Analysis Methodology
Transparent, evidence-based methodology for sovereignty scoring, cost analysis, and migration planning. Updated regularly to reflect market conditions.
Methodology Overview
Our Sovereignty + Margin Analysis combines quantitative cost modeling with qualitative sovereignty assessment to provide actionable recommendations for Australian organizations. The methodology balances mathematical precision with practical implementation considerations.
Data Collection
100+ enterprise tools mapped with pricing, sovereignty metrics, and alternatives
Analysis Engine
Multi-factor scoring algorithms with conservative cost estimates
Recommendations
Risk-adjusted migration plans with realistic timelines and costs
Sovereignty Scoring Framework
Our sovereignty score (0-100) measures an organization's control over their digital infrastructure and data. Higher scores indicate greater independence from foreign jurisdictions and vendor lock-in.
Scoring Components
Data Residency
- • Australian-hosted: 25 points
- • Mixed hosting: 10 points
- • Foreign-only: 0 points
Vendor Lock-in Risk
- • Low lock-in (1-3): 30 points
- • Medium lock-in (4-6): 15 points
- • High lock-in (7-10): 0 points
Data Portability
- • Full export capability: 20 points
- • Partial export: 10 points
- • Limited/None: 0 points
Contract Flexibility
- • High flexibility: 15 points
- • Medium flexibility: 10 points
- • Low flexibility: 5 points
Australian Ownership
- • Australian-owned: 10 points
- • Foreign-owned: 0 points
- • Weighted by tool importance
Cost-Weighted Calculation
Tools are weighted by their annual cost impact. Higher-cost tools have greater influence on the overall sovereignty score, reflecting their strategic importance to the organization.
Cost Analysis Methodology
Pricing Data Sources
Current Tool Costs
- • User-provided actual costs (primary)
- • Public pricing pages (validation)
- • Industry benchmark reports (Gartner, IDC)
- • Community pricing databases
Alternative Costs
- • Vendor public pricing (current)
- • Australian partner pricing
- • Volume discount estimates
- • Implementation cost benchmarks
Cost Calculation Principles
Conservative Estimates
We use upper-bound pricing for alternatives and lower-bound for current costs to provide conservative savings estimates that are likely achievable.
Total Cost of Ownership
Includes licensing, implementation, training, and ongoing support costs. Migration costs are calculated separately and amortized over 3 years.
Feature Parity Adjustments
Cost comparisons are adjusted for feature parity differences. Alternatives with <80% feature parity include productivity impact estimates.
Currency & Timing
All costs are presented in AUD using current exchange rates (updated monthly). Pricing reflects December 2024 market conditions and includes Australian GST where applicable.
Migration Planning Framework
Complexity Assessment
Low Complexity
- • SaaS → SaaS migrations
- • Standard data formats
- • Minimal customization
- • 2-4 week timeline
Medium Complexity
- • Some customization
- • Integration requirements
- • Data transformation needed
- • 6-12 week timeline
High Complexity
- • Extensive customization
- • Complex integrations
- • Legacy system dependencies
- • 12+ week timeline
Phasing Strategy
Phase 1: Foundation
Low-risk, high-impact changes that build confidence and demonstrate value. Focus on standalone tools with clear ROI.
Phase 2: Core Systems
Business-critical systems requiring careful planning and testing. Includes productivity suites and communication platforms.
Phase 3: Strategic Assets
Mission-critical applications with significant customization or integration. Requires extensive planning and potential consulting support.
Data Sources & Quality
Primary Sources
Pricing Information
- • Vendor official pricing pages
- • Australian partner price lists
- • Government procurement frameworks
- • Industry analyst reports (Gartner, IDC)
- • Community-sourced pricing data
Technical Assessment
- • Vendor documentation and whitepapers
- • Third-party security assessments
- • Compliance certification databases
- • Migration case studies
- • Feature comparison matrices
Quality Assurance
Monthly Updates
Pricing and feature data updated monthly. Major methodology changes reviewed quarterly.
Multi-Source Validation
All pricing claims verified against at least two independent sources before inclusion.
Community Feedback
Regular feedback collection from users to identify pricing discrepancies and new alternatives.
Update Schedule
Limitations & Important Notes
Cost Estimates
- • Pricing based on public information; actual costs may vary with volume discounts
- • Migration costs are estimates; complex implementations may require additional resources
- • Exchange rates updated monthly; currency fluctuations affect international pricing
- • GST calculations approximate; consult tax advisors for precise obligations
Technical Assessment
- • Feature parity assessments are generalized; specific workflows may differ
- • Security and compliance claims require independent verification
- • Migration complexity varies significantly with organizational factors
- • Integration capabilities depend on specific technical requirements
Sovereignty Scoring
- • Scoring reflects general sovereignty principles; legal requirements vary by industry
- • Australian ownership classifications based on public information
- • Data residency claims require verification with individual vendors
- • Regulatory compliance depends on specific organizational requirements
Professional Advice Recommended
This analysis provides guidance only and should not replace professional technical, legal, or financial advice. We strongly recommend conducting detailed assessments and proof-of-concept implementations before making significant technology decisions.