The implementation of data center intrusion prevention systems (DCIPS) can be a complex process, with multiple factors affecting the overall cost of deployment, maintenance, and upkeep. Enterprises should include the total cost of ownership (TCO) as part of their evaluations, focusing on the following at a minimum:

• Acquisition costs for the DCIPS and a central management system (CMS)
• Fees paid to the vendor for annual maintenance, support, and signature updates
• Labor costs for installation, maintenance, and upkeep