We're seeing major delays on server and other infrastructure hardware orders. What lead times are others currently experiencing with vendors such as Dell, HP, Cisco, Lenovo, Meraki, and similar manufacturers?
4 Answers
Networking gear can be even worse. Cisco and Meraki orders are often taking one to five months, with some Cisco router models reaching four months or more. One Cisco switch took about eight weeks, while certain Juniper router orders have approached a year. Aruba switches are sometimes available in about a month, but access points can be delayed for several months.
Lead times are all over the place, but roughly two to four months is common for servers. Dell server orders have been quoted anywhere from around seven weeks to 100 days, while custom builds can take 60–90 days or longer depending on the RAM and SSD configuration. Some high-end or heavily loaded servers are being quoted at up to a year.
That lines up with what we’re seeing. We’re planning purchases at least a full quarter ahead now, and keeping existing hardware in service longer where possible.
Client devices are unpredictable rather than uniformly delayed. Basic desktops and standard laptops may arrive within a few weeks, but custom laptops, workstations, and models with dedicated graphics can take two to six months. Dell desktops have sometimes arrived within days while laptops from the same order took several weeks or even two months. Lenovo custom systems are commonly around four to six weeks, while closeout or preconfigured units can be much faster.
We’ve noticed the same pattern: desktops are usually manageable, but laptops and higher-spec configurations are much more likely to slip.
The short validity of quotes is becoming a problem too. Some vendors have reduced quote windows from around 30 days to 14 days or less, so approvals can force a requote before the order is placed. Component pricing, especially for memory and storage, has also jumped significantly. Planning ahead, reserving stock through a distributor, or having a VAR hold equipment can help avoid both delays and sudden price increases.
Meraki has been especially inconsistent for us. A few switches and access points were quoted at roughly four to five months, even though the licenses arrived immediately.