There are many variables that impact the final project price. The mistake many companies make when initially trying to estimate the cost of a project is paying attention to only the actual software license costs. However, [1] a recent white paper outlines four elements that need to be considered in every software budget.

One of them is “implementation services”. This term can seem vague, especially if it is a company’s first large software project. The white paper includes a definition of the 8 services you are paying for. It also outlines minimum software to services ratios, 8 questions to ask to know when to add more money to the budget and a sample quote. The buyer is also given the pros and cons of the two methods of pricing software implementations: “Time and Materials” versus “Fixed Fee”.

The White Paper is a useful overview that can alert readers to potential costs they may have overlooked