IT price increases in 2026: how to anticipate and optimize your company's IT budget
IT price increases in 2026: Microsoft 365 and computer hardware under pressure
By 2026, companies will face an unavoidable reality: a widespread increase in IT costs. Whether it's Microsoft 365 licenses or IT equipment (PCs, servers, storage, AI infrastructure), the entire market will be affected. This trend can be explained by the rise of artificial intelligence, pressure on global supply chains, and the continuous enhancement of software offerings.
For small businesses, SMEs, and large companies in French-speaking Switzerland, anticipation is becoming a strategic lever for controlling IT budgets and avoiding uncontrolled additional costs.
Microsoft 365 price increase in 2026: what impact will this have on businesses?
Microsoft has announced an increase in Microsoft 365 pricing effective July 2026. This change affects all businesses, regardless of size or industry, including those in Switzerland.
The following are particularly affected:
- The plans Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Business Standard
- Enterprise licenses (E3, E5)
This price increase is part of a broader evolution of Microsoft's offering, marked by:
- Enhanced integration of Copilot, the AI assistant in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote
- Strengthening cloud security mechanisms (anti-phishing, malware protection, access control, compliance, and data encryption)
- Ever more advanced management and administration tools
While these features offer real value in terms of productivity and security, they also have a direct impact on the 2026 IT budget. A detailed analysis of usage patterns is therefore essential.
IT hardware prices to rise in 2026: PCs, servers, and storage
Alongside software, the IT hardware market is experiencing sustained price pressure. Global demand for AI-oriented infrastructure, advanced computing capabilities, and professional equipment continues to grow.
The most affected components are:
- DRAM memory
- SSD/NAND storage
The combination of limited supply, prioritization of production capacity for AI projects, and strong demand from hyperscale environments is driving up costs for all manufacturers.
Our manufacturing partners recently announced price updates effective in early 2026, but this situation affects all manufacturers of PCs, servers, data center solutions, and storage. This is a structural trend, not an isolated case.
Rising IT costs: why all companies will be affected in 2026
Contrary to popular belief, these increases do not only affect large companies. Small and medium-sized businesses, which are heavily dependent on Microsoft 365 and IT equipment for their daily operations, are just as exposed.
This period is an opportunity to:
- Review the licenses that are actually necessary
- Optimize hardware configurations
- Anticipate IT renewals and projects before new rates are applied
Anticipate rising IT costs with Darest: auditing, optimization, and support
At Darest, we support companies in French-speaking Switzerland in dealing with these developments in the IT market with a pragmatic and transparent approach.
Our experts help you to:
- Measurethe real impact of Microsoft 365 price increases on your 2026 IT budget
- Optimize your licenses and subscriptions according to your usage
- Assess the relevance of AI and security features in relation to costs
- Anticipate increases in IT equipment and secure supplies
- Identify technical alternatives and optimized configurations
Thanks to our ecosystem of partners and our local expertise, we provide you with a clear vision to make informed and sustainable decisions.
Anticipate IT price increases in 2026 to control your budget
The rise in IT prices in 2026 is a reality that affects all businesses. Anticipating, analyzing, and optimizing are the keys to maintaining the performance of your information system without incurring unnecessary additional costs.
Relying on an expert partner like Darest means choosing visibility, peace of mind, and efficiency.
Contact our teams now to analyze your Microsoft 365 licenses and hardware projects, and calmly prepare your 2026 IT budget.