Life Cycle Cost Models and Cost Estimation Methods

Today computers play an important role in our daily lives. Over the years, their applications have increased quite dramatically, ranging from personal use to controling nuclear reactors and space systems. The computer industry has become an important component of the global economy; a vast sum of money is spent to produce, operate, and maintain computers each year. For example, in fiscal year 1980, the U.S. government spent over $57 billion on computer systems [ 1 ].