Rocket Software Named a Vendor to Watch in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Data Intelligence Platform Software 2026 Vendor Assessment 

Portrait of Michael Curry

AI doesn't create a need for more data. It creates a demand for more trusted context. As organizations move from AI experimentation to operational adoption, understanding where data came from, how it changed, and whether it can be trusted becomes increasingly important. We're honored that IDC MarketScape names Rocket a Vendor to Watch. We believe in Rocket's approach to helping customers connect and govern information across the full enterprise, from systems of record to modern analytics and AI.

Michael Curry President, Data Modernization, Rocket Software
Explore Rocket® Data Intelligence 

 

IDC MarketScape Perspective 

"Rocket is a vendor to watch for its breadth of metadata and its focus on hybrid, legacy-inclusive governance," IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Data Intelligence Platform Software 2026 Vendor Assessment 

We believe this observation reflects the reality many organizations face today: business-critical information remains distributed across a wide range of platforms and environments. 

Why we believe this recognition matters 

We believe organizations are facing a common challenge: 

  • Critical data exists across multiple platforms. 
  • Systems of record often remain outside the cloud. 
  • Governance requirements are increasing. 
  • AI initiatives depend on trusted information. 

As a result, organizations need more than visibility into modern data platforms. They need a way to understand information across the entire enterprise. 

What makes Rocket different 

In our view, successful data intelligence initiatives require: 

Broad metadata visibility

Understanding where information exists and how it is connected across the enterprise. 

Trusted lineage

Providing transparency into how data moves, changes, and supports business processes. 

Hybrid governance

Applying consistent governance across cloud, distributed, mainframe, and IBM i environments. 

Trusted context for AI

Helping organizations establish 
confidence in the information that supports analytics, automation, copilots, and agents. 

Analyst perspective 

 

As organizations prepare data for AI and agentic initiatives, trusted context, lineage, and governance become increasingly important. Rocket Software brings notable depth in metadata discovery and lineage across hybrid data estates, particularly for organizations managing a mix of mainframe, IBM i, cloud, and distributed environments. Its breadth of metadata and focus on legacy-inclusive governance are key reasons Rocket was named as a Vendor to Watch.

Stewart Bond Vice President, Data Intelligence and Integration Software Research, IDC 

Why organizations focus on data intelligence 

Data intelligence helps connect those initiatives by creating visibility into where data exists, how it is governed, and how it supports business outcomes. 

In our experience, organizations are increasingly focused on: 
  • Establishing trusted lineage 
  • Improving governance and transparency 
  • Reducing uncertainty around critical data 
  • Supporting modernization efforts 
  • Creating a stronger foundation for analytics and AI 

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