Managed Services Market to Grow from $430 Billion in 2026 to $704 Billion by 2031: Strategic Analysis of IBM, Cisco Systems, Fujitsu, AT&T, HPE and Other Key Players
Dublin, Jan. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Managed Services - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The global managed services market is on track to reach a significant milestone, with projections estimating its value at USD 430.56 billion by 2026, up from USD 390.21 billion in 2025. By 2031, the market is expected to expand further to USD 704.2 billion, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.34% between 2026 and 2031. This growth is indicative of the increasing trend among enterprises to outsource IT operations, driven by the complexities of hybrid-cloud environments, rising cybersecurity threats, and stringent budget allocations.
The evolution of cloud-centric delivery models, coupled with the broader adoption of artificial intelligence and regulatory pressures, is transforming the offerings of managed service providers (MSPs). Intelligent automation and specialization in specific industry verticals are becoming key differentiators in the market. Strategic outsourcing is no longer seen just as a means to reduce costs but is now a fundamental component of digital transformation. This shift is prompting providers to invest in security operations centers, tools for multi-cloud orchestration, and platforms for edge management.
Mergers and acquisitions remain prevalent, underscoring the value of scale, as providers seek inorganic growth to address technological gaps and broaden their geographic footprint.
Hybrid-cloud complexity drives managed services adoption
Hybrid-cloud architectures present operational challenges due to their integration of on-premises, private, and public cloud infrastructures. Regulatory requirements like the Microsoft EU Data Boundary are prompting enterprises to partner with providers that ensure compliance, data portability, and consistent security policies. This leads to sustained demand for managed infrastructure and security services.
Cost optimization pressures accelerate outsourcing decisions
In a context of ongoing margin pressures, managed services allow enterprises to convert fixed IT overheads into adjustable expenses. High-profile contracts, such as Accenture's USD 1.6 billion Cloud One deal with the U.S. Air Force, demonstrate how outsourcing is evolving from a tactical decision to a strategic imperative. Providers offer comprehensive packages combining automation, AI tools, and skilled talent pools, enabling clients to leverage new capabilities without substantial upfront investments.
Data-sovereignty regulations constrain service delivery models
Providers face the challenge of duplicating infrastructure across jurisdictions due to mandates for localized data processing, which affects global delivery efficiency and scale economies.
Segment Analysis
In 2025, cloud deployment claimed 52.35% of the managed services market share and continues to expand, with hybrid cloud anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.92% through 2031. The benefits of resource scalability, regulatory compliance, and edge workload integration are key drivers behind enterprises' shift from on-premises models. Strategic alliances, such as Accenture's collaboration on Cloud One, highlight how co-innovation can secure substantial multiyear contracts.
Managed infrastructure services accounted for 38.40% of 2025 revenue, reflecting the essential need for stable operations across diverse systems. The managed security segment is experiencing rapid growth, driven by an 11.72% CAGR, as organizations face increased concerns over ransomware and compliance-related penalties. Successful market players offer AI-enhanced threat detection, zero-trust deployments, and automated incident management.
The demand for managed security services is rising, especially as insurers tighten criteria for cyber-insurance policies. Service providers are packaging Security Operations Center (SOC) as a service with compliance reporting to secure high-margin recurring revenue.
Geography Analysis
In 2025, North America held a 32.40% share of total revenue, supported by early cloud adoption, strong cyber regulations, and significant IT investment. Notable contracts with U.S. federal entities such as the Air Force's Cloud One project provide a stage for expansive managed services agreements.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, projected to grow at an 11.28% CAGR through 2031. Factors contributing to this growth include China's manufacturing advancements, India's expanding digital infrastructure, and Japan's modernizing facilities. Collaborations among hyperscalers and local Managed Service Providers (MSPs) cater to sovereign-cloud needs, while government cloud-first policies in ASEAN markets are shortening sales cycles.
Europe's growth remains steady, driven by compliance challenges linked to regulations such as GDPR and sustainability mandates. Germany's focus on Industry 4.0, the UK's post-Brexit regulatory landscape, and France's emphasis on sovereign-cloud frameworks are notable trends. Localization of data centers and sustainable energy initiatives help providers stand out in this market. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa are burgeoning due to smart-city and e-government initiatives.
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