IAR, a global provider of embedded development software and services, has commercially released a total cost of ownership (TCO) calculator to help maintain project schedules and minimize overall product development costs.

IAR announced today the launch of a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator, an innovative tool that can change the perception of businesses and decision makers about investing in development tools.

The TCO calculator is designed to highlight the critical role that quality development tools play in embedded engineering.

The TCO calculator takes into account factors such as team size, project complexity, and organizational goals, as well as details about tools.

Through this comprehensive approach, the calculator enables users to make informed decisions about tool selection and maintenance, which is crucial for effectively managing TCO in embedded software tools.

Tools typically offered for free often come with hidden costs. These typically involve increased system administration and integration time, a lack of formal support for extensive troubleshooting, and the need for additional training. Here, the lack of functionality in these tools can lead to unexpected costs, which can be further exacerbated by a lack of a clear technology roadmap and inconsistent community support.

“As a developer myself, I can attest to the importance of high-quality development tools,” said Bill Lamie, founder and CEO of the PX5 RTOS and former CEO/co-founder of the Express Logic/Microsoft Azure RTOS. “When it comes to making a smart investment in efficient technology, IAR’s Embedded Workbench is a no-brainer. While other tools have their place, IAR’s unmatched ease of use, features, and groundbreaking safety support validate it as the right investment. For developers who are serious about innovation, IAR is undeniably the industry leader.”

IAR's suite of commercial development solutions presents a compelling case for cost savings, including reduced administrative overhead, reduced training and support costs, and increased user productivity. By comparing IAR solutions with free tools through customized scenarios and simulations, companies can analyze cost-effectiveness and long-term economic benefits.

“Free tools may seem like a good alternative, but they often cost more in the long run because they require additional resources to compensate for inefficiencies and limitations,” said Anders Holmberg, CTO at IAR. “It doesn’t make sense for companies to skimp on tools while investing heavily in engineering talent. Premium commercial solutions may cost more upfront, but the significant productivity and innovation benefits they offer often make them a more reasonable investment.” “In fact, there is a significant cost in lost opportunities and inefficiencies due to free, less functional tools,” he noted.

To learn how investing in the right tools can transform your project's efficiency and cost-effectiveness, access our free white paper and TCO calculator for a thorough analysis at www.iar.com/tco.