Up until now, data centres procurement professionals have mostly been able to go directly to manufacturers for their components needs. However, as the AI boom continues to grow, more and more are having to turn to the open market as OEMs cannot keep up with all of the demand, even from this one industry let alone their broader customer base.
In this webinar, procurement professionals – both from data centres and from those competing with data centres for parts – will get a broader view of the overall market from experts who see and work with the entire field. They will gain additional perspectives and insights from beyond their own companies’ viewpoints, allowing them to better understand what’s happening across the semiconductor industry and why they may be struggling to secure critical parts through their traditional channels.
They will also learn how to navigate the open market in tumultuous times, giving them a competitive advantage over those who are trying to learn about this sector on their own. The open market is a unique and often difficult part of the supply chain to manage for those coming over from working almost exclusively with direct buys – by learning about the advantages, risks, and strategies that work in this space from industry experts, viewers will be able to reinforce their supply chains and be better equipped to acquire the critical parts they need.
Sponsored by Smith:
Founded in 1984, Smith is the leading independent distributor of electronic components. Smith's Intelligent Distribution™ model offers a comprehensive suite of flexible and scalable supply chain solutions to source, manage, test, and ship billions of components to partners worldwide in every industry and vertical. The company is backed by more than 25 certifications and accreditations and has developed and implemented sustainable practices that exceed industry and regulatory requirements. Building on its decades of market data, cutting-edge technology, and a systems-based approach to quality excellence, Smith generated more than $3.4 billion in global revenue in 2025 and ranks eighth among all global distributors. Visit www.smithweb.com to learn more.