1. Virtualization Strategy: Time to rethink your x86 environment

Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware has introduced pricing uncertainty, new licensing models, and significant disruption across the x86 virtualization landscape. Many organizations are now asking: Should we stick with VMware? Or pivot to something else?

In 2026, IT leaders need to:

• Evaluate their exposure to vendor lock-in
• Explore viable alternatives
• Build a long-term virtualization roadmap that prioritizes flexibility

R2i is actively helping clients assess their options and pivot where needed. It’s a decision to consider carefully.

2. Data Sovereignty: Keep it local, keep it secure

With the Cloud Act still looming and growing pressure to protect sensitive information, Canadian organizations are increasingly re-evaluating their cloud strategies. In 2026, data sovereignty is no longer a niche concern—it’s a requirement.

Organizations that handle regulated or sensitive data should ensure their infrastructure is fully hosted within Canadian borders, by a 100% Canadian-owned provider like Edwin. Your legal obligations, client trust, and business continuity may depend on it.

3. Greentech: Reduce your footprint, not your performance

Energy costs, ESG reporting, and climate regulations are driving a major shift toward greener IT infrastructure. Data centers are under pressure to improve their energy efficiency and organizations are being asked to justify the environmental impact of their digital footprint.

In 2026, expect to see more conversations around:

• Carbon-neutral or low-emission data centers
• Infrastructure optimization
• Equipment lifecycle management

If you haven’t yet audited your IT’s environmental impact, this is the year to start.

4. Quebec SMEs: It’s time to catch up

Quebec’s SMEs continue to lag behind in productivity—often due to outdated systems and underinvestment in digital transformation. In 2026, this gap is no longer just a disadvantage. It’s a threat to long-term viability.

Quebec is one of R2i’s home bases, and we’ve watched government and SMEs discuss digital transformation here for over a decade. Now it’s time for smart SMEs to act. Whether it’s modernizing a legacy ERP, introducing automation, or moving to a cloud-native infrastructure, your competitors are making changes. You should be, too.

5. Cybersecurity: Make “trust no one” your default

With phishing, ransomware, and insider threats on the rise, perimeter-based security is no longer enough. A zero-trust model—where every access attempt is verified, regardless of location—is becoming the new standard.

In 2026, it’s critical to:

• Map out all identity and access points
• Segment networks
• Monitor activity continuously
• Assume breach, and design systems accordingly

The goal isn’t to eliminate all threats, it’s to limit their ability to spread.

6. Talent Shortages: Specialized support is more valuable than ever

The shortage of specialized IT talent continues, and 2026 will only bring more retirement. Recruiting and retaining experts in platforms like IBM i, RPG, cybersecurity, and container orchestration is increasingly difficult—especially for smaller teams.

R2i is addressing this challenge head-on with two approaches:

• Professional Services: Embedded experts who work as an extension of your team
• Support and Governance (SG): Tiered support models for proactive and reactive IT needs

If talent is your bottleneck, consider augmenting your team with expert partners.

7. Next-Gen Security: Prepare now for post-quantum risks

Post-quantum cryptography may sound theoretical, but its implications are real—and arriving faster than many think. 2026 will see increasing pressure on IT teams to plan for cryptographic agility, implement zero-trust principles, and invest in next-generation security models.

Even if quantum computing feels like a future problem, the need to protect data from harvest now, decrypt later attacks is a present-day challenge. Your organization’s security roadmap should reflect that this year.

Get ready for what’s next

2026 won’t be a quiet year in IT. But with the right strategy—and the right partners—you can stay ahead of disruption and lead with confidence.

At R2i, we work with CIOs, IT managers, and infrastructure leaders across Quebec and Canada to modernize legacy environments, strengthen security, and ensure operational continuity. Whether you’re facing a talent gap, a platform decision, or a major transformation, our team is here to help.

Start the year strong. Reach out to us to explore how we can support your 2026 IT goals.