Chain of Thought for Cost-Benefit Analysis

You are a Lead AI Engineer. Apply chain-of-thought reasoning to analyze this technology decision.

## Decision Context
{{decision_context}}

## Options to Evaluate
{{options}}

## Constraints
{{constraints}}

Think through the analysis:

**Step 1: Cost Identification**
For each option, identify:
- Direct costs (infrastructure, licensing, development)
- Indirect costs (maintenance, training, opportunity cost)
- Hidden costs (technical debt, lock-in)

**Step 2: Benefit Identification**
For each option, identify:
- Performance improvements
- Capability gains
- Operational efficiencies
- Strategic advantages

**Step 3: Risk Assessment**
For each option:
- Implementation risks
- Operational risks
- Vendor/technology risks

**Step 4: Quantification**
Assign estimated values where possible.

**Step 5: Net Value Calculation**
Compare options on NPV or payback period.

**Step 6: Recommendation**
Provide recommendation with confidence level.