Hardware Procurement in the Age of Covid-19 – A Precautionary Tale

Millions of employees have suddenly dispersed to their homes in an attempt to stay safe and productive. Unfortunately, many home offices were not designed for comfortably working for eight or more hours at a stretch. Also, many homes and apartments do not have the same physical protections and roominess that we find in our cubicles and offices at work. This is leading to accidental coffee spills and laptops being dropped off the corners of tables at the absolute worst time in history for these types of accidents to take place.

Due to the Windows 7 operating system end of life, desktop computers and laptops have been getting steadily harder to procure for the past year or so. When Wuhan China locked down due to Covid-19, many hardware providers were effectively out of business. To make matters worse, major distributors, like Tech Data and Ingram Micro, have maintained less inventory in recent years and are now, themselves, on partial lockdown due to Covid-19. This has culminated in the perfect storm for hardware procurement. Most of our favorite hardware models are on backorder for weeks or months. Even our backups (less popular models) and safeties (retail) are now quickly running out of stock.

What’s the answer? Don’t break your computer!  Physical damage to an older computer or mobile phone is to be avoided at all cost. Don’t take extra risks balancing your computer on a stack of books on the corner of your dining room table, even for just a second. Use extra caution when taking your phone out of your pocket because getting a new one activated, even if you can get your hands on a replacement, is next to impossible in this environment.

If you’re planning hardware purchases in the next 6 months, please talk to us now so we can develop a strategy. As always, give us a call at 317-733-2388 if you have questions.