Digital Labor Factory

Everybody loves a good demo. It looks slick, it sounds cheap, and the vendor swears it'll "pay for itself." But six months in, you're knee-deep in consulting fees, custom integrations, support subscriptions, and surprise invoices. Welcome to the real Total Cost of Ownership.

Microsoft

Microsoft isn't cheap up front—but at least you know what you're paying for. Licensing is clear, usage models are predictable, and a ton of stuff is already built in. Plus, because the tools are integrated, you're not shelling out for bolt-ons to get basic functionality. It's a high-value package, not a never-ending expense stream.

Google

Google's AI stack can get expensive quickly. Yes, their cloud usage model seems flexible—but "flexible" often means unpredictable. You might save a little on paper, but once you factor in the cost of integration and the learning curve for non-Google teams, your savings might evaporate.

Salesforce

Salesforce is the king of "base price + add-on tax." AI tools often come bundled with core licenses, but you'll need upgrades, connectors, and maybe MuleSoft just to make it work the way you want. You didn't buy a Tesla—you bought a Tesla that charges you extra to unlock the glovebox.

Open-Source

Free is great. Until you need it to work. Then comes the cost of custom development, security audits, integration help, and internal resourcing. It's like buying a free puppy—cheap on day one, expensive for the next 15 years.

Startups

Startups will pitch their platform as budget-friendly, but the real cost shows up later. You'll end up funding their product roadmap through your support tickets. And when they pivot or fold, you're the one left holding the bag.

The Digital Labor Factory Angle

We use Microsoft because it offers the cleanest TCO story. Our clients don't get nickel-and-dimed—they get results. You know what you're buying, you know what it'll cost, and we make sure it works. Want to reduce headcount without blowing up your budget? We're your people.