Plain-English meaning
A one-time or staged charge for services needed to configure, migrate, integrate, train, or launch a product.
Why it matters in a software decision
It can materially change first-year cost and may exclude work the buyer assumes is included.
Where you may see it
Quotes, statements of work, partner proposals, order forms, and onboarding packages.
What to verify
- Deliverables and acceptance criteria
- Hours or fixed scope
- Travel and partner costs
- Change-order and delay rules
Do not confuse it with
An implementation fee pays for project work; a recurring platform or support fee continues during operation.
Procurement example
Separate vendor services, implementation-partner work, and internal labor so the approved budget shows the complete launch cost.
This glossary explains procurement usage in plain English. Contract, privacy, security, accounting, and regulatory conclusions require context-specific review.