October 17, 2026

The Evolution of Data Resilience: Navigating the Intersection of Hybrid Cloud, AI Agents, and Enterprise Security

Industry Convergence and the Road to Las Vegas

The themes discussed by Ned, Kyler, and Jim Jones—hybrid cloud complexity, the security implications of AI, and the necessity of robust data governance—are reflective of the broader challenges currently facing the global IT industry. These topics are set to take center stage at the upcoming Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference.

Scheduled to take place from December 8th through the 10th in Las Vegas, the conference is designed to bring together a diverse array of professionals, including heads of infrastructure, cloud operations specialists, platform engineers, and security leaders. The event aims to provide a platform for these professionals to share insights and strategies for navigating the very challenges discussed in the podcast.

As infrastructure becomes more software-defined and AI continues to permeate every level of the enterprise, the silos between "operations" and "security" are continuing to dissolve. The Gartner conference represents a critical opportunity for leaders to align their strategies. For those planning to attend, the organizers have provided a registration incentive: using the code DEVOPS allows attendees to receive a $450 discount off the standard registration rates. Information regarding the event can be found at the official Gartner website.

Looking Ahead

The conversation with Jim Jones serves as a potent reminder that the field of data protection is no longer a static, back-office function. It is a dynamic, high-stakes discipline that sits at the heart of corporate risk management. As organizations continue to integrate automated AI agents and expand their hybrid cloud footprints, the lessons shared by Jones, Ned, and Kyler provide a roadmap for maintaining stability in a volatile digital environment.

By focusing on strict permission scoping, embracing the visibility offered by DSPM, and ensuring the absolute integrity of data through immutable backups, enterprises can build the resilience necessary to thrive. As the industry looks toward the insights expected to emerge from the Gartner conference in December, it is clear that the dialogue surrounding data security is only beginning to evolve.

For those interested in the full scope of the discussion, the episode featuring Jim Jones is available for viewing on YouTube, providing further technical depth and commentary on these pressing issues. Jones also maintains a professional presence and shares further insights on his personal website, koolaid.info, where he continues to track the intersection of infrastructure and security.