software subscriptions — Half of all businesses currently find themselves trapped by unnecessary software subscriptions, a concerning trend that is stifling digital innovation across Europe as companies struggle with ballooning IT costs. This alarming finding emerged from an extensive study conducted by Forscope, a software management and resale provider, and presented at the Infoshare 2026 technology conference in Gdańsk, Poland.
Software subscriptions: Rising Concerns Amidst Financial Pressures
The research surveyed over 300 participants and highlighted a growing conflict between the urgent need for digital innovation and the financial pressure stemming from rising software and cloud service costs. It revealed that 56 per cent of respondents are deeply concerned about the consistent price increases for the software products they rely on daily.
Ambitious Plans Despite Challenges
Despite these financial pressures, investment ambitions remain high among businesses. The study found that 52 per cent of companies are prioritising the implementation of artificial intelligence solutions and the development of bespoke applications for 2026. However, to secure funding for these innovative projects, organisations are feeling compelled to make drastic cuts to their standard IT infrastructure, including operating systems and office suites.
Optimisation Takes Centre Stage
Cost optimisation has emerged as a significant focus, with 33 per cent of participants identifying it as their second most critical priority for the year. The findings suggest that the market has reached a saturation point regarding tolerance for the relentless price hikes associated with subscription-based cloud models. As companies struggle to balance their budgets, many are exploring alternative solutions.
Shifting Towards Permanent Licences
An intriguing trend noted in the study is that 8 per cent of companies are seeking relief from subscription pressures by reverting to permanent licences, thus avoiding the cycle of ongoing payments. This strategy reflects a broader shift in mindset, where companies are evaluating their software usage more critically.
Conducting Software Audits for Efficiency
Enterprises are increasingly undertaking comprehensive software audits to identify applications that have been purchased but remain underutilised. Instead of allowing these licences to sit dormant, tying up valuable capital, businesses are opting to resell inactive software. By transforming these forgotten assets into liquidity, companies are able to release funds that can help finance their new investment plans.
Control Over Licence Portfolios as a Key to Success
The consensus from the Infoshare conference indicates that the leaders of digital transformation in 2026 will be those who successfully gain control over their complex licence portfolios. By combining cloud services with permanent licences, firms can effectively free up capital, allowing them to invest in future innovations rather than being ensnared by ongoing subscription expenses.
