If you want to deploy the Flex application in a load balanced environment, then it will require at least $24,000. If you want a separate development/QA server (you're using Flex for enterprise development with a team, right? You match the Flex project profile right?), then you'll be looking at least $36,000.
Oh, let's not forget procuring a Gold support agreement, I imagine that $20,000 annually won't be unexpected, and by the way, all the prices discussed don't include subscription pricing, which is typically around 40% more. We want to protect our investment for the future yes? So for those 3 licenses above, with subscription and Gold Support? $70,000
Also if I'm not mistaken, you have to provide an application server for it to run on. And by the way ColdFusion MX Standard does not count. ColdFusion Enterprise does, which is a cost of $5,999 per server (2 CPU License). I believe JRun may be the least expensive application server option (aside from freeware) and that's $899 or so.
Let's assume you don't have an application server and need to provide one, with of course some kind of software protection, we're up to $73,747 or so.
This is a significant amount of investment to improve your presentation layer, and for larger shops, we can easily push into 100s of thousands of dollars.
Let's not forget the unspoken elements. MXML is a distinct and completely new development language, with it's own constructs, syntax and idiosyncrasies that must be learned and mastered. In addition to the above costs, you have to consider training, and experimental efforts, people don't learn without doing, and typically don't do for free. I don't have a price tag for that one, that depends on your team.
My current opinion is be very aware of potential hidden costs when it comes to Flex, not only do you have to be careful on advocating investing money in the technology, you also should be careful investing your time learning it, there are simply too many technologies to spend your time to improve your products and services in that don't require such a high financial investment from your clients or shareholders.
I will be very curious to see hard numbers with success stories on ROI for this product.
- Calvin
----- Original Message -----
From: Christian Cantrell
To: CF-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2004 8:26 PM
Subject: Re: Flex is out
> ...while Flex is no doubt cool, it would be a tough sell convince a
> client to pony up $12K when UI development in either Flash or HTML
> would be far less than that. Obviously, the pricing is enterprise
> level.
Again, you have to do the math. Figure out:
1. If you think your business can benefit from a Flex application.
2. If so, how long (in man hours) would it take you build it without
using Flex.
3. How much return do you think you can get from rewriting your
application with Flex.
4. Do the math and compare the end result to $12,000.
Just like any other business decision, it require careful analysis.
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