Decision Gate 1

Compute the development costs and ongoing maintenance costs. If these costs are greater than the current funding source, or extend beyond the current funding cycle — determine what sources may be required for sustainability.

Key Question: If the Gap Analysis determines that the perceived output will require continued development support and/or ongoing maintenance, can project continue under Freeware model, or should it shift to Commercial Product model?

Project Leader decides to to either continue on to Stage 2, reiterate targeted Steps in Stage 1, or terminate project due to inability to clearly articulate any of the following critical elements: Problem, Solution, Target Audience, Intended Output or path from Project Output to Market Deployment. 

Compute the development costs and ongoing maintenance costs. If these costs are greater than the current funding source, or extend beyond the current funding cycle — determine what sources may be required for sustainability.

Key question: If the Gap Analysis determines that the perceived output will require continued development support and/or ongoing maintenance, can project continue under Freeware model, or should it shift to Commercial Product model?

Project leader decides to to either continue on to Stage 2, reiterate targeted Steps in Stage 1, or terminate project due to inability to clearly articulate any of the following critical elements: Problem, Solution, Target Audience, Intended Output or path from Project Output to Market Deployment. 

Note: The NtK Model for Freeware contains Stages, Steps and Gates that may vary across the five sub-categories, as described in the five columns below.

Freeware Fee App Freemium/>$5 Free  DIY Fee DIY/Training
Required Required Required Required Required