities for enterprise cloud programs. Organizations are increasingly focused on outcomes, efficiency, and cost management.
A successful cloud modernization strategy is no longer measured by workloads moved to the cloud. It is measured by how effectively organizations improve performance, support innovation, and simplify operations.
Many enterprises are also investing in cloud-native applications that are easier to maintain, scale, and continuously improve.
Why Integration Is No Longer an Afterthought
As organizations modernize applications and expand digital capabilities, connectivity has become a growing challenge.
Without strong enterprise integration, applications, data platforms, and business processes operate in silos. This creates complexity, slows decision-making, and limits the impact of automation and AI investments.
Organizations pursuing enterprise architecture modernization are increasingly recognizing that integration is the link between technology investments and measurable business value.
Looking Beyond the Summit
The conversations at Gartner pointed to a broader shift in thinking. Technology leaders are moving beyond isolated projects and focusing on how systems, teams, and processes work together.
Organizations investing in enterprise application modernization, platform engineering, and a clear digital transformation strategy are creating the foundations needed to adapt more quickly and compete more effectively.
The People10 Perspective
The most successful organizations are treating modernization as a connected business initiative rather than a collection of technology projects.
They align application modernization services, enterprise integration, and cloud modernization strategy efforts around clear business goals. They improve engineering productivity, strengthen operational foundations, and create environments that support sustainable innovation.
Moving Forward
Gartner Application Innovation & Business Solutions Summit 2026 reinforced that enterprise AI success is increasingly dependent on application modernization, integration maturity, and platform readiness. Organizations that invest today in scalable architectures, engineering excellence, and connected digital ecosystems will be best positioned to accelerate innovation and create long-term business value.
Working With People10
Through Application Modernization Services, Cloud Engineering Services, Platform Engineering Services, AI Solutions, Enterprise Integration Services, and Digital Transformation Services, People10 helps organizations bridge the gap between strategy and execution.
Whether enterprises are modernizing legacy systems, building an AI-ready enterprise, or improving engineering performance, the focus remains the same: creating technology foundations that support long-term business growth.
