Why server RAM and SSD prices jumped in 2026, and what it means for your ERP
What happened
Research firm TrendForce estimated that conventional DRAM contract prices rose about 90–95% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the previous quarter, and forecast further increases of 58–63% in the second quarter. NAND flash, used in SSDs, was forecast to rise by up to 75% in the same period.
The cause is demand from AI data centres. Memory makers have prioritised high-capacity server and HBM products, leaving less for everyone else. Analysts quoted in industry coverage did not expect meaningful new capacity until late 2027 or 2028.
Why it matters for your business software
Modern ERP, analytics and AI features need more memory and faster storage than older billing software. A business that planned to upgrade its server now pays far more for the same RAM and disks, on top of power backup, maintenance and the risk of a failed backup.
Your options
There are three realistic paths:
- Keep the local server and accept higher upgrade costs and maintenance.
- Move to a managed cloud where capacity is shared and upgrades are the provider's problem.
- Use a hybrid: cloud for data and AI, plus a small local gateway so billing and devices keep working when the internet drops.
What we recommend
For most small and mid-sized businesses, the hybrid approach gives the best of both: no server to buy, and no downtime when the connection fails. That is how Avinya Cloud is designed.