Toshiba, which produces NAND flash memory, among many other components, that it would be subject to factory outages due to restricted power use.

And as such announcements multiply, IHS iSuppli notes that pricing also is being affected. For instance, the firm reports spot-market DRAM pricing is surging, rising by as much as 7% from March 11 to 14.

So, what does this mean to IT and finance? That major data center build-out you were planning could be delayed because of a component shortage. And the building construction slated to include a range of state-of-the-art technologies made in Japan might cost more as supply is challenged.

Thus, IT and finance should convene a meeting of stakeholders of any new projects involving large technology purchases, and determine what the impact of the situation in Japan might be. This will help determine if the project can be delayed to avoid a potentially higher cost, or if budgets need to be adjusted to account for an increased price or alternate sourcing. Such communication could help save your company from being blindsided down the road when products are either unavailable or too costly to procure.