Some look at the up-front cost; we beg to differ. For serious implementations, the real cost of software goes far beyond the license itself, and includes:
- Time for implementation, evaluation, and integration, heavily influenced by:
1. The quality of documentation
2. The responsiveness of support staff
3. The availability of code examples and other learning aides - Resources consumed by the use of the software.
- Reliability of the software across all possible use-cases (often the most “expensive” aspect of cheaper software).
- Flexibility and adaptability of the software relative to the competition.
To achieve real cost-effectiveness we recommend you look for the following qualities in server software for high-demand workflows:
- Memory-allocation independent (application terminates after execution).
- Fully separable from other functions.
- Proven track-record of reliability in high-volume production environments.