In 2025 and 2026, AI went from Teams transcriptions to a full-on arms race.
Across nearly every industry, organizations dramatically increased investment in AI platforms, large language models, copilots, automation tools, GPUs, cloud infrastructure, and AI-powered software. What began as pilot projects and innovation budgets is quickly becoming a permanent line item on the balance sheet.
The problem? AI isn't getting cheaper.
While vendors initially offered aggressive discounts and promotional pricing to drive adoption, many organizations are now discovering the true cost of operating AI at scale. More users, more queries, more storage, more compute, and more integrations all translate into higher recurring expenses.
Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, Salesforce, Adobe, and countless SaaS providers continue to expand AI capabilities, but few do so without introducing new costs somewhere in the stack.
The result is a trend many organizations haven't fully accounted for: AI inflation.
Businesses that once budgeted for software based on predictable annual increases now face a future in which AI-driven costs grow faster than traditional IT spending. Every department wants AI. Every vendor is adding AI. Every platform is consuming more compute.
The question is no longer whether your company will adopt AI.
The question is whether your organization can sustainably absorb the growing costs that come with it.
At Sparkler IT, we're helping organizations evaluate their current AI strategy, understand where AI-related costs are likely headed, and identify opportunities to maximize return on investment while avoiding unnecessary spending. Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or already deploying AI across multiple departments, a strategic review can help ensure your technology roadmap aligns with your business goals and your budget.
If you're wondering what AI will cost your organization over the next 12–36 months, we'd be happy to start that conversation.