Mobile Computing Solutions Cost- Acting
preciselyby Reji K Paul (Software Programmer, Excellone Technologies)
Mobile computing solutions costs can be quantified
only in part. There are several aspects to it which are impossible
to quantify..
A. One-time capital Expenditure
i. Hardware
- Mobile Workstation Hardware (notebooks, handheld devices, Palm
points)
- Wireless Radio Modems-wireless LAN adapters, Access Points
- Mobile Communications Server Switch (MCSS) hardware and software
- Hardware Upgrade Costs
ii. Software purchase or licensing fee
- Shrink-wrap software license for end user device
- Software for backend switch, network servers, application servers
iii. Software Development or Customization
- Application development tools unique to mobile computing
- Wireless communication software in the client device and servers
- Software changes and enhancements
iv. Vertical or Horizontal Application package costs-per user
dollar cost multiplied by the number of users
v. Mobile Application testing costs
vi. External consulting Services
vii. End user documentation and Training costs
viii. Project implementation - Hardware and Systems software
Installation cost
ix. Contingency-No estimate inclusive - allow 10-15% overrun
B. Ongoing Operations
i. Telecommunications network services-especially wireless network
services
ii. Computer processing and operation
iii. Maintenance (hardware/software/equipment)
iv. Technical Support (internal/external i.e. outsourced from
external vendors) costs
C. Other Costs (Intangible)
The risks of Mobile computing project is difficult
to quantify.
The actual mobile computing solutions cost is the
sum of all the above. While developing a business case for a mobile
computing project, both the cost and the benefit from undertaking
such a project is analysed. Quantitative as well as qualitative
analysis has to be done. The costs of hardware and software are
much easier to estimate, compared to the application development,
application integration and wireless network usage costs, which
are difficult to predict.
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