Procurement | Southern Computer Warehouse https://www.scw.com WHERE AMERICA GETS I.T. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:55:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.scw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cropped-favicon-150x150.png Procurement | Southern Computer Warehouse https://www.scw.com 32 32 When You’re Buying IT Equipment, It Helps to Talk to a Real Person https://www.scw.com/when-youre-buying-it-equipment-it-helps-to-talk-to-a-real-person/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=when-youre-buying-it-equipment-it-helps-to-talk-to-a-real-person Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:00:54 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=5095 When You’re Buying IT Equipment, It Helps to Talk to a Real Person Buying IT hardware and software has changed fast. Many suppliers rely on portals, automated systems, and AI chat tools to handle quotes, order updates, and customer service. Those tools can be helpful, but public sector purchasing is not always simple. Sometimes you […]

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When You’re Buying IT Equipment, It Helps to Talk to a Real Person

Buying IT hardware and software has changed fast. Many suppliers rely on portals, automated systems, and AI chat tools to handle quotes, order updates, and customer service. Those tools can be helpful, but public sector purchasing is not always simple. 

Sometimes you need a real person who can answer questions like: 

  • “Is this the correct replacement for what we already use?” 
  • “Will this work with our docking stations and monitors?” 
  • “Is this item still available, or has it been discontinued?” 
  • “What’s the closest equivalent that we can order quickly?”

 

Recently, one SCW customer was ordering a monitor model they had standardized on for years. When that model reached end-of-life, they needed a replacement fast and did not have time to start over researching options. Instead of leaving them to figure it out alone, their SCW account manager found a comparable model that matched their needs, confirmed availability, and helped them move forward immediately so their team could keep purchasing without delays. 

At SCW, we believe customer support should feel personal. When you call, you can reach a U.S.-based team member who knows your environment, helps you avoid mistakes, and keeps your purchasing moving forward. We still maintain accurate records of your orders, warranties, and part numbers, but we also take the time to understand your organization and how you buy.  

Yes, a chatbot might give you an answer instantly. A person may take a minute. But in that minute, you get clarity, context, and a partner who helps prevent delays and keep projects on schedule. 

 

What to Confirm Before You Request Pricing 

To keep your quote and ordering process efficient, it helps to share: 

  • Use case (patrol, admin, fleet, field work, emergency response) 
  • Part numbers or preferred specs (RAM, storage, screen size, connectivity) 
  • Quantity, including your estimated maximum if your total may increase 
  • Delivery locations and receiving requirements (loading dock, inside delivery, liftgate) 
  • Timeline and whether alternate configurations are acceptable if availability shifts

 

Panasonic Toughbook purchasing is smoothest when the request is clear and standardized. SCW can help you compare Toughbook options, confirm the right contract pathway, and provide purchasing-ready quotes that support public sector requirements. 

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]]> Buying Microsoft Surface for Government and Public Education: What to Know Before You Purchase https://www.scw.com/buying-microsoft-surface-for-government-and-public-education-what-to-know-before-you-purchase/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=buying-microsoft-surface-for-government-and-public-education-what-to-know-before-you-purchase Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:39:58 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=5089 Buying Microsoft Surface for Government and Public Education: What to Know Before You Purchase Microsoft Surface devices are a popular choice for public sector organizations because they support mobility, standardization, and modern work needs across departments. Many teams use Surface devices for administrative staff, leadership roles, field-based work, and hybrid schedules, especially when a single […]

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Buying Microsoft Surface for Government and Public Education: What to Know Before You Purchase

Microsoft Surface devices are a popular choice for public sector organizations because they support mobility, standardization, and modern work needs across departments. Many teams use Surface devices for administrative staff, leadership roles, field-based work, and hybrid schedules, especially when a single device needs to serve multiple work environments. 

Before purchasing, it helps to align internally on a few key decisions. Standardizing the configuration is one of the biggest drivers of both pricing and long-term support efficiency. Most organizations move faster when they choose one or two approved models, a consistent warranty term, and a standard docking and accessory approach. 

 

Contract Options for Public Sector Purchasing 

State and local governments, school districts, and higher education institutions often purchase Surface devices through existing contract vehicles. Depending on your state, this may include cooperative contracts such as NASPO ValuePoint, state-specific agreements, or other approved purchasing programs. 

Surface is available through the NASPO ValuePoint Computer Equipment contract (23015), with participating addendums that vary by state. SCW maintains a state-by-state list here: 
https://www.scw.com/state-contracts/ 

 

What to Confirm Before You Request Pricing 

To keep your quote and ordering process efficient, it helps to share: 

  • Part numbers or preferred specs (RAM, storage, warranty, accessories) 
  • Quantity, including your estimated maximum if your total may increase 
  • Delivery locations and receiving requirements (loading dock, inside delivery, liftgate) 
  • Timeline and whether alternative configurations are acceptable 

 

Microsoft Surface purchasing can be smooth when the request is clear and standardized. SCW can help your team compare options, confirm the right contract pathway, and provide purchasing-ready quotes that support public sector requirements. 

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]]> Hospital IT Hardware Standardization: What to Consider Before You Refresh https://www.scw.com/hospital-it-hardware-standardization-what-to-consider-before-you-refresh/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hospital-it-hardware-standardization-what-to-consider-before-you-refresh Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:29:45 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=5083 Hospital IT Hardware Standardization: What to Consider Before You Refresh Hospitals have unique technology demands because devices are used across departments, shifts, and clinical workflows. That is why hardware standardization matters. It reduces support complexity and helps purchasing teams’ budget more confidently. The challenge is that hospitals often accumulate too many models over time. Different laptops, desktops, […]

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Hospital IT Hardware Standardization: What to Consider Before You Refresh

Hospitals have unique technology demands because devices are used across departments, shifts, and clinical workflows. That is why hardware standardization matters. It reduces support complexity and helps purchasing teams’ budget more confidently. 

The challenge is that hospitals often accumulate too many models over time. Different laptops, desktops, docks, and warranties create extra work for IT and slow down replacements when a device fails. Standardization does not mean forcing everyone into the same device. It means building a small set of approved models that cover most needs. 

When standardizing hardware in a hospital environment, prioritize: 

  • Durability and warranty coverage for high-use areas 
  • Consistent docking and accessories to reduce compatibility issues 
  • Security requirements and manageability for faster deployment 
  • User-based device tiers (standard users vs power users vs mobile users) 
  • Availability and lifecycle planning to avoid surprises mid-year 

 

Common mistakes include choosing too many “one-off” devices, skipping accessory standardization, and waiting until end-of-life to plan replacements. 

Hospital Standardization Checklist (& Your SCW account manager can help you stay on track with this!) 

  • Approved model list (2–3 devices max) 
  • Warranty term and coverage level 
  • Standard dock and monitor compatibility 
  • Department rollout plan (by unit or by user type) 
  • Refresh cycle and replacement approach 

 

SCW can help your team compare options, align configurations by department, and build a standard purchasing plan that reduces IT workload and supports clinical operations.

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]]> Buying Panasonic Toughbooks for Government and Public Safety: Tips Before You Purchase https://www.scw.com/buying-panasonic-toughbooks-for-government-and-public-safety-tips-before-you-purchase/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=buying-panasonic-toughbooks-for-government-and-public-safety-tips-before-you-purchase Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:06:25 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=5077 Buying Panasonic Toughbooks for Government and Public Safety: Tips Before You Purchase Panasonic® Toughbooks are a strong fit for government agencies and public safety organizations that need technology built for real-world field conditions. Many agencies choose Toughbooks for roles that involve vehicle use, outdoor work, unpredictable weather, and daily handling that can wear down standard […]

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Buying Panasonic Toughbooks for Government and Public Safety: Tips Before You Purchase

Panasonic® Toughbooks are a strong fit for government agencies and public safety organizations that need technology built for real-world field conditions. Many agencies choose Toughbooks for roles that involve vehicle use, outdoor work, unpredictable weather, and daily handling that can wear down standard laptops.

For sheriff’s offices, police departments, emergency management teams, and field operations staff, Toughbooks support mobility while helping reduce downtime. They are commonly used for patrol vehicles, incident response, inspections, and other mission-critical workflows where reliability matters. 

Before purchasing, it helps to confirm how devices will be used in the field. Field deployment often requires considerations beyond the laptop itself, such as docking solutions, mounting, power requirements, connectivity, warranty coverage, and accessories that support daily use. 

If you are not totally sure which Toughbook configuration is the right fit, a demo unit can help your team validate the best option before purchasing. SCW has an in-house demo pool available, and Panasonic can also support demo availability for specialized builds. In many cases, a demo can be provided in as little as two business days. 

Contract Options for Public Sector Purchasing 
Public sector organizations often purchase Panasonic Toughbooks through approved contract vehicles. Cooperative contracts can vary by state participation and awarded suppliers. For example, SCW can support Panasonic Toughbook purchasing through the NASPO ValuePoint cooperative contract vehicle in Florida. 

SCW maintains a state-by-state contract list to help customers identify available purchasing options: 
https://www.scw.com/state-contracts/ 

Outside of Florida, many agencies and eligible public organizations also purchase Toughbooks through cooperative purchasing programs such as TIPS, DIR, and BuyBoard, depending on procurement requirements and location. 

What to Confirm Before You Request Pricing 
To keep your quote and ordering process efficient, it helps to share: 

  • Use case (patrol, admin, fleet, field work, emergency response)
  • Part numbers or preferred specs (RAM, storage, screen size, connectivity)
  • Quantity, including your estimated maximum if your total may increase
  • Delivery locations and receiving requirements (loading dock, inside delivery, liftgate)
  • Timeline and whether alternate configurations are acceptable if availability shifts 

 

Panasonic Toughbook purchasing is smoothest when the request is clear and standardized. SCW can help you compare Toughbook options, confirm the right contract pathway, and provide purchasing-ready quotes that support public sector requirements. 

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]]> Top 10 Reasons IT Quotes Get Delayed (And How to Avoid Them) https://www.scw.com/top-10-reasons-it-quotes-get-delayed-and-how-to-avoid-them/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-10-reasons-it-quotes-get-delayed-and-how-to-avoid-them Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:48:49 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=5071 Top 10 Reasons IT Quotes Get Delayed (And How to Avoid Them) In a perfect world, IT quotes would always be instant. In reality, the fastest and most accurate quotes come from two things: a strong vendor relationship and a clear request. When a quote request comes in with little context or history, it may be treated as a […]

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Top 10 Reasons IT Quotes Get Delayed (And How to Avoid Them)

In a perfect world, IT quotes would always be instant. In reality, the fastest and most accurate quotes come from two things: a strong vendor relationship and a clear request. When a quote request comes in with little context or history, it may be treated as a comparison quote. It will still be addressed, but it is harder for any vendor to prioritize it overactive projects and established customer needs. 

Here are the most common reasons IT quotes get delayed: 

  1. No relationship or account history, so the vendor must start from scratch 
  2. The request is vague, such as “need laptops,” with no use case or standards 
  3. Missing configuration details like RAM, storage, warranty term, OS, imaging needs, or accessories 
  4. Quantity, ship-to location, timeline, or delivery requirements are missing, especially for multi-site orders 
  5. Part numbers are not included, requiring research to confirm the exact item 
  6. Back-and-forth is required to confirm specs, compatibility, or approved models 
  7. Slow responses to clarification questions, which can stall pricing and availability checks 
  8. Contract pricing or compliance requirements are unclear, such as cooperative contract usage, E-Rate, or required quote formatting 
  9. Availability issues require alternate options, substitutions, or lead time verification 
  10. Not all vendors treat every request with the same urgency, especially when the quote requires extra configuration work, or the order is smaller. 

 

The good news is that quotes move faster when buyers send a complete request upfront. Clear details reduce revisions, speed up pricing, and help you make faster purchasing decisions. 

 

Quote Request Checklist 

We can quote faster and more accurately when we have the details below: 

  • Manufacturer part number(s) or your preferred configuration standards 
  • Quantity and delivery approach (single order, phased deployment, or multi-site) 
  • Ship-to details (location(s), attention line, and receiving requirements such as loading dock or inside delivery) 
  • Deadline and urgency level (needed-by date and whether alternates are acceptable) 
  • Contract details (state contract, cooperative contract, or compliance requirements) 

 

At SCW, we are built for responsiveness, accuracy, and customer-first support. If you are unsure what details to include, your SCW account manager can help you standardize a quote request format, so your team gets faster quotes, fewer revisions, and smoother purchasing every time. 

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]]> Buying HP for Government and Public Education: What to Know Before You Purchase https://www.scw.com/buying-hp-for-government-and-public-education-what-to-know-before-you-purchase/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=buying-hp-for-government-and-public-education-what-to-know-before-you-purchase Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:29:46 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=5064 Buying HP for Government and Public Education: What to Know Before You Purchase HP is a trusted technology brand across public sector organizations because it supports a wide range of needs, from end-user computing to printing and device standardization. Many agencies and education teams rely on HP for consistent performance, familiar device options, and flexibility […]

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Buying HP for Government and Public Education: What to Know Before You Purchase

HP is a trusted technology brand across public sector organizations because it supports a wide range of needs, from end-user computing to printing and device standardization. Many agencies and education teams rely on HP for consistent performance, familiar device options, and flexibility across departments. 

Before purchasing, it helps to align internally on how devices will be used and supported. Many organizations move faster and reduce long-term IT workload when they standardize around a small set of approved configurations. This helps simplify imaging, warranty coverage, accessories, replacements, and future refresh planning. 

HP purchasing can also span multiple categories, so it is helpful to confirm what your team needs beyond the device itself. Depending on the environment, you may be sourcing: 

  • Laptops and desktops for employees, students, and public-facing programs 
  • Mobile devices for hybrid and field-based work 
  • Monitors, docks, and accessories to support standardized setups 
  • Printers and document workflows for offices and departments 
  • Collaboration tools such as HP Poly headsets, speakerphones, and meeting room solutions 

 

Contract Options for Public Sector Purchasing 

State and local governments, school districts, and higher education institutions often purchase HP through existing contract vehicles. Depending on your state, this may include statewide contracts (for example, in Georgia) as well as cooperative purchasing programs such as NASPO, OMNIA, TIPS, and BuyBoard. 

SCW maintains a state-by-state contract list here: 
https://www.scw.com/state-contracts/ 

 

What to Confirm Before You Request Pricing 

To keep your quote and ordering process efficient, it helps to share: 

  • Part numbers or preferred specs (RAM, storage, warranty, OS, accessories) 
  • Quantity, including your estimated maximum if your total may increase 
  • Device standards and support needs (warranty term, accidental damage, onsite service) 
  • Your environment and deployment approach (image standards, docks/monitors, matching existing fleets) 

Standardization and early planning are two of the simplest ways to protect shrinking budgets while still meeting user needs. SCW can help your team compare HP options, confirm the right contract pathway, and provide purchasing-ready quotes that fit your procurement requirements. 

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]]> Connecting Procurement, Technology, and Modern Workspaces at CAPPO 2026 https://www.scw.com/connecting-procurement-technology-and-modern-workspaces-at-cappo-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=connecting-procurement-technology-and-modern-workspaces-at-cappo-2026 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:16:46 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=5055 Connecting Procurement, Technology, and Modern Workspaces at CAPPO 2026 California public agencies are rethinking how workspaces support today’s workforce. Increased focus on mobility, employee well-being, security, and sustainability is shaping decisions across IT, facilities, and procurement. At the same time, procurement teams are expected to turn these priorities into compliant, practical purchasing decisions. At CAPPO 2026, SCW […]

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Connecting Procurement, Technology, and Modern Workspaces at CAPPO 2026

California public agencies are rethinking how workspaces support today’s workforce. Increased focus on mobility, employee well-being, security, and sustainability is shaping decisions across IT, facilities, and procurement. At the same time, procurement teams are expected to turn these priorities into compliant, practical purchasing decisions. 

At CAPPO 2026, SCW helped connect more than 800 California public-sector procurement professionals with real-world examples of how these trends are being addressed through the expo hall and an interactive Demo Lab experience, developed with HP and Ergotron. 

The SCW Learning Lab, Smarter. Healthier. Greener. Workspaces for California’s Public Sector, focused on education and evaluation. Rather than highlighting products alone, the session helped procurement teams understand how to assess modern workspace and IT solutions as procurement criteria. Topics included lifecycle value, workforce impact, security considerations, sustainability, and how easily solutions integrate into existing environments. 

Key themes explored included flexible and shared workspaces, ergonomic furniture that supports employee well-being, secure and manageable devices designed for modern workflows, and sustainable solutions aligned with responsible use of public funds. 

By pairing workspace furniture and technology with clear cooperative and state contract pathways, the Learning Lab demonstrated how agencies are approaching refresh projects, pilots, and targeted upgrades. 

SCW continues to support California public agencies by bridging emerging workplace trends with compliant purchasing strategies that turn planning into action. 

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]]>  Planning Ahead: Why 2026 IT Spending and Supplier Partnerships Matter More Than Ever https://www.scw.com/it-spending-and-supplier-partnerships-planning-ahead-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=it-spending-and-supplier-partnerships-planning-ahead-2026 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:58:58 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=4749  Planning Ahead: Why 2026 IT Spending and Supplier Partnerships Matter More Than Ever In our recent webinar on 2025 technology trends, many attendees were interested not only what happened this past year, but how they should prepare for the year ahead. Based on early quoting activity, customer conversations, and the direction of the public sector market, 2026 is shaping up to […]

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 Planning Ahead: Why 2026 IT Spending and Supplier Partnerships Matter More Than Ever

In our recent webinar on 2025 technology trends, many attendees were interested not only what happened this past year, but how they should prepare for the year ahead. Based on early quoting activity, customer conversations, and the direction of the public sector market, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where planning, partnership, and predictability carry more weight than they have in a long time. 

Across state, local, and education organizations, technology decisions are being driven by a need to modernize while still managing limited resources. AI capable devices and infrastructure are becoming standard requirements for both end users and back-end systems. At the same time, agencies that expanded their camera fleets over the past two years are beginning to evaluate storage, retention, and video management needs. These trends indicate that 2026 will require more than one off purchases. It will require coordinated planning across hardware, software, and infrastructure. 

Power and resilience will also rise in priority as networks continue to expand into new facilities and as more operational technology depends on continuous uptime. Many organizations are working to build power strategies that cover not only traditional server rooms, but also network closets, modular spaces, and safety systems. These decisions benefit from early supplier engagement since availability, compatibility, and installation timelines can vary. 

Another factor that will shape 2026 is the end of stimulus era grants, which supported many technology purchases during the past few years. As those funds conclude, decision makers are returning to lifecycle-based planning and more structured budgeting cycles. This makes it even more important to partner with suppliers who can help identify cost saving alternatives, bundle hardware and software where appropriate, validate equivalencies, and monitor pricing opportunities throughout the year. 

Cooperative contracts will continue to provide a critical path forward. Staffing constraints, compliance expectations, and the desire for audit ready purchasing all point toward the continued growth of co-op use in 2026. Working closely with an experienced supplier can help agencies evaluate which contracts are eligible, which offer the best pricing, and how to streamline procurement without delays. 

The common thread across all these trends is partnership. Agencies that engage suppliers early, communicate upcoming needs, explore equivalent options, and plan multiyear strategies can stretch budgets further and reduce risk. As 2026 begins, the most successful organizations will be those that treat their technology suppliers not as transactional vendors, but as collaborative advisors who can help navigate a rapidly changing landscape. 

If you would like guidance on planning your 2026 purchasing strategy, your SCW account manager is always ready to assist.

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]]> Building an AI-Ready Workforce in 2026 with Dell and SCW https://www.scw.com/ai-ready-workforce-with-dell-and-scw/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ai-ready-workforce-with-dell-and-scw Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:40:12 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=4766 Building an AI-Ready Workforce in 2026 with Dell and SCW Artificial intelligence is becoming a practical part of everyday work, influencing how people work, collaborate, create content, and access information. In a recent SCW-hosted webinar, “AI-Ready Workforce in 2026: How Dell Laptops and Desktops Power the Next Era of IT,” Dell Client Solutions Specialist Daniel Payne and SCW’s […]

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Building an AI-Ready Workforce in 2026 with Dell and SCW

Artificial intelligence is becoming a practical part of everyday work, influencing how people work, collaborate, create content, and access information. In a recent SCW-hosted webinar, “AI-Ready Workforce in 2026: How Dell Laptops and Desktops Power the Next Era of IT,” Dell Client Solutions Specialist Daniel Payne and SCW’s Kim Cullen Prather discussed how AI-ready devices are shaping workplace and classroom environments. 

A key theme of the discussion was the shift toward AI processing on the device itself. Dell’s latest commercial laptops and desktops include built-in neural processing units that support features such as improved video and audio quality in virtual meetings, real-time transcription, document summarization, and accessibility enhancements. Running these workloads locally can reduce reliance on cloud connectivity and help organizations keep sensitive data within their own environments. 

The conversation also focused on how organizations can better align device capabilities with real-world workloads. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Dell emphasized matching performance levels to how users actually work, whether that involves everyday productivity, frequent collaboration, data analysis, or more specialized technical tasks. This approach helps IT teams plan device refreshes that support both current needs and emerging AI-driven workflows without overcomplicating standardization. 

Several practical use cases were highlighted, particularly in education, government, and field-based roles. Educators can use AI-assisted tools to adapt lesson materials for different learning levels, staff can collaborate more effectively during virtual meetings, and mobile workers can perform tasks even when network connectivity is limited. 

For education and public sector organizations, SCW supports access to these Dell solutions through multiple cooperative purchasing contracts nationally. These established agreements allow agencies to procure technology through compliant purchasing pathways while reducing the time and administrative effort typically associated with procurement. 

As AI capabilities continue to mature, understanding how end-user devices support these tools will be an important part of technology planning. The webinar provided a practical look at how organizations can prepare their workforce for the next phase of AI adoption. 

If you would like to watch the recorded webinar, please contact your SCW account manager. 

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]]> 2025 IT Lessons Learned: Trends Shaping State, Local, and Education Technology in 2026 https://www.scw.com/2025-it-lessons-learned-trends-shaping-government-technology-in-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2025-it-lessons-learned-trends-shaping-government-technology-in-2026 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:30:24 +0000 https://www.scw.com/?p=4751 2025 IT Lessons Learned: Trends Shaping State, Local, and Education Technology in 2026 If you missed our recent webinar, here is a recap of the biggest trends we saw in 2025 and what they signal for technology planning across state, local government, and education in 2026. 2025 in Review: What IT Equipment & Software was Bought and Why? […]

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2025 IT Lessons Learned: Trends Shaping State, Local, and Education Technology in 2026

If you missed our recent webinar, here is a recap of the biggest trends we saw in 2025 and what they signal for technology planning across state, local government, and education in 2026. 

2025 in Review: What IT Equipment & Software was Bought and Why? 

Across thousands of quotes and orders this year, mobility continued its rapid climb. Notebooks and mobile devices accounted for more hardware volume than desktops and servers combined. This reflects ongoing needs for hybrid work, field operations, and 1 to 1 learning environments. Power and resilience also rose in importance, with UPS units and supporting infrastructure representing a meaningful share of spend as agencies worked to protect network closets, security systems, and new facilities. 

Software played a larger role in 2025 as well. While enterprise suites like Microsoft and Google remain foundational, there was strong growth in mission specific tools such as security awareness and phishing simulation software, endpoint detection and response, backup and disaster recovery solutions, classroom and student safety applications, and automated patching tools. Customers requested nearly two million software licenses this year, which shows continued movement toward digital workflows and stronger cybersecurity practices. 

Security data provided one of the clearest stories. Video surveillance hardware alone surpassed traditional printing equipment in total spend for the first time. Agencies also invested in analytics, retention, and storage to support these systems. We saw a wider range of manufacturers represented in purchasing decisions, which indicates that customers are more willing to consider competitive pricing, alternative brands, and strong warranties as budgets continue to shift. 

Cooperative contracts also continued to expand. In several states, more than 90 percent of our total sales were purchased through a cooperative or a state contract. Limited staffing and tight timelines are leading many teams to rely on co-ops for faster and fully compliant purchasing. In addition, a growing number of state contracts now reflect or adopt cooperative contract structures. 

Looking Ahead: What Will Shape IT Planning in 2026 

Early 2026 conversations and quoting activity point to several trends gaining momentum. AI ready infrastructure is becoming a new baseline for both endpoints and back-end systems. After two years of significant camera deployment, many agencies will now turn their attention to storage and retention upgrades. Power and resilience continue to evolve into core infrastructure as networks expand across buildings and campuses. 

Software renewals will increase as stimulus era grants come to an end, which will also encourage agencies to evaluate consolidation opportunities. Ongoing staffing shortages in both IT and procurement are driving greater reliance on cooperative contracts, bundled purchasing, and more standardized buying pathways. Privacy requirements, data retention expectations, and safety modernization efforts will also influence both hardware and software decisions throughout 2026. 

If you would like a copy of the full webinar recording or support with planning your 2026 IT roadmap, your SCW account manager is ready to help. 

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