Meridian launches CloudSmart private and hybrid cloud platform

Meridian Group International said it will launch CloudSmart in July across data centers in the U.S., U.K. and EU. The platform combines HPE GreenLake and IBM Power to help enterprises place workloads based on cost, compliance, sovereignty and performance needs. Why it matters: - Enterprises are under pressure to lower cloud costs while meeting stricter regulatory and data sovereignty requirements. - CloudSmart is designed to give organizations a single operating model for private and hybrid cloud deployments. - The platform is built to support workload placement based on business, regulatory and performance requirements. What happened: - Meridian Group International announced CloudSmart, a global private and hybrid cloud platform powered by HPE GreenLake and IBM Power. - The launch is set for July 2026. - CloudSmart will be available across data centers in the United States, United Kingdom and European Union. - Meridian will offer the platform through Meridian IT U.S., Meridian IT U.K. and Concat AG. The details: - CloudSmart combines HPE GreenLake and IBM Power within the same platform. - The platform is designed to let organizations run native workloads in their preferred environment. - Meridian says the platform unifies data and simplifies operations in a consumption-based pricing model. - CloudSmart includes unified governance and security across environments. - The platform offers flexible deployment models powered by HPE GreenLake and IBM Power. - CloudSmart is built around predictable cost structures aligned to business consumption. - Meridian will provide full lifecycle support through its global cloud and managed services teams. - Organizations can contact Meridian now to discuss configurations and deployment options. - Meridian Group International has more than 45 years of experience in secure IT services. - Meridian serves midmarket and enterprise customers through subsidiaries across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Between the lines: - Meridian is positioning CloudSmart against the common problem of cloud sprawl, where teams add platforms without simplifying operations. - Jeff Murray, CEO of Meridian Group International, said the cloud conversation has shifted from moving everything to the cloud to placing workloads based on performance, security, compliance, data sovereignty and cost. - Tom Horan, vice president of cloud and managed services at Meridian IT U.S., said customers want a consistent operating model that supports workload movement, governance and scale without added complexity. - The platform reflects broader market trends toward data repatriation and hybrid architectures. What’s next: - CloudSmart will become available in July 2026. - Meridian expects customers to evaluate the platform for new configurations and deployment approaches before launch. - The company will likely lean on its subsidiary network and managed services teams to support adoption. The bottom line: - Meridian is betting that enterprises want fewer cloud platforms, tighter control and more predictable costs, not another migration project.