Survey: 90% of VMware Users Exploring Alternatives Due to Licensing Costs
A new survey indicates that 90 percent of VMware users are considering alternative solutions because of high licensing costs. This may stem from an increasing reliance on VMware technology.
A significant number of organizations are rethinking their virtualization strategies to reduce dependency on VMware, with high licensing costs emerging as a primary driver for this shift.
The "2026 IT Virtualization Survey – What’s Next for VMware Users," published by Rimini Street and surveying 300 organizations globally, found that 90 percent of VMware users are actively exploring alternatives.
According to the survey's findings, licensing expenses are the most prominent factor compelling users to seek replacement solutions. This trend aligns with previous reports that have also highlighted customer dissatisfaction with VMware's pricing structure.
While Rimini Street, a provider of third-party support for software like VMware, Oracle, and SAP, has an interest in highlighting the challenges faced by VMware customers, the survey itself was conducted by the independent research firm Unisphere Research.
Financial pressures and the pursuit of strategic flexibility appear to be key motivators for organizations re-evaluating their virtualization platforms, potentially signaling shifts in market dynamics among software vendors.