The IT supply chain isn’t what it used to be. Between tariffs, sudden price hikes, and unpredictable shortages, keeping infrastructure costs under control feels like fighting a losing battle. But here’s the good news: smart planning can help you avoid the biggest pitfalls.
At RackN, we work with enterprises navigating these exact challenges. Here are the five key questions our customers are asking and how to solve them.
1. Can I Still Get the Hardware I Need?
Tariffs and IT supply chain bottlenecks make it harder (and more expensive) to source servers.
To avoid this, diversify your hardware vendors. A multi-vendor approach keeps costs competitive and helps you avoid being locked into a single supplier. Set up processes so you can mix and match hardware without breaking your infrastructure plans.
2. Can I Redistribute Costs Without Risk?
High-cost solutions (like VMware) drain budgets, but migrating everything at once is risky.
Instead, start with low-hanging fruit. Migrate smaller, non-critical workloads first to test new platforms and free up budget. This way, you validate savings and build transition processes without opening up to the risks of a full-scale migration.
3. Can I Extend the Life of My Servers?
New hardware is expensive, but keeping old servers running adds operational risks.
By updating firmware, patching OSes, and upgrading components, you can squeeze more value from current systems while avoiding the biggest risks. With the right automation, you can delay costly refreshes while keeping systems secure and efficient.
4. Can My Understaffed Team Keep Up?
IT teams are stretched thin, and manual processes lead to errors and burnout.
Rather than building custom automation from scratch, adopt proven, out-of-the-box workflows. This way, you reduce human error and improve consistency without needing more staff.
5. Can I Protect My Innovation Plans?
Vendor lock-in and rigid processes slow down adaptation.
Build a flexible, multi-vendor foundation. Teams with strong automation and vendor-neutral architectures adapt faster to market changes. This helps safeguard innovation even in the face of a disrupted and uncertain supply chain.
The Bottom Line: Reduce Costs in Your IT Supply Chain Without Chaos
Uncertainty isn’t going away. But with multi-vendor strategies, smart automation, and lifecycle optimization, you can cut costs, reduce risk, and stay agile.
If you don’t know how to implement some of these changes, Digital Rebar can help.
- Digital Rebar automates provisioning, updates, and migrations—keeping your infrastructure resilient.
- Multi-vendor support means you’re never stuck with a single supplier.
- Proven, scalable workflows reduce manual work so your team can focus on strategy, not firefighting.
Ready to build a more resilient and cost-efficient infrastructure? Book a demo today.
