There are a number of factors that go into the pricing of commercial applications. Among the key factors are the development cost for software, as well as hardware validation. RIS/PACS are more complicated in some respects than consumer applications, so there is a cost to make sure software-only applications work with a broad base of equipment. Since the market for RIS/PACS products is smaller than commercial applications, there is less volume to spread the development cost over, so that also tends to drive up the price. Also, besides development, there are the support costs. Companies usually have to provide a help desk, documentation, and other support. Shareware typically does not provide the same level of support as company offerings.

There are a number of factors that go into the pricing of commercial applications. Among the key factors are the development cost for software, as well as hardware validation. RIS/PACS are more complicated in some respects than consumer applications, so there is a cost to make sure software-only applications work with a broad base of equipment. Since the market for RIS/PACS products is smaller than commercial applications, there is less volume to spread the development cost over, so that also tends to drive up the price. Also, besides development, there are the support costs. Companies usually have to provide a help desk, documentation, and other support. Shareware typically does not provide the same level of support as company offerings.