Why Are So Many SMEs Desperate for a Better VDI Solution? Discover the Powerful Drivers Behind the Shift

Is Your Business Struggling With Outdated VDI? Uncover the Essential Reasons SMEs Are Switching Now

A recent Parallels survey highlights a dramatic transformation in the end-user computing (EUC) landscape, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The 2025 State of Cloud Computing Study, which gathered insights from 600 IT professionals across the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and the EU, reveals that 63% of SMEs are actively searching for new Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) or Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions due to escalating costs and complexity. Significantly, 94% of these organizations plan to implement a new solution within the next year.

Key Drivers for Change Among SMEs

SMEs are grappling with IT demands that rival those of larger enterprises but often lack the resources and budgets to match. According to Parallels’ Chief Technology & Product Officer, Prashant Ketkar, midsize organizations must streamline their IT operations, enhance cybersecurity, and support remote work-all while controlling costs.

Top Challenges With Current VDI Solutions

The survey pinpointed several persistent hurdles that are motivating SMEs to seek alternatives:

• High demand for IT resources
• Lack of centralized management and control
• Excessive operational costs
• Overwhelming complexity
• Reliability and performance issues

These challenges not only strain IT departments but also hinder business agility and digital transformation.

Core Reasons SMEs Are Re-Evaluating IT Strategies

When asked about their motivations for changing providers, SMEs cited:

• Rising costs (43%)
• Uncertainty about long-term support (26%)
• Poor integration with other systems (18%)
• Unclear product development roadmaps (13%)

This shift signals a preference for solutions that are cost-effective, stable, and seamlessly integrated, rather than just those that promise lower costs.

The Importance of Flexible, Hybrid Solutions

Despite the push from vendors to move entirely to the cloud, many SMEs still see value in hybrid deployments. On average, 40% of applications and infrastructure remain on-premises, highlighting the need for solutions that support both cloud and on-premises environments. This flexibility allows organizations to modernize at their own pace without sacrificing control or performance.

Cybersecurity: A Top Priority for 2025

With cyber threats on the rise, SMEs are ramping up their cybersecurity investments:

• 41% will significantly increase their cybersecurity budgets
• 48% will moderately increase spending
• Only 9% will maintain current levels, and just 1% plan to decrease spending

This trend underscores cybersecurity’s role as a cornerstone of digital transformation and business resilience.

What IT Leaders Want: Choice, Security, and Simplicity

IT leaders are clear: they want solutions that are easy to deploy, operate, and manage-without compromising on security or flexibility. Parallels is responding by offering streamlined, powerful solutions that help SMEs remain agile, reduce costs, and drive digital transformation on their own terms.

Summary: Why This Matters

• SMEs are leading a major shift away from legacy VDI and DaaS due to cost, complexity, and management challenges.
• The demand is for flexible, secure, and integrated solutions that support both cloud and on-premises deployments.
• Cybersecurity is now a top investment priority, reflecting its critical role in business continuity and growth.
• Vendors that deliver simplicity, choice, and transparency are best positioned to earn the trust of SMEs.

By understanding these trends, IT decision-makers can better align their infrastructure strategies with evolving business needs and stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital landscape.