Budgeting and buying ICT

Getting the most from limited funding means choosing the right hardware and software at the right price,without forgetting to allow for training, upgrades, ICT support and other running costs. It’s no good squeezing the budget to get the latest must-have gadgets if you can’t afford to learn how to use them or there’s no money to get them fixed when they go wrong.

This section shows how you can consider the total cost of ownership to draw up realistic budgets for your ICT.This approach means you will think about the cost of hardware and software, but also make realistic plans for the technical support, maintenance and training needed to get the best from your investment.

Total cost of ownership – you’re not just buying a box

Budgeting for a new car means thinking about the initial purchase price, road tax, insurance, MOTs, servicing, fuel and depreciation. Buying a computer, video camera or website requires the same approach to budgeting.

This can include the purchase price or leasing costs of the computer hardware and software, plus maintenance, Internet connection, technical support, training, and time for installing and configuring new hardware and software, fixing routine problems, or managing volunteers.

More and more funders now look for bids with a realistic assessment of the costs of ICT. They want to know that the funds they’re providing will deliver the benefits expected and the ICT Hub and others are working with them to encourage this approach.

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This section of the guide has been developed to work alongside the free How to Cost and Fund ICT Guide, which can be ordered from the publications section of this site.