2026 IT Budgets Are Set. The Market Didn’t Get the Memo.
If you just finalized your 2026 budget, congratulations. That process is never quick, never simple, and rarely fun. Unfortunately, the IT market doesn’t wait on annual planning cycles—and right now, it’s moving faster than most budgets can adjust (if they’re flexible to begin with).
As we head into 2026, pricing across infrastructure, hardware, and subscriptions is rising, and in some cases, dramatically. This isn’t a scare tactic. It’s the reality businesses are already running into, and it’s something worth understanding now—before delayed decisions turn into unexpected overruns.
Why This Is Happening
The price increases we’re seeing aren’t random—they’re the result of a perfect storm in the technology market.
First, demand is off the charts. AI-focused companies and large-scale data centers are consuming massive amounts of RAM, SSDs, GPUs, and other components. These aren’t just enterprise IT needs—they’re the engines behind AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and more. And as these companies snap up huge portions of the supply, there’s less left for traditional businesses.
Second, “AI-ready” is now the standard, not a premium add-on. Servers, workstations, and even laptops are being built to meet AI requirements by default. That means RAM, SSDs, and GPUs that were once optional are now baked into the cost of nearly every new machine, even for small and mid-sized businesses. Feeling like you have to buy AI-ready gear? You’re not imagining it—it’s everywhere, and it’s driving prices higher.
Finally, supply is tightening from the production side, too. Component makers like NVIDIA and other GPU and memory manufacturers are prioritizing high-end AI workloads and enterprise clients who can pay top dollar. That leaves less supply for the rest of the market, creating a squeeze that pushes costs up even faster.
The result? Prices for critical components are skyrocketing, meaning RAM, SSD, and GPU prices could double. IT costs aren’t just climbing year-over-year—they’re jumping quarter-over-quarter. Put simply: delaying purchases in this environment can quickly mean paying a lot more later.
The Price Increases Are Already Here
Several major technology vendors have already announced—or are clearly signaling—pricing changes that will hit IT budgets in 2026. In some cases, those increases are happening right now. The challenge isn’t just the higher prices themselves. It’s the timing, the fine print, and the way these changes ripple across your entire technology stack.
So where are these increases actually hitting first? Right at the vendor level—across the platforms and tools many organizations rely on every day.
Veeam
Veeam subscription pricing is also climbing, with increases in the 6–8% range, depending on the product.
RUCKUS Networks
On the networking side, RUCKUS has confirmed several increases taking effect on February 1, 2026:
- SmartZone switch and AP management licenses jump from $150 → $200 per license (yep, that’s after already going up from $100 → $150 in H2 2025).
- Hardware prices for APs and switches are expected to rise around 10%.
- Support costs are also expected to increase by about 10%.
Dell
Timing matters more than ever here, especially when you consider the steep price increase that already happened (Dec 19, 2025). Dell’s fiscal year ends at the end of January, which historically creates the best window for discounts. After that, pricing resets—and usually not in your favor.
Object First
Object First has increased pricing by roughly 12–13%. The upside? There are still discounts available on existing stock, but those opportunities won’t last indefinitely.
Also worth noting: Object First was recently acquired by Veeam. For now, nothing’s changing on either side—but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on as updates roll out.
The Risks of Waiting in 2026
It might feel tempting to hit “pause” after finalizing your 2026 budget. Budgets are tight, priorities are shifting, and every purchase is scrutinized. But right now, waiting can be far more expensive than acting.
The pace of these increases is only accelerating. Hardware, subscriptions, and licenses aren’t just creeping up—they’re jumping, sometimes dramatically. Quotes are expiring more quickly, and once a quote expires, there’s no guarantee the new number will resemble the old one. Even a few months of delay could mean paying significantly more for the same products or services.
This doesn’t mean you should rush every purchase. It does mean that if something is already planned, or inevitable, waiting may cost more than acting.
How We’re Advising Clients to Think About 2026
Rather than reacting to each price increase as it comes, the businesses that will navigate 2026 successfully are the ones taking a proactive, strategic approach. Timing purchases around vendor deadlines, like Dell’s end-of-January fiscal year, can unlock meaningful discounts. Small adjustments—like extending support terms or slightly sizing up—can also reduce replacement costs down the line and help future-proof critical systems.
Financing is another tool for smart planning. Options through GreatAmerica make it possible to preserve cash flow while locking in current pricing. This flexibility is especially useful when budgets are fixed but the cost of waiting could be steep.
Even the smallest details matter more than ever. Quote expiration dates, internal approval requirements for larger purchases, and cash-flow timing can all impact whether you secure today’s pricing or pay more tomorrow. Thinking strategically now isn’t just about saving money—it’s about positioning your IT environment to run smoothly and predictably for the year ahead.
The Bottom Line
You didn’t budget wrong. The market just moved faster than usual.
The organizations that will feel these changes the least in 2026 are the ones making informed, timely decisions—before price increases begin stacking on top of each other.
If you want help reviewing your 2026 plans, validating timing, or identifying where action now could prevent higher costs later, Mirazon is here to help. Contact us today to see how a little planning now can save a lot down the road.