Russian firms extend IT hardware lifespan to 12 years amid market shortages

Russian companies are holding onto their IT equipment for longer. Many are now extending the lifespan of their devices to 10 to 12 years. This trend reflects a growing preference for maintaining existing systems over costly upgrades. The decision to keep older hardware comes as international vendors leave the market. Equipment shipments have also fallen, making upgrades harder to secure. A full infrastructure overhaul can cost tens of millions of rubles, pushing businesses to repair rather than replace.

In 2025, service and repair requests for network infrastructure jumped by 120 percent. Demand for maintenance will stay high in 2026. Power supplies, cooling fans, and similar components remain the most common failure points.

Many firms still rely on aging hardware from foreign manufacturers. The mix of Russian, Asian, and Western-made devices adds complexity to maintenance. Despite these challenges, the number of clients in the sector grew by 8 percent last year. Businesses are prioritising repairs to keep their systems running smoothly. The high cost of replacements and limited access to new equipment support this approach. Demand for maintenance services is expected to stay strong as companies adapt to the current market conditions.