What do costs like change, usage, and support contribute to when summed up?

When summing up costs associated with change, usage, and support, they contribute to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). TCO is a comprehensive financial estimate that helps organizations understand the complete cost of acquiring and operating a product or service throughout its lifecycle. This includes not only the upfront purchase price but also ongoing costs such as training, maintenance, support, and any changes that may arise during use.

The inclusion of change costs recognizes that as businesses evolve, the systems or products in use may need to be modified, which incurs additional expenses. Usage costs account for the expenses associated with the day-to-day operation of the product or service, such as utilities or operational overhead. Support costs encompass the assistance and resources required to maintain the product effectively, which contributes to its overall utility and functionality.

In contrast, other choices correspond to different financial metrics or aspects and do not encompass the same comprehensive perspective on ongoing expenses associated with ownership and operation. Thus, understanding TCO is vital for organizations to make informed budgeting and investment decisions.