This Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculation tool computes the cost of adopting an open source software (OSS) solution and that of purchasing a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product. The two cost calculations can be compared numerically as well as graphically. The tool includes the following components:
- Cost categories overview. An explanation of the major cost categories that should be included in the TCO analysis.
- TCO calculator. A spreadsheet that dynamically calculates total cost per category, total cost per year, and overall TCO for OSS and COTS.
- TCO comparison graph. A chart comparing the two TCOs over a five-year period.
Use this total cost of ownership calculator to assess the real cost difference between open source and off-the-shelf software.