Neoclouds: the ignored AI infrastructure race splitting into four distinct player types
DavidLinthicum · x · 2026-09-15
David Linthicum argues that while everyone watches which AI model wins, the real battleground is underneath: GPU clusters, power contracts, liquid cooling, networking fabric, and inference services — fought by companies called neoclouds.
Key points:
- The dynamic mirrors cloud computing in 2008: companies positioned correctly around that shift ended up controlling a massive layer of the tech industry.
- Most observers wrongly lump neoclouds together as "GPU rental businesses"; they are actually evolving into four distinct categories, the first being full-stack AI infrastructure players.
The piece frames neocloud competition as the underwatched story of the AI boom.
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