The global IT industry is facing a new wave of pricing volatility, driven largely by ongoing shortages in memory and storage components. Recent partner communications that we’ve received from key Vendors (including Cisco and HPE) highlight the scale of the challenge: constrained supply of DRAM, NAND, SSD components, and high-performance networking silicon is leading to fluctuating delivery timelines, shortened quote validity periods, and the introduction of shipment-date price adjustments.
However, this is not a vendor-specific issue. It is a market-wide shift fuelled by surging AI demand and manufacturers prioritising next-generation products. The result? Extended lead times, increased component costs, and greater uncertainty between the time an order is placed and the time it ships.
This component memory shortage is projected to remain a critical issue throughout this year and well into next, with some industry analysts predicting that tight supplies and higher pricing could last until 2028.
For customers, this understandably creates understandable concerns around budgeting, procurement timelines, and project certainty.
Proactive Steps to Take
While there is no magic bullet solution to overcome these supply constraint issues, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your organisation:
Plan Earlier and Engage Sooner
Engaging in the planning process early is one of the most effective ways to reduce pricing uncertainty. It helps customers secure available stock, explore alternative configurations with better availability, and build flexibility into project timelines. Partnering with a knowledgeable advisor early in the sales cycle can be the difference between securing critical infrastructure and facing costly delays.
Shorten Decision Cycles
With quote validity windows tightening – in some cases to just 14 days or less – prolonged internal approval cycles can now carry real financial risk. Organisations should review their procurement workflows to ensure they can respond within vendor timeframes. Pre-approved budgets, framework agreements, and clear internal sign-off processes are becoming essential tools in today’s market.
Separate and Prioritise Workloads
Not all components are constrained equally. By modularising infrastructure projects, customers can prioritise business-critical systems while delaying less urgent upgrades.
This strategic sequencing can help manage both budget exposure and supply risk.
Explore Flexible Financing Options
In periods of rising capital costs, financing solutions can provide stability. Consumption models, leasing structures, and ramped payment options allow organisations to deploy technology now while spreading financial impact over time.
Consider Certified Pre-Owned and Alternative Architectures
Certified pre-owned systems and carefully validated alternative configurations can deliver reliable performance while bypassing some supply bottlenecks. In many cases, these options provide excellent value without compromising operational requirements.
The Value of a Transparent Partner
In volatile markets, we believe that transparency is everything. Sudden shipment-date price adjustments, cancellation rights, and shortened protection periods require clear communication and proactive account management.
At Dynamic Technologies Europe (DTE), we work closely with our leading Vendor partners and customers to provide real-time visibility into supply conditions, pricing trends, and alternative options. Our role is not simply to transact hardware, but to help customers:
- Forecast risk before it impacts budgets
- Identify configurations with stronger availability
- Navigate vendor policy changes confidently
- Structure commercial solutions that balance flexibility and cost control
Because we maintain open communication with both vendors and customers, we can often anticipate challenges and present options before they become problems.
Turning Volatility into Strategy
While global memory shortages and AI-driven demand are reshaping the infrastructure landscape, organisations that respond strategically can maintain momentum. Early planning, procurement agility, financing flexibility, and trusted advisory support are the key levers. Market conditions may be fluid, but with the right partner, your infrastructure strategy doesn’t have to be.
Contact us to discuss your needs. We’d welcome the opportunity to review your requirements and explore practical options with you.
Written by Paul Hitchings
Senior Account Manager
Paul partners with global organisations to plan and deliver IT projects with confidence. He works closely with leading IT vendors to design tailored solutions spanning hardware, licensing, and professional services. Paul is committed to making IT simple, efficient, and strongly value-driven for his clients.
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