The technology industry is experiencing a fundamental shift in component availability. Market data indicates a global DRAM shortage as manufacturers prioritise High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) for AI data centres. This reallocation of production capacity is creating significant uncertainty regarding component availability, lead times and pricing for client devices throughout 2026.

Mitigate Project Delays with XMA

The framework provides a compliant and direct route to a wide range of web-based and proprietary technology from Apple, HP, Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft.

As the sole supplier on the Scottish Web and Proprietary Framework, XMA works directly with global suppliers to mitigate supply disruptions and protect your project timelines. However, we believe the current memory and storage shortages will impact on the Framework. Please engage with us as early as possible in order to address some of your concerns and needs.

The Impact of Structural Price Increases

While product availability is a primary operational concern, the financial implications are equally significant. Market analysts predict that hardware prices could rise by over 20% in the first half of 2026 as component costs are passed down to end users. Specifically, DDR5 memory prices have already quadrupled since late 2025.

For public sector organisations in Scotland, this creates a volatile procurement environment where established budgets may no longer be sufficient to meet hardware requirements if purchases are delayed. Again, early engagement will ensure you have information about the latest pricing to inform your decisions.

Strategic Tools for Supply Resilience

To help you find solutions for both immediate and future needs, we provide several mechanisms to ease the pressure on your digital strategy:

• Free 6-Month Bonded Storage: Secure the hardware you need now and keep it in our managed facilities at no additional cost for half a year.
  
  
• Deferred Warranty: We provide a deferred warranty for products held in bonded storage. This means your warranty only commences on the date the device is received at your location, not the date of purchase.
  
  
• Flexible Withdrawal and Logistics: Withdraw devices on demand with free delivery to as many UK locations as your project requires.
  
  
• Finance and Leasing: Use our range of finance options to spread the cost of hardware, allowing you to secure stock early without straining immediate cash flow.

Local Expertise, Unmatched Experience

The framework is a pathway for consultation, not just a procurement tool. Our dedicated team is based in Scotland and understands the specific operational landscape of the Scottish public sector.

We provide free consultation and will visit your organisation to listen to your goals. Our experience is particularly relevant for large-scale 1:1 device projects within Local Authorities across Scotland. We understand the end-to-end strategic and operational processes required to make these projects successful, offering a level of insight that is unmatched in the region.

Partner With XMA For Your Next Project

The current memory shortage and production shifts are expected to persist well into 2027. The earlier we can begin the consultation process regarding your upcoming needs, the more we can do to mitigate supply delays. By engaging with the framework now, you can avoid the lead-time bottlenecks hitting the wider market and ensure your users have the tools they need when they need them. For further details on how we support Scottish public sector ambitions, you can view our frequently asked questions here.

Contact our Scottish team today:

· Email: scotlandsales@xma.co.uk

· Phone: 0115 846 4100