New data shows organizations want more than AI and cloud-only strategies, prioritizing automation, flexibility, and exit options
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parallels, a global leader in virtualization and end-user computing (EUC) solutions, today released findings from its 2026 State of Cloud Computing Survey, revealing a sharp evolution in enterprise EUC strategy compared to last year. While cost and complexity drove change in 2025, this year's data shows IT leaders reacting to deeper structural pressures including vendor lock-in risk, operational fatigue, and a growing gap between AI marketing and real-world priorities.
The survey found that 94% of organizations are concerned about vendor lock-in, up from last year's already elevated anxiety around long-term viability and support. Nearly half of respondents say they are very concerned, with uncertain product roadmaps (46%) and fears over future support (57%) now playing a larger role in platform decisions than in 2025.
"Last year, organizations were focused on escaping rising costs," said Prashant Ketkar, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Parallels. "This year, they are focused on avoiding regret. IT leaders want automation that reduces workload, architectures that support hybrid reality, and the freedom to change course as needs evolve."
AI Expectations Mature from Excitement to Execution
In 2025, AI was widely viewed as a differentiator. In 2026, buyers are more selective. The survey shows organizations want AI to reduce operational burden, not add complexity:
- 47% prioritize AI for issue detection
- 41% want automated application patching
- 39% seek reduced administrative overhead
Despite heavy vendor messaging, only 29% of respondents are willing to pay more for AI features, signaling a move away from experimental investment toward outcome-driven automation. This reflects a broader shift from aspirational transformation to measurable efficiency compared with last year's more exploratory posture.
VDI Fatigue Deepens as IT Time Costs Rise
The hidden operational cost of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) has become more visible year over year. In 2025, IT resource strain ranked as a top concern. In 2026, the survey quantifies that impact:
- 85% of organizations spend one to ten hours per week managing VDI
- 68% say IT staff time is now the single biggest hidden cost, an increase in urgency from last year's findings
- Nearly 30% cite training and onboarding as a major challenge, reinforcing workforce strain
This mounting fatigue is accelerating platform change. While 58% of organizations were seeking a new VDI or DaaS solution in 2025, that number has risen to 66% in 2026, with 53% planning to implement a new solution within four to six months. Last year, most respondents expected change within twelve months, signaling a faster and more decisive reset this year.
Cloud-Only Confidence Gives Way to Hybrid Reality
In 2025, many organizations were still pursuing cloud-first strategies while managing cost and complexity. The 2026 data shows a more pronounced correction.
- 49% now operate multi-cloud environments, up from last year
- 33% run hybrid deployments
- 49% are actively considering or planning a move back to on-premises or hybrid models
Cost volatility and data sovereignty concerns are driving this shift. Security pressures reinforce it. Nearly half of respondents experienced a security breach in the past twelve months, compared with heightened concern but fewer confirmed incidents reported last year. At the same time, 84% express concern about data sovereignty, yet only 6.5% use browser isolation, exposing a widening control gap as SaaS and shadow IT usage expands.
Survey Methodology
Parallels' 2026 State of Cloud Computing Survey was conducted in November 2025 with data from 540 IT professionals across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany about their cloud journeys to discover what's working, what isn't, and what's next. To see the full results of the study, click here.
About Parallels
Parallels is a global leading brand in cross-platform solutions that make it simple for businesses and individuals to use and access the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. Parallels helps customers leverage the best technology out there, whether it's Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, or the cloud. Parallels solves complex engineering and user-experience problems by making it simple and cost-effective for businesses and individual customers to use applications anywhere, anytime. For more information, please visit www.parallels.com.
© 2026 Parallels International GmbH. All rights reserved. Parallels is a trademark or registered trademark of Parallels International GmbH. in Canada, the United States and/or elsewhere. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android and ChromeOS are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company, product and service names, logos, brands and any registered or unregistered trademarks mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. For all notices and legal information please visit www.parallels.com/about/legal/.
Ashley Ruess
ashley.ruess@parallels.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9167472-87db-4237-b58f-337fe2c4ec50
