{"product_id":"build-or-buy","title":"Build vs. Buy Calculator","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.bvb-calculator{--ink:#0f172a;--muted:#475569;--border:#e2e8f0;--surface:#ffffff;--tint:#f8fafc;--primary:#1d4ed8;--accent:#c2410c;--accent-hover:#9a3412;--chart-1:#1e40af;--chart-2:#0d9488;--chart-3:#7c3aed;--chart-4:#be185d;--chart-5:#334155;font-family:Inter,ui-sans-serif,system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,\"Segoe UI\",sans-serif;color:var(--ink);background:var(--surface);font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;padding:24px}\n.bvb-calculator,.bvb-calculator *,.bvb-calculator *::before,.bvb-calculator *::after{box-sizing:border-box}\n.bvb-calculator *{min-width:0}\n.bvb-calculator h2,.bvb-calculator h3,.bvb-calculator p{margin-top:0}\n.bvb-calculator h2{font-size:24px;line-height:1.25;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:8px}\n.bvb-calculator h3{font-size:18px;line-height:1.35;font-weight:650;margin-bottom:12px}\n.bvb-calculator a{color:var(--primary);text-underline-offset:2px}\n.bvb-calculator a:hover{color:#1e40af}\n.bvb-header{border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);padding-bottom:16px;margin-bottom:16px}\n.bvb-subtitle{color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:12px;max-width:760px}\n.bvb-pills{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px}\n.bvb-pill{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;border:1px solid var(--border);background:var(--tint);border-radius:999px;padding:5px 10px;font-size:13px;font-weight:600;color:#334155;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}\n.bvb-toolbar{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px;margin-bottom:16px}\n.bvb-button{appearance:none;border:1px solid var(--border);background:var(--surface);color:var(--ink);border-radius:6px;padding:11px 16px;font:600 15px\/1.2 inherit;min-height:44px;cursor:pointer;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:10px;box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(15,23,42,.06);transition:background .15s ease,border-color .15s ease,box-shadow .15s ease,transform .15s ease;white-space:nowrap}\n.bvb-button:hover{border-color:#cbd5e1;box-shadow:0 3px 8px rgba(15,23,42,.10)}\n.bvb-button:active{transform:translateY(1px)}\n.bvb-button:focus-visible,.bvb-control:focus-visible,.bvb-segment input:focus-visible+span,.bvb-details summary:focus-visible{outline:3px solid rgba(29,78,216,.35);outline-offset:2px}\n.bvb-download{background:var(--accent);border-color:var(--accent);color:#fff;padding:12px 18px}\n.bvb-download:hover{background:var(--accent-hover);border-color:var(--accent-hover);color:#fff}\n.bvb-icon{width:18px;height:18px;display:block;flex:0 0 auto}\n.bvb-workspace{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) minmax(320px,.82fr);gap:16px;align-items:start;margin-bottom:16px}\n.bvb-panel,.bvb-card{border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:8px;background:var(--surface);box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(15,23,42,.06)}\n.bvb-panel{padding:16px}\n.bvb-input-section+.bvb-input-section{border-top:1px solid var(--border);padding-top:16px;margin-top:16px}\n.bvb-section-kicker{font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:var(--primary);letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:4px}\n.bvb-field-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:16px}\n.bvb-field{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:6px}\n.bvb-field-full{grid-column:1\/-1}\n.bvb-label{display:block;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;color:var(--ink)}\n.bvb-control{width:100%;height:44px;border:1px solid #cbd5e1;border-radius:6px;background:#fff;color:var(--ink);padding:9px 11px;font:400 15px\/1.3 inherit;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}\n.bvb-control:hover{border-color:#94a3b8}\n.bvb-input-row{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) 124px;gap:8px;align-items:end}\n.bvb-help{font-size:13px;font-weight:500;color:var(--muted);line-height:1.4;min-height:36px}\n.bvb-error{font-size:13px;font-weight:600;color:#b91c1c;min-height:18px}\n.bvb-results{display:grid;gap:12px}\n.bvb-primary-result{background:#eff6ff;border:1px solid #bfdbfe;border-radius:8px;padding:16px}\n.bvb-primary-label{font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:#1e3a8a;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;margin-bottom:4px}\n.bvb-primary-value{font-size:30px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#172554;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n.bvb-primary-note{font-size:13px;font-weight:500;color:#1e3a8a;margin:6px 0 0}\n.bvb-result-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:12px}\n.bvb-result-card{border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:8px;padding:12px;background:var(--surface)}\n.bvb-result-label{font-size:13px;font-weight:600;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:4px}\n.bvb-result-value{font-size:20px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.3;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n.bvb-result-sub{font-size:13px;color:var(--muted);margin-top:4px}\n.bvb-recommendation{border-left:4px solid var(--primary);background:var(--tint);padding:12px;border-radius:0 6px 6px 0;font-size:14px;font-weight:600}\n.bvb-breakdown{margin-bottom:16px}\n.bvb-breakdown-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:12px}\n.bvb-breakdown-item{border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:8px;padding:12px;background:var(--tint)}\n.bvb-breakdown-name{font-size:13px;font-weight:600;color:var(--muted);margin-bottom:4px}\n.bvb-breakdown-value{font-size:20px;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n.bvb-chart-card{padding:16px;margin-bottom:16px}\n.bvb-chart-intro{color:var(--muted);font-size:14px;margin-bottom:16px}\n.bvb-chart-cluster{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,620px) minmax(220px,320px);gap:24px;justify-content:center;align-items:start}\n.bvb-plot-block{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}\n.bvb-plot{width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;min-height:260px}\n.bvb-chart-svg{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;overflow:visible}\n.bvb-chart-svg text{font-family:inherit;fill:#475569;font-size:13px}\n.bvb-chart-svg .bvb-gridline{stroke:#e2e8f0;stroke-width:1}\n.bvb-chart-svg .bvb-axis{stroke:#94a3b8;stroke-width:1.2}\n.bvb-chart-svg .bvb-buy-line{fill:none;stroke:var(--chart-1);stroke-width:3.5;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-linecap:round}\n.bvb-chart-svg .bvb-build-line{fill:none;stroke:var(--chart-2);stroke-width:3.5;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-linecap:round}\n.bvb-chart-svg .bvb-buy-area{fill:var(--chart-1);opacity:.09}\n.bvb-chart-svg .bvb-dot-buy{fill:var(--chart-1)}\n.bvb-chart-svg .bvb-dot-build{fill:var(--chart-2)}\n.bvb-chart-side{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:16px}.bvb-legend{display:grid;gap:10px;align-content:start}\n.bvb-legend-row{display:grid;grid-template-columns:12px minmax(0,auto) minmax(0,auto);gap:10px;align-items:center;justify-content:start;font-size:13px;font-weight:600}\n.bvb-swatch{width:12px;height:12px;border-radius:3px}\n.bvb-swatch-buy{background:var(--chart-1)}\n.bvb-swatch-build{background:var(--chart-2)}\n.bvb-legend-value{font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;color:#334155;white-space:nowrap}\n.bvb-chart-summary-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-top:8px;font-size:13px}\n.bvb-chart-summary-table th,.bvb-chart-summary-table td{padding:7px 8px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);text-align:left;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}\n.bvb-chart-summary-table th{font-weight:700;color:#334155;background:var(--tint)}\n.bvb-chart-caption{margin-top:0;border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:6px;background:var(--tint);padding:10px 12px;color:#334155;font-size:13px;font-weight:500}\n.bvb-empty{border:1px dashed #cbd5e1;border-radius:6px;background:var(--tint);padding:16px;color:var(--muted);font-size:14px;text-align:center}\n.bvb-safe-stack .bvb-chart-cluster{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:16px}\n.bvb-safe-stack .bvb-legend{margin-top:0}\n.bvb-safe-stack .bvb-chart-side{gap:16px}\n.bvb-table-card{padding:16px;margin-bottom:16px}\n.bvb-table-tools{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px;align-items:center;margin-bottom:12px}\n.bvb-table-label{font-size:13px;font-weight:700;color:var(--muted)}\n.bvb-segments{display:inline-flex;gap:2px;padding:3px;border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:6px;background:var(--tint)}\n.bvb-segment{position:relative}\n.bvb-segment input{position:absolute;opacity:0;pointer-events:none}\n.bvb-segment span{display:block;padding:6px 10px;border-radius:4px;font-size:13px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#334155}\n.bvb-segment input:checked+span{background:#fff;color:var(--primary);box-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(15,23,42,.10)}\n.bvb-table-overflow{overflow-x:auto;width:100%;border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:6px}\n.bvb-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;min-width:660px}\n.bvb-table th,.bvb-table td{padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);text-align:right;font-size:13px;font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;white-space:nowrap}\n.bvb-table th{background:var(--tint);color:#334155;font-weight:700}\n.bvb-table th:first-child,.bvb-table td:first-child{text-align:left}\n.bvb-table tr:last-child td{border-bottom:0;font-weight:700}\n.bvb-table-note{margin-top:16px;border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:6px;background:var(--tint);padding:10px 12px;font-size:13px;color:var(--muted)}\n.bvb-safe-table-stack .bvb-table-note{margin-top:20px}\n.bvb-details{border:1px solid var(--border);border-radius:8px;background:var(--surface);margin-bottom:16px}\n.bvb-details summary{cursor:pointer;padding:14px 16px;font-size:15px;font-weight:700;list-style:none}\n.bvb-details summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n.bvb-details summary::after{content:\"+\";float:right;color:var(--primary);font-size:20px;line-height:1}\n.bvb-details[open] summary::after{content:\"−\"}\n.bvb-details-content{border-top:1px solid var(--border);padding:16px}\n.bvb-education{border-top:1px solid var(--border);padding-top:24px}\n.bvb-education h2{margin-top:28px}\n.bvb-education h2:first-child{margin-top:0}\n.bvb-education h3{margin-top:20px}\n.bvb-education p,.bvb-education li{color:#334155}\n.bvb-education ul{padding-left:22px;margin-top:8px}\n.bvb-formula{font-family:ui-monospace,SFMono-Regular,Menlo,Consolas,monospace;background:var(--tint);border:1px solid var(--border);padding:10px 12px;border-radius:6px;color:#1e293b;overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n.bvb-sr-only{position:absolute!important;width:1px!important;height:1px!important;padding:0!important;margin:-1px!important;overflow:hidden!important;clip:rect(0,0,0,0)!important;white-space:nowrap!important;border:0!important}\n@media(max-width:899px){.bvb-calculator{padding:16px}.bvb-workspace{grid-template-columns:1fr}.bvb-chart-cluster{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:16px}.bvb-legend{justify-self:center;width:min(100%,420px)}.bvb-plot{min-height:240px}.bvb-chart-side{gap:16px}}\n@media(max-width:639px){.bvb-calculator{padding:12px}.bvb-field-grid,.bvb-result-grid,.bvb-breakdown-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.bvb-input-row{grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) 112px}.bvb-toolbar .bvb-button{flex:1 1 auto}.bvb-toolbar .bvb-download{flex:1 1 100%}.bvb-chart-card,.bvb-table-card,.bvb-panel{padding:12px}.bvb-plot{min-height:220px}.bvb-chart-cluster{gap:12px}.bvb-chart-side{gap:12px}.bvb-table-note{margin-top:12px}.bvb-legend-row{grid-template-columns:12px minmax(0,auto);gap:8px 10px}.bvb-legend-value{grid-column:2}.bvb-pills{gap:6px}}\n@media(max-width:359px){.bvb-calculator{padding:8px}.bvb-input-row{grid-template-columns:1fr}.bvb-toolbar{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr}.bvb-toolbar .bvb-button{width:100%}.bvb-primary-value{font-size:26px}.bvb-plot{min-height:200px}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bvb-calculator\" data-calculator-root\u003e\n  \u003csection class=\"bvb-header\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eBuild vs. Buy Calculator\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"bvb-subtitle\"\u003eCompare an external software subscription with the cost of developing and maintaining an internal solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-pills\" aria-label=\"Live summary\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bvb-pill\"\u003eAnnual buy cost: \u003cstrong data-bvb-pill-buy\u003e$0.00\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bvb-pill\"\u003eBuild cost: \u003cstrong data-bvb-pill-build\u003e$0.00\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bvb-pill\"\u003eAnnual savings: \u003cstrong data-bvb-pill-savings\u003e$0.00\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bvb-pill\"\u003eBreak-even: \u003cstrong data-bvb-pill-breakeven\u003e—\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/section\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-toolbar\" aria-label=\"Calculator actions\"\u003e\n    \u003cbutton class=\"bvb-button bvb-download\" type=\"button\" data-bvb-download\u003e\n      \u003csvg class=\"bvb-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M11 3a1 1 0 0 1 2 0v9.59l2.3-2.29a1 1 0 1 1 1.4 1.42l-4 3.99a1 1 0 0 1-1.4 0l-4-3.99a1 1 0 1 1 1.4-1.42l2.3 2.29V3ZM5 17a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v1h12v-1a1 1 0 1 1 2 0v2a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H5a1 1 0 0 1-1-1v-2a1 1 0 0 1 1-1Z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n      \u003cspan\u003eDownload Excel\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/button\u003e\n    \u003cbutton class=\"bvb-button\" type=\"button\" data-bvb-reset\u003eReset\u003c\/button\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-workspace\"\u003e\n    \u003csection class=\"bvb-panel\" aria-labelledby=\"bvb-inputs-title\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3 id=\"bvb-inputs-title\"\u003eAssumptions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-input-section\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-section-kicker\"\u003eBuying an external service\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field-grid\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field bvb-field-full\"\u003e\n            \u003clabel class=\"bvb-label\" for=\"bvb-buy-cost\"\u003eLicense or service cost\u003c\/label\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-input-row\"\u003e\n              \u003cinput class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-buy-cost\" data-bvb-input=\"buyCost\" data-bvb-format=\"currency\" inputmode=\"decimal\" type=\"text\" value=\"$10,000.00\"\u003e\n              \u003cselect class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-buy-period\" data-bvb-input=\"buyPeriod\" aria-label=\"Buy cost period\"\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"annual\" selected\u003eper year\u003c\/option\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"monthly\"\u003eper month\u003c\/option\u003e\n              \u003c\/select\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-help\"\u003eEnter the recurring fee for the external product, including required seats or tiers.\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-error\" data-bvb-error=\"buyCost\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-input-section\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-section-kicker\"\u003eBuilding your own software\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field-grid\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field\"\u003e\n            \u003clabel class=\"bvb-label\" for=\"bvb-employees\"\u003eEmployees required\u003c\/label\u003e\n            \u003cinput class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-employees\" data-bvb-input=\"employees\" data-bvb-format=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" type=\"text\" value=\"2\"\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-help\"\u003eAverage full-time team size assigned during development.\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-error\" data-bvb-error=\"employees\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field\"\u003e\n            \u003clabel class=\"bvb-label\" for=\"bvb-build-time\"\u003eTime to build\u003c\/label\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-input-row\"\u003e\n              \u003cinput class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-build-time\" data-bvb-input=\"buildTime\" data-bvb-format=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" type=\"text\" value=\"6\"\u003e\n              \u003cselect class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-build-time-unit\" data-bvb-input=\"buildTimeUnit\" aria-label=\"Build time unit\"\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"weeks\"\u003eweeks\u003c\/option\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"months\" selected\u003emonths\u003c\/option\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"years\"\u003eyears\u003c\/option\u003e\n              \u003c\/select\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-help\"\u003eElapsed development duration before the internal tool is ready.\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-error\" data-bvb-error=\"buildTime\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field\"\u003e\n            \u003clabel class=\"bvb-label\" for=\"bvb-salary\"\u003eEmployee salary (gross)\u003c\/label\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-input-row\"\u003e\n              \u003cinput class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-salary\" data-bvb-input=\"salary\" data-bvb-format=\"currency\" inputmode=\"decimal\" type=\"text\" value=\"$8,000.00\"\u003e\n              \u003cselect class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-salary-period\" data-bvb-input=\"salaryPeriod\" aria-label=\"Salary period\"\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"hourly\"\u003eper hour\u003c\/option\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"monthly\" selected\u003eper month\u003c\/option\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"annual\"\u003eper year\u003c\/option\u003e\n              \u003c\/select\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-help\"\u003eGross compensation for one employee before employer overhead.\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-error\" data-bvb-error=\"salary\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field\"\u003e\n            \u003clabel class=\"bvb-label\" for=\"bvb-overhead\"\u003eOverhead\u003c\/label\u003e\n            \u003cinput class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-overhead\" data-bvb-input=\"overhead\" data-bvb-format=\"percent\" inputmode=\"decimal\" type=\"text\" value=\"25.00%\"\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-help\"\u003eBenefits, payroll burden, insurance, equipment, and related employment costs.\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-error\" data-bvb-error=\"overhead\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field bvb-field-full\"\u003e\n            \u003clabel class=\"bvb-label\" for=\"bvb-maintenance-days\"\u003eDays of maintenance\u003c\/label\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-input-row\"\u003e\n              \u003cinput class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-maintenance-days\" data-bvb-input=\"maintenanceDays\" data-bvb-format=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" type=\"text\" value=\"1\"\u003e\n              \u003cselect class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-maintenance-unit\" data-bvb-input=\"maintenanceUnit\" aria-label=\"Maintenance day period\"\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"monthly\" selected\u003eper month\u003c\/option\u003e\n                \u003coption value=\"weekly\"\u003eper week\u003c\/option\u003e\n              \u003c\/select\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-help\"\u003eAverage maintenance allocation. The model converts it to the reference five-day cost basis.\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-error\" data-bvb-error=\"maintenanceDays\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/section\u003e\n\n    \u003csection class=\"bvb-panel bvb-results\" aria-labelledby=\"bvb-results-title\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3 id=\"bvb-results-title\"\u003eBuild or buy?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-primary-result\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-primary-label\"\u003eYears to profit\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-primary-value\" data-bvb-primary\u003e—\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"bvb-primary-note\" data-bvb-primary-note\u003eEnter assumptions to compare the options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-grid\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-card\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-label\"\u003eEffective cost per employee\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-value\" data-bvb-effective\u003e$0.00\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-sub\"\u003eper month\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-card\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-label\"\u003eCost to build\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-value\" data-bvb-build-cost\u003e$0.00\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-sub\"\u003eone-time development cost\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-card\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-label\"\u003eAnnual maintenance\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-value\" data-bvb-maintenance\u003e$0.00\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-sub\"\u003erecurring internal cost\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-card\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-label\"\u003eAnnual savings from building\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-value\" data-bvb-savings\u003e$0.00\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-sub\"\u003ebuy cost minus maintenance\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-card\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-label\"\u003e5-year buy cost\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-value\" data-bvb-buy-five\u003e$0.00\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-sub\"\u003esubscription total\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-card\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-label\"\u003e5-year build cost\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-value\" data-bvb-build-five\u003e$0.00\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-result-sub\"\u003edevelopment plus maintenance\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-recommendation\" data-bvb-recommendation\u003eComplete the assumptions to generate a recommendation.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/section\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003csection class=\"bvb-breakdown\" aria-labelledby=\"bvb-breakdown-title\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 id=\"bvb-breakdown-title\"\u003eCost breakdown\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-name\"\u003eAnnual external service\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-value\" data-bvb-breakdown-buy\u003e$0.00\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-name\"\u003eOne-time internal build\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-value\" data-bvb-breakdown-build\u003e$0.00\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-name\"\u003eAnnual internal maintenance\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bvb-breakdown-value\" data-bvb-breakdown-maintenance\u003e$0.00\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/section\u003e\n\n  \u003csection class=\"bvb-card bvb-chart-card\" data-bvb-chart-card aria-labelledby=\"bvb-chart-title\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 id=\"bvb-chart-title\"\u003eCumulative cost comparison\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"bvb-chart-intro\" data-bvb-chart-intro\u003eThe chart compares total cash cost over the selected analysis horizon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-empty\" data-bvb-chart-empty hidden\u003eEnter positive cost assumptions to see the cumulative comparison.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-chart-content\" data-bvb-chart-content\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-chart-cluster\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-plot-block\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-plot\" data-bvb-plot\u003e\n            \u003csvg class=\"bvb-chart-svg\" data-bvb-chart role=\"img\" aria-labelledby=\"bvb-chart-title bvb-chart-desc\" viewbox=\"0 0 640 360\" preserveaspectratio=\"xMidYMid meet\"\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-sr-only\" id=\"bvb-chart-desc\" data-bvb-chart-desc\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-chart-side\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-legend\" data-bvb-legend\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-legend-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"bvb-swatch bvb-swatch-buy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuy at horizon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"bvb-legend-value\" data-bvb-legend-buy\u003e$0.00\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-legend-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"bvb-swatch bvb-swatch-build\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuild at horizon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"bvb-legend-value\" data-bvb-legend-build\u003e$0.00\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003ctable class=\"bvb-chart-summary-table\" aria-label=\"Chart data summary\"\u003e\n              \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eYear\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBuy\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBuild\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n              \u003ctbody data-bvb-chart-summary\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n            \u003c\/table\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-chart-caption\" data-bvb-chart-caption\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/section\u003e\n\n  \u003csection class=\"bvb-card bvb-table-card\" data-bvb-table-card aria-labelledby=\"bvb-table-title\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 id=\"bvb-table-title\"\u003eYear-by-year comparison\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-table-tools\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bvb-table-label\"\u003eRows:\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-segments\" role=\"radiogroup\" aria-label=\"Comparison table detail\"\u003e\n        \u003clabel class=\"bvb-segment\"\u003e\u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"bvb-table-view\" value=\"summary\" data-bvb-table-view checked\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\n        \u003clabel class=\"bvb-segment\"\u003e\u003cinput type=\"radio\" name=\"bvb-table-view\" value=\"detail\" data-bvb-table-view\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery year\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-table-overflow\" data-bvb-table-overflow\u003e\n      \u003ctable class=\"bvb-table\"\u003e\n        \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eYear\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCumulative buy\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCumulative build\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBuild advantage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLower-cost option\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n        \u003ctbody data-bvb-table-body\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n      \u003c\/table\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-table-note\" data-bvb-table-note\u003eBuild advantage equals cumulative buy cost minus cumulative build cost. Positive values favor building.\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/section\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails class=\"bvb-details\" data-bvb-details\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eAdvanced analysis settings\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field-grid\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field\"\u003e\n          \u003clabel class=\"bvb-label\" for=\"bvb-horizon\"\u003eAnalysis horizon\u003c\/label\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-input-row\"\u003e\n            \u003cinput class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-horizon\" data-bvb-input=\"horizon\" data-bvb-format=\"number\" inputmode=\"numeric\" type=\"text\" value=\"10\"\u003e\n            \u003cselect class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-horizon-unit\" disabled aria-label=\"Analysis horizon unit\"\u003e\u003coption\u003eyears\u003c\/option\u003e\u003c\/select\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-help\"\u003eControls the chart, comparison table, and horizon totals. Maximum 30 years.\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-error\" data-bvb-error=\"horizon\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-field\"\u003e\n          \u003clabel class=\"bvb-label\" for=\"bvb-working-hours\"\u003eWorking hours per week\u003c\/label\u003e\n          \u003cinput class=\"bvb-control\" id=\"bvb-working-hours\" data-bvb-input=\"workingHours\" data-bvb-format=\"number\" inputmode=\"decimal\" type=\"text\" value=\"40\"\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-help\"\u003eUsed only when salary is entered as an hourly amount.\u003c\/div\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"bvb-error\" data-bvb-error=\"workingHours\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003csection class=\"bvb-education\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eWhat this build vs. buy calculator estimates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis calculator compares two ways to obtain business software: paying a recurring fee for an external product or funding an internal team to build and maintain a custom system. It estimates the one-time development cost, annual maintenance cost, annual savings from building, and the number of years required for those annual savings to recover the initial development investment. It also projects cumulative cash cost over a configurable horizon so you can see how the decision changes with time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe result is a financial screening tool, not a complete procurement decision. Security, implementation risk, data migration, vendor dependency, product quality, opportunity cost, and strategic control may be as important as the arithmetic. For structured technology cost estimation, the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.gao.gov\/products\/gao-20-195g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eU.S. Government Accountability Office cost estimating guide\u003c\/a\u003e provides a useful framework. For software supply-chain risk, review guidance from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cisa.gov\/software-supply-chain-security\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eCISA\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch2\u003eHow to enter the assumptions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eExternal service cost\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLicense or service cost\u003c\/strong\u003e is the amount paid for the external option. Choose a monthly or annual period; the calculator converts monthly fees to an annual total. Include mandatory user seats, platform fees, support tiers, and required add-ons, but do not add optional services that would also be needed for an internal build. A higher external cost increases the potential annual savings from building and shortens break-even. Leaving the field empty or entering a negative amount is invalid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch3\u003eInternal development inputs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmployees required\u003c\/strong\u003e is the average number of full-time-equivalent people assigned to the initial build. It can be fractional when employees split their time. More employees increase development cost proportionally. A common mistake is counting only software developers while excluding product management, design, quality assurance, data engineering, security, or implementation work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime to build\u003c\/strong\u003e is the elapsed development period. You can enter weeks, months, or years; the current value is converted when the unit changes. Longer projects increase the one-time build cost because the team remains assigned for more months. Use the time required to reach a deployable, supported version rather than a prototype.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmployee salary\u003c\/strong\u003e is gross compensation for one employee. It can be hourly, monthly, or annual. The calculator normalizes the value to a monthly salary. Hourly conversion uses the working-hours assumption in the advanced panel and 52 weeks per year. Salary should normally exclude employer overhead because overhead is entered separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverhead\u003c\/strong\u003e adds employer costs such as payroll taxes, benefits, insurance, equipment, software, office allocation, and recruiting burden. Enter it as a percentage of gross salary. The effective monthly employee cost equals salary multiplied by one plus the overhead rate. Higher overhead raises both development and maintenance cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays of maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e is the recurring time allocated to fixes, upgrades, support, and operational care. The reference model uses a simplified five-day allocation formula: maintenance days multiplied by effective monthly employee cost, multiplied by 12, divided by 5. Weekly entries are first converted to an average monthly day count. This simplification is useful for parity with the source methodology, but organizations with detailed time tracking may prefer a working-days-per-month model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalysis horizon\u003c\/strong\u003e controls how many years appear in the chart and table. It does not change the core break-even formula. A longer horizon is useful when the build option has a high initial cost but lower recurring expense. \u003cstrong\u003eWorking hours per week\u003c\/strong\u003e is used only for hourly salaries; 40 hours is a conventional starting point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch2\u003eHow the results are calculated\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"bvb-formula\"\u003eEffective monthly employee cost = monthly gross salary × (1 + overhead)\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"bvb-formula\"\u003eCost to build = employees × build time in months × effective monthly employee cost\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"bvb-formula\"\u003eAnnual maintenance = maintenance days per month × effective monthly employee cost × 12 ÷ 5\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"bvb-formula\"\u003eAnnual savings from building = annual external cost − annual maintenance\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"bvb-formula\"\u003eYears to profit = cost to build ÷ annual savings, when annual savings is positive\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eWhen annual savings is zero or negative, the internal option never recovers its development cost under the entered assumptions. When savings is positive, the break-even period shows how long it takes for avoided external fees to cover the initial build. The calculator keeps full precision internally and rounds only for display and export.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch2\u003eHow to interpret each output\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffective cost per employee\u003c\/strong\u003e is the normalized monthly labor cost after overhead. \u003cstrong\u003eCost to build\u003c\/strong\u003e is the one-time development investment. \u003cstrong\u003eAnnual maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e is the recurring internal cost after launch. \u003cstrong\u003eAnnual savings from building\u003c\/strong\u003e compares the external annual fee with internal maintenance; positive values favor building on a recurring basis, while negative values favor buying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYears to profit\u003c\/strong\u003e is the central break-even result. A shorter period means the internal investment is recovered sooner. A value under three years can be financially attractive when requirements are stable and the organization can execute reliably. A longer result deserves more scrutiny because technology, staffing, and business needs can change before break-even. “Never” means maintenance is at least as expensive as the external product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003efive-year totals\u003c\/strong\u003e provide a common medium-term comparison. The chart extends that logic across the selected horizon. The blue line shows cumulative external fees; the green line starts with the build investment and then adds annual maintenance. Their intersection is the approximate break-even point. The table exposes the exact annual values represented by the chart, and “build advantage” is positive only when cumulative buying cost exceeds cumulative building cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003ch2\u003eDecision factors beyond the formula\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eBuilding may be preferable when the software is strategically differentiating, requirements are unusual, integrations are difficult, or control over data and roadmap is essential. Buying may be preferable when speed, proven functionality, predictable support, compliance certifications, and lower delivery risk matter more than customization. The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nist.gov\/itl\/ssd\/software-quality-group\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eNIST Software Quality Group\u003c\/a\u003e is a useful starting point for understanding quality and assurance considerations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eCommon mistakes include underestimating maintenance, ignoring employee turnover, treating all development time as productive coding time, omitting impl\nementation and migration work, and comparing a mature external product with a minimal internal prototype. Also consider the economic concept of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/t\/totalcostofownership.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003etotal cost of ownership\u003c\/a\u003e, which includes acquisition, operation, support, and retirement costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eUse scenario analysis rather than relying on one forecast. Test a slower build, a larger team, higher overhead, more maintenance, and vendor price increases. A decision that remains favorable across conservative scenarios is more robust than one that depends on a narrow set of optimistic assumptions. This calculator provides planning estimates and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, investment, or procurement advice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"FinancialModelsLab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49909479932147,"sku":"build-or-buy","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/6191\/2762\/files\/build-or-buy.webp?v=1783935358","url":"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\/products\/build-or-buy","provider":"Financial Models Lab","version":"1.0","type":"link"}