AMDOCS LIMITED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued) (dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share data) Evidence (“VSOE”). In the absence of fair value for a delivered element the Company uses the residual method. The residual method requires that the Company first allocate revenue to the fair value of the undelivered elements and residual revenue to delivered elements. If VSOE of any undelivered items does not exist, revenue from the entire arrangement is deferred and recognized at the earlier of (i) delivery of those elements for which VSOE does not exist or (ii) when VSOE can be established. However, in limited cases where maintenance is the only undelivered element without VSOE, the entire arrangement fee is recognized ratably upon commencement of the maintenance services. The residual method is used mainly in multiple element arrangements that include license for the sale of software solutions that do not require significant customization, modification, implementation and integration and maintenance to determine the appropriate value for the license component. Under the guidance for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables that are outside the scope of the software revenue recognition guidance, the Company allocates revenue to each element based upon the relative fair value. Fair value would be allocated by using a hierarchy of 1) VSOE, 2) third-party evidence of selling price for that element, or 3) estimated selling price, or ESP, for individual elements of an arrangement when VSOE or third-party evidence of selling price is unavailable. This results in the elimination of the residual method of allocating revenue consideration. The Company determines ESP for the purposes of allocating the consideration to individual elements of an arrangement by considering several external and internal factors including, but not limited to, pricing practices, margin objectives, geographies in which the Company offers its services and internal costs. The determination of ESP is judgmental and is made through consultation with and approval by management. In certain circumstances where the Company enters into a contract with a customer for the provision of managed services for a defined period of time, the Company defers certain direct costs incurred at the inception of the contract. These costs include time and expense incurred in association with the origination of a contract. In addition, if the revenue for a delivered item is not recognized because it is not separable from the undelivered item, then the Company also defers the cost of the delivered item. The deferred costs are amortized on a straight- line basis over the managed services period, or over the recognition period of the undelivered item. Revenue associated with these capitalized costs is deferred and is recognized over the same period. Deferred revenue represents billings to customers for licenses and services for which revenue has not been recognized. Deferred revenue that is expected to be recognized beyond the next 12 months is considered long- term deferred revenue. Unbilled accounts receivable include all revenue amounts that had not been billed as of the balance sheet date due to contractual or other arrangements with customers. Unbilled accounts receivable that are expected to be billed beyond the next 12 months are considered long-term unbilled receivables. Cost of license and cost of service consist of all costs associated with providing software licenses and services to customers, including identified losses on contracts. Estimated losses on contracts accounted for using the percentage of completion method of accounting are recognized in the period in which the loss is identified. Cost of license includes license fees and royalty payments to software suppliers. Cost of service also includes costs of third-party products associated with reselling third-party computer hardware and software products to customers and other third-party services, when the related revenue is recorded at the gross amount. Customers purchasing third-party products and services from the Company generally do so in conjunction with the purchase of the Company’s software and services. Research and development expenditures consist of costs incurred in the development of new software modules and product offerings, either as part of the Company’s internal product development programs, which are sold, leased or otherwise marketed. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. F-14 Research and Development Cost of License and Cost of Service