CAMBRIDGE, UK, February 18, 2026 – Organizations are accelerating their use of AI, data, and cloud technologies faster than they can safely govern them, according to the 2026 State of the Database Landscape report, a major new survey from Redgate, the trusted Database DevOps solutions provider. The findings are based on a global survey of 2,162 technical practitioners and C-suite leaders across North America, EMEA, APAC, and other regions. 

Security may be a top concern, but many organizations are prepared to compromise. While 64% cite data security and privacy as their biggest issue¹, 58% say they are willing to accept higher security risk in exchange for AI-driven efficiency gains². Concerns about security are even higher among organizations not yet using AI, rising to 73%³, suggesting a growing divide between those accelerating adoption and those holding back over risk.

At the same time, regulatory and legal compliance concerns are rising sharply, increasing from 32% to 40% year on year — suggesting that external pressures are intensifying even as organizations acknowledge greater internal risk. 

AI adoption is accelerating faster than operational readiness

AI usage in database management has surged, with adoption almost tripling from 15% to 44% in a year, delivering measurable gains in automation, performance, productivity, and cost efficiency. Yet the research reveals a widening gap between this acceleration and organizations’ ability to control it safely and consistently – particularly in complex, multi-platform environments. 

Database estates are growing more complex

To support a growing range of data types and use cases, organizations are adopting more database platforms and hosting models. Over half now use two or three platforms, and 73% operate hybrid setups — increasing the difficulty of applying consistent governance across fragmented estates. At the same time, AI and other technologies are being introduced faster than controls can adapt, exposing gaps as teams race to move quickly. 

“This year’s report shows that database complexity is no longer just a technical challenge, it’s becoming a strategic risk,” said Graham McMillan, Chief Technology Officer at Redgate. “Organizations are adopting new technologies faster than the practices needed to keep data secure, compliant, and reliable. When control starts to slip, complexity stops being an enabler and becomes a real business risk.” 

“The 2026 State of the Database Landscape report makes clear that addressing this requires more than adding new tools. Organizations need to embed smarter controls directly into the way database work gets done — from standardized change management across environments, to automated security and compliance checks in development pipelines, and clear visibility over access and data changes. When governance becomes part of everyday workflows – not an afterthought – teams can scale with confidence. Control should be a foundation for speed, not a barrier to it.” 

AI usage will continue to rise – with implications for workforce development

AI adoption is set to expand further, with over 80% of respondents expecting to adopt additional AI tools in their role. Notably, 58% say they are willing to accept higher data security risk in exchange for efficiency gains – reinforcing the extent to which organizations are prioritizing speed and innovation. 

While over three quarters (76%) of organizations now offer formal AI guidance, nearly half (49%) report hiring fewer entry-level staff as a result of AI adoption — raising longer-term questions about skills development and future capability building. 

The growing gap between innovation and control

The report highlights how years of rapid cloud adoption and the expansion of multi-platform estates have steadily increased database complexity – a challenge many organizations have learned to manage. However, the rapid rise of AI in data workflows is now exposing the limits of that approach. Teams face a pivotal choice: accelerate AI adoption and accept greater risk within already complex environments, or pause to strengthen foundations before scaling further. Expectations for availability, performance, and innovation continue to rise, forcing organizations to rethink how control is maintained. 

Based on insights from thousands of database professionals worldwide, the research shows that while modern platforms and AI-driven capabilities are unlocking speed and innovation, the practices needed to manage risk, ensure consistency, and maintain control are failing to keep pace. Closing that gap will require not only cultural and process change, but investment in scalable tooling that embeds governance and visibility directly into everyday database workflows. 

To discover the latest insights and trends in the database landscape, download Redgate’s State of the Database Landscape report to read more. 

Resources

State of the Database Landscape Report  

Methodology

The 2026 State of the Database Landscape Report is based on a global online survey of 2,162 technical practitioners and C-suite leaders conducted between September 12 and December 5, 2025. Respondents spanned North America, EMEA, APAC, and other regions. Participants were screened to ensure active involvement in database management, governance, or modernization initiatives within their organizations. All responses were anonymized and analyzed in aggregate. 

*ENDS* 

 

References:

[1] Question: Do you have any concerns using AI regarding data security and privacy? Result: 64% yes.

[2] Question: Accepting a higher risk of data breaches is a price we have to pay for using AI to speed up processes. To what extent do you agree? Result: NET Agree 58%.

[3] Subset of respondents from question: Has your organization utilized Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies specifically in the context of database management?