Phison Warns of Impending RAM Shortage Threatening Product Viability and Company Survival – Thursday, February 19, 2026

A looming RAM shortage threatens the viability of products and the survival of companies, according to a warning from a memory executive at Phison. This potential crisis could significantly impact sectors dependent on memory technology.

Who should care: AI product leaders, ML engineers, data science teams, technology decision-makers, and innovation leaders.

What happened?

Phison, a prominent player in the memory technology sector, has issued a stark warning about an impending RAM shortage that could ripple across the tech industry. This shortage is poised to affect numerous sectors that rely heavily on memory components, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. The executive’s alert underscores the fragility of current memory supply chains and the risk of substantial disruptions to product development and delivery timelines. Given that RAM is a fundamental element in computing and data processing, any constraints on its availability could result in costly delays and increased expenses for companies striving to launch new products. This situation highlights the critical need for companies to strengthen their supply chain resilience and reconsider their dependence on essential components like RAM. Furthermore, the warning suggests that businesses may need to investigate alternative technologies or sourcing strategies to cushion the impact of such shortages on their operations and competitive positioning in the market.

Why now?

This warning arrives amid a surge in demand for memory technology driven by rapid advancements in AI and data-intensive applications. Over the past 18 months, the tech industry has experienced accelerated development and deployment of AI models, which require substantial memory resources to function effectively. This heightened demand has intensified pressure on existing supply chains, exposing vulnerabilities and emphasizing the urgency for strategic planning. Compounding these challenges, the current geopolitical environment and ongoing disruptions in global trade have further strained supply networks, making the prospect of a RAM shortage more immediate and concerning.

So what?

The potential RAM shortage carries significant implications, including increased costs and delays in product development that could undermine the competitiveness and even the survival of companies within the tech sector. From a strategic perspective, organizations must reassess their supply chain dependencies and actively pursue diversification of memory sources to mitigate risk. Operationally, this scenario calls for proactive risk management measures to address potential component shortages before they escalate into critical bottlenecks.

What this means for you:

• For AI product leaders: Evaluate alternative memory technologies and suppliers to ensure continuity in product development.
• For ML engineers: Collaborate closely with supply chain teams to understand potential impacts on project timelines and adjust plans accordingly.
• For data science teams: Optimize data processing workflows to reduce memory usage and lessen the impact of potential shortages.

Quick Hits

• Impact / Risk: The RAM shortage could disrupt the tech industry's ability to innovate and deliver new products, affecting market stability.
• Operational Implication: Companies may face increased costs and delays, necessitating a reevaluation of supply chain strategies and dependencies.
• Action This Week: Review current RAM supply agreements and identify alternative suppliers; conduct a risk assessment of current projects dependent on memory technology.