Most VMware Users Eye Alternatives Amid Rising Costs
A global survey finds businesses are seeking new virtualization strategies due to licensing changes and cost concerns.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Remote Work
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A new survey of 300 organizations reveals that 90% are considering alternatives to VMware primarily due to higher licensing costs. Over half of respondents pointed to the end of perpetual license support as a key driver for evaluating other virtualization options.
Why it matters
Organizations are actively seeking to reduce their dependency on a single vendor and gain greater control over their IT roadmaps. Many are prioritizing cost savings and flexibility to avoid disruptive vendor timelines.
In a survey of 300 organizations, 73% identified cost savings as a top priority for virtualization decisions, while 60% are actively considering a multiple-hypervisor strategy. Meanwhile, 66% of respondents are already using or considering third-party support.
The players
VMware
This enterprise software company provides cloud computing and virtualization technology services for organizations globally.
The details
Companies are increasingly adopting hybrid environments that blend on-premises infrastructure with private and public clouds. To maintain operations, 47% of organizations are moving toward setups that utilize both hypervisors and containers.
Timeline
The IT Virtualization Survey findings were released in 2026.
Market Landscape
This trend represents a broader industry pivot away from monolithic vendor reliance toward multi-hypervisor and hybrid environments. By diversifying infrastructure, organizations are effectively countering the shift from perpetual software licensing to subscription-based models.
For IT managers and businesses, this shift may lead to complex changes in infrastructure management and a greater reliance on third-party support services. Companies should anticipate potential cost savings but must also manage the challenges of multi-vendor environments.
The takeaway
Organizations are prioritizing long-term flexibility and cost control over legacy vendor loyalty. IT teams should evaluate their specific needs for real-time threat visibility and operational continuity before migrating to alternative hypervisor platforms.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving office technology trends in our Remote Work section.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for organizations to switch away from major software vendors?
