Final answer:
The value from an Application TCO dashboard encompasses all costs related to owning and operating a software application to determine if the investment is justifiable. Just like running an air conditioner, if the power usage and operational time are high, the costs will be high. Advising Sam involves comparing these costs with the expected benefits of the application.
Step-by-step explanation:
The value provided from the Application total cost of ownership (TCO) dashboard is an assessment tool that combines both direct and indirect costs associated with the purchase and use of a software application over its entire life cycle. The TCO helps ascertain the overall investment beyond the initial purchase, including maintenance, upgrades, support, and operation costs. By understanding the TCO, one can make more informed decisions on whether the cost of using the application is justified by its benefits.
Using the analogy provided in the discussion, the cost of running a computer is somewhat akin to the cost of running an air conditioner during summer, where the combination of power usage and operational time leads to the total cost. In this case, if the power consumed and the time of operation are both high, the overall cost increases significantly.
When analyzing the TCO chart and considering the given factors, if your friend Sam is seeking advice about whether to proceed with using a particular application, you should weigh the expected benefits against the calculated costs. If the costs are reasonable and the application fulfills the necessary functions efficiently, then it may be a viable investment. Otherwise, looking for a more cost-effective solution would be advisable.