Operational Efficiency and Cost Optimization in Corporate Information Technology Management: A Qualitative Case Study on the KeyOS Operating System

In today’s competitive business environment, the management of corporate information technology (IT) infrastructures plays a critical role in terms of both operational efficiency and cost control. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a financial estimate designed to help buyers and owners determine both the direct and indirect costs of a product or service (Wikipedia, n.d.; Ellram & Maltz, 1995). TCO is fundamental in assessing the return on IT investments, encompassing not only initial acquisition costs but also hardware, maintenance, personnel, operational management, and system lifecycle expenses. Approximately 80% of TCO consists of administrative and operational costs (David, Schuff, & St. Louis, 2002). Widely used closed-source (commercial) operating systems can significantly increase TCO components due to high licensing fees, increasing hardware requirements, and complex management processes. This study examines KeyOS—the only operating system developed domestically with 100% national resources and low resource requirements—as a case study (KeyOS, 2025). The aim of the paper is to qualitatively analyze the potential of KeyOS’s architectural features, integrated management tools, and automation capabilities to reduce both direct and indirect components of TCO. Findings indicate that KeyOS’s cost advantages stem not merely from being license-free but also from delivering multi-layered efficiency gains, such as extending hardware lifespan, reducing the operational burden of IT personnel, enabling centralized management, and promoting standardization.