Understanding Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The real cost of network infrastructure goes far beyond the initial purchase price. TCO reveals the complete financial picture.
The TCO Iceberg
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a comprehensive financial estimate that calculates all direct and indirect costs associated with acquiring, deploying, operating, and maintaining network infrastructure over its entire lifecycle—typically 3 to 5 years.
Like an iceberg, the purchase price is just the visible tip. The real costs lurk beneath the surface.
Key Takeaways
Purchase price is just 20-30% of TCO
The majority of costs are hidden operational expenses over the equipment lifecycle
Time to value matters
Delays in deployment directly impact your ROI and competitive position
Predictability reduces risk
Fixed monthly costs eliminate budget surprises and enable better planning
Interactive TCO Calculator
Answer a few questions about your network requirements and get an instant comparison between traditional infrastructure ownership and Network-as-a-Service.