Red Hat Named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for server virtualization platforms

Red Hat is proud to be named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner^Ⓡ Magic Quadrant^TM for server virtualization platform¹. This recognition is driven by our completeness of vision and ability to execute, and we believe it is marking a significant milestone in the evolution of modern hybrid infrastructure.

A unified approach to virtualization

This shared one API simplifies integration into Infrastructure as Code (IaaC) pipelines and aligns with modern DevOps practices, providing a clear route for modernizing legacy applications. Furthermore, the availability of OpenShift Virtualization across major public clouds offers organizations with multicloud requirements the flexibility to move workloads seamlessly between clouds and on-premises environments.

To help you articulate the value of Red Hat OpenShift, use these three core benefit statements in your upcoming Q4 campaigns.

• Accelerate innovation with a unified platform: Red Hat OpenShift provides a single, unified hybrid cloud application platform that empowers your teams to build, modernize, and deploy applications across datacenters, public clouds, and the edge. By consolidating your container and virtualization workloads onto one Kubernetes-native architecture, you can reduce operational complexity, streamline DevOps workflows, and accelerate your time to market.
• Future-proof your infrastructure with hybrid flexibility: Avoid vendor lock-in and gain strategic agility with an open, hybrid cloud approach. Whether you are running on-premises or across multiple public clouds, Red Hat OpenShift delivers a consistent, secure, and automated operational experience. This flexibility ensures your infrastructure can adapt to changing business demands and evolving technology landscapes today and in the future.
• Maximize operational efficiency with expert-led automation: Transform your IT operations from manual maintenance to automated innovation. With integrated management tools like Red Hat Advanced Cluster Management and Ansible Automation Platform, you can maintain compliance, security, and performance at scale. This allows your team to focus less on managing infrastructure and more on high-value development that drives real business outcomes.

What this means for our partners

We feel this leadership position as a Leader offers a powerful narrative to share with your partners, particularly those navigating complex decisions regarding their customers’ virtualization estates. It provides a platform where virtual machines and containers coexist, allowing the workloads that customers depend on to thrive alongside new, containerized, and AI-driven applications.

As we align our efforts for Q4, prioritize the following strategies:

1. Lead with our latest recognitions: Use the new "A Leader" recognition in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Server Virtualization Platform to open conversations with customers currently looking to modernize their virtualization strategies. This is a fresh, high-value hook for landing new logos.
2. Enhance your marketing assets: Integrate these statements into your email nurture campaigns and social media outreach. Check the Red Hat Partner Demand Center (request access) for updated assets and campaign materials you can customize for your region:
   1. OpenShift Virtualization - migrate with confidence
   2. OpenShift Virtualization - modernize your strategy
   3. Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform and Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization
   4. Red Hat + Cisco Virtualization
   5. FSI - OpenShift Virtualization
3. Cross-sell with confidence: Use the "maximize operational efficiency" statement to facilitate cross-selling discussions with your existing install base. Position your services as the bridge to help customers "burn down" unused commitments by introducing new projects or services.

We invite you to leverage this positioning to accelerate your customer conversations and drive growth in the second half of 2026.

To learn more about how to use this announcement and access the latest resources, please read the Partner FAQs or reach out to your local Partner Account Manager.

¹Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Server Virtualization Platform, Tony Iams, Tony Harvey, Paul Delory, and Daniel Bowers, 14 September 2026

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