What the heck is going on? | Russell Quinn

Market Alert

What the heck is going on?

The hardware supply chain crisis is back — and this time it's hitting your office, not your driveway.

Russell Quinn Chief Executive Officer

Do you remember a few years back when vehicle manufacturers were unable to get enough chips for new cars and trucks? Vehicles sat on lots unsold because there weren't enough chips to complete assembly — and prices skyrocketed (and have not really come back down). The trickle-down effect even drove used car prices up to what had previously been new car pricing.

Here We Go Again

Why am I bringing this up? The same thing is happening again — but this time it's not automobiles. It's the office computers and servers that your business depends on every day. What is causing the shortages? Primarily it's AI datacenters buying up vast quantities of memory, CPU chips, and hard drives. Businesses like yours are already seeing server costs at roughly 2.5 times what they were in January. Workstations and laptops haven't jumped as sharply yet, but they're trending up too.

"Much like toilet paper during the pandemic, the availability of these components is going to get worse before it gets better."

How Long Will This Go On?

Dell is predicting the shortage will continue for at least two years. Some new HP server orders are already pushed to Q4 of this year. Western Digital — the largest hard drive manufacturer — has reported that their entire 2026 stock is already sold out. The window to act at a reasonable cost is closing fast.

What Should Your Business Do?

There's risk with any path, but given how quickly costs and lead times are rising, it makes sense to refresh your hardware now rather than wait. The typical lifecycle of a small business computer is 5 years — if you act now, the supply chain should be in much better shape by the time your next refresh is due. Waiting means paying more, waiting longer, and potentially running on aging hardware that puts your business at risk.

How We Can Help

We work with a broad network of suppliers and stay ahead of market shifts so your business doesn't have to. We'll assess your current hardware, identify what needs attention, and put together a plan that fits your timeline and budget — before costs climb any higher. Reach out today and let's make sure your business stays secure, efficient, and ahead of the curve.

Thank you, Russell Quinn

Not sure where to start? Let's talk. We'll help you assess your current hardware and plan ahead — before costs climb higher.

Book Your Free Consultation

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