by Paul Desmond via Network World
Hyperscalers are driving equipment shortages across the board, with no relief in sight this year. But analysts, VARs, and vendors have advice on how to keep AI and other projects moving even if you have to wait for the gear you really want.
Advice: Start with the basics
If you have budget to spend but can't get the hardware you're after, buy something else, says WWT's Neil Anderson. "Look at things that are not tied to those components, like software projects or SaaS licensing," he says.
Get started somewhere
Even if you can't acquire or have to wait for the infrastructure you need, don't let that keep you from getting started with AI or other modernization projects.
Options include public cloud and neocloud providers, Anderson says. WWT also provides capacity in its own lab so customers can get started with proof-of-concept projects. "Don't just throw your hands up. We can help you find access to capacity," Anderson says. "Production-scale AI may be delayed, but don't let that derail your strategy."