Relevant costs, opportunity costs. Larry Miller, the general manager of Basil Software, must decide when to release the new version of Basil’s spreadsheet package, Easyspread 2.0. Development of Easyspread 2.0 is complete; however, the diskettes, compact discs, and user manuals have not yet been produced. The product can be shipped starting July 1, 2009.

The major problem is that Basil has overstocked the previous version of its spreadsheet package, Easyspread 1.0. Miller knows that once Easyspread 2.0 is introduced, Basil will not be able to sell any more units of Easyspread 1.0. Rather than just throwing away the inventory of Easyspread 1.0, Miller is wondering if it might be better to continue to sell Easyspread 1.0 for the next three months and introduce Easyspread 2.0 on October 1, 2009, when the inventory of Easyspread 1.0 will be sold out.

The following information is available:

Development cost per unit for each product equals the total costs of developing the software product divided by the anticipated unit sales over the life of the product. Marketing and administrative costs are fixed costs in 2009, incurred to support all marketing and administrative activities of Basil Software. Marketing and administrative costs are allocated to products on the basis of the budgeted revenues of each product. The preceding unit costs assume Easyspread 2.0 will be introduced on October 1, 2009.

1. On the basis of financial considerations alone, should Miller introduce Easyspread 2.0 on July 1, 2009, or wait until October 1, 2009? Show your calculations, clearly identifying relevant and irrelevant revenues and costs.

2. What other factors might Larry Miller consider in making a decision?

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Easyspread 1.0 $160 25 70 Easyspread 2.0 $195 30 100 40 170 Selling price Variable cost per unit of diskettes, compact discs, user manuals Development cost per unit Marketing and administrative cost per unit Total cost per unit Operating income per unit 35 130 $ 30 $ 25