Agile + DevOps Days Des Moines 2025: The Real Price of Software Development: When Saving Money Costs You More

Organizations today face growing pressure to do more with less, making cost and operational efficiency top priorities for leaders across industries. When evaluating software development projects, the focus often falls on direct expenses such as engineering time, hardware budgets, and cloud bills. However, some cost-saving measures may actually lead to higher expenses over time. Smart decision-making requires a broader perspective that also considers less obvious costs, such as team productivity, customer satisfaction, and the long-term impact of technical debt.

In this session, we will break down the full range of costs associated with building and maintaining software. We’ll walk through real-world examples that challenge assumptions and show how “savings” like cheaper hardware or deferred maintenance can lead to ripple effects, such as slower workflows, frustrated teams, and missed opportunities. You’ll see how different types of costs can shape outcomes.

To make this actionable, we’ll introduce a practical evaluation framework to help attendees weigh trade-offs and balance financial constraints with non-monetary impacts. By the end, participants will have a clear approach to making smarter, sustainable choices that drive both immediate results and long-term success.

This talk will be given at Agile + DevOps Days Des Moines 2025 and led by LT Staff Engineer, Alex McClure. Use code ‘LT-15’ to receive 15% off tickets.