The technology industry is currently experiencing sustained pressure on the supply of CPUs and semiconductors, affecting hardware availability and extending lead times across a wide range of products.
These shortages are global, industry wide, and driven by large‑scale shifts in technology demand. This update outlines what is happening, why it matters, and how organisations can continue to plan confidently.
What Is the Current Situation?
Lead times for new hardware have increased across several major vendors due to reduced component availability and unprecedented international demand.
Cisco has confirmed that pricing remains protected once an order is placed and delivery dates agreed at order stage continue to be dependable. This helps maintain stability for organisations planning infrastructure refreshes or scaling existing environments.
What Is Driving These Shortages?
Across the global supply chain, several long term factors are converging.
Although the impact varies between product types, these drivers are consistent across the broader technology industry and explain why availability has tightened.
The rapid adoption of AI, cloud services, and data intensive applications has driven exceptional demand for advanced chips.
This growth has outpaced global manufacturing capacity, placing sustained pressure on supply.
The semiconductor ecosystem relies on complex international logistics networks that continue to experience delays.
Energy pressures, geopolitical events, and raw material constraints have added further strain to production and distribution.
The majority of advanced chips are manufactured in Taiwan and South Korea.
With so much of the global supply dependent on two regions, increased demand in these markets directly affects availability worldwide.
Which Products Are Most Affected?
Devices built on the latest chipsets are experiencing the longest lead times, including:
- Enterprise networking such as switches, routers and high performance wireless
- Security appliances including firewalls and edge security devices
- AI optimised infrastructure including GPUs, accelerators, and next generation compute platforms
Hardware built on older or more readily available components may be fulfilled sooner.
How Organisations Can Reduce Impact and Maintain Progress
1. Plan Ahead Where Possible
Identifying future hardware requirements early helps secure production slots within vendor pipelines and prevents delays to larger projects.
2. Consider Phased Deployment
For larger refresh programmes, phased delivery can keep transformation work in motion while waiting for specific models or configurations.
3. Remain Open to Multi Vendor Options
Although Cisco remains a strategic choice for many organisations, alternative vendors may offer shorter lead times for certain products.
This flexibility can help maintain project momentum.
4. Explore Cisco Refresh
Cisco Refresh provides certified remanufactured hardware with full Cisco warranty and support.
It offers a reliable way to access enterprise grade equipment more quickly without compromising quality or security.
5. Stay Connected to Your Cisilion Team
Ongoing communication ensures you receive the latest availability insights and can plan with clarity.
Our teams actively monitor hardware timelines to help you make informed decisions.
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Where Is the Impact Being Felt?
This is a global challenge affecting all regions. Asia Pacific remains the most heavily impacted due to its role in semiconductor production, although North America, Europe and global shipping networks continue to experience related delays.
How Long Will This Continue?
Current market indicators show that elevated demand for advanced chipsets will continue through 2026, alongside global efforts to expand manufacturing capacity.
While supply is expected to improve over time, hardware availability will remain an important consideration for organisational planning.
Plan with Confidence
If you are reviewing future hardware needs or evaluating options to keep your roadmap on schedule, our team is here to support you.
Speak to Cisilion today to discuss availability, alternative approaches, and the best strategy for your organisation’s next steps.