85% of CIOs to Increase Microsoft Spend as Cloud Budgets Rise 10.1%
MSFT•Jefferies survey of 40 IT executives shows software budgets rising 6.2% in 2026 versus 4.8% in 2025, cloud spending jumping 10.1% and cybersecurity outlays climbing 6.2%. Microsoft leads with 85% of CIOs planning higher 2026 spending, compared to 56% for AWS, as 68% of CIOs have dedicated AI budgets.
1. Jefferies Tech Spending Survey Results
A survey of 40 IT executives by Jefferies revealed that software budgets are forecast to grow 6.2% in 2026, up from 4.8% in 2025, while cloud allocations are set to increase 10.1% and cybersecurity spending is projected to climb 6.2%.
2. Microsoft Leads in CIO Spending Intentions
Microsoft emerged as the top beneficiary, with 85% of CIOs indicating plans to boost spending on its products in 2026 and none expecting cuts; AWS followed with 56% of CIOs planning higher expenditure.
3. AI Budget Prioritization
Dedicated AI budgets have risen to 68% of CIOs surveyed, underscoring the technology's growing role in IT strategies, alongside heightened token and API spending that already exceed planned levels.
4. Performance of Other Vendors
Palo Alto Networks and ServiceNow also scored strongly in CIO spending intentions, whereas Adobe recorded a negative spending score, marking it as the weakest performer in the survey.
