specification: FinOps Framework
specificationVersion: '1.0'
schema: https://www.finops.org/framework/
provider: Kobiton
providerId: kobiton
created: '2026-07-11'
modified: '2026-07-11'
reconciled: false
tags:
- Mobile Testing
- Test Runs
- Device Cloud
- FinOps
- Cost Management
- FOCUS
description: >-
  FinOps view of Kobiton spend. Kobiton is billed as a subscription whose
  dominant cost driver is testing minutes consumed against the real-device
  cloud - every manual, scripted (Appium), and scriptless test run draws down a
  monthly minute allowance tied to the plan (Startup 500, Accelerate 3,000,
  Scale 7,500). The REST API and Appium hub carry no separate fee; API-driven
  automation simply consumes the same minutes. Enterprise adds custom-priced
  capabilities (AI/no-code testing, dedicated or on-prem devices, visual and
  performance validation). Private/local device management has historically been
  priced per device slot.
notes: >-
  Per-minute overage rates and Enterprise pricing are not reconciled here;
  verify on the Kobiton pricing page. The biggest optimization lever is reducing
  wasted device time - end idle sessions, scope scriptless/data-driven runs, and
  right-size the monthly minute plan to actual test-run volume.
sources:
- https://kobiton.com/pricing/
- https://kobiton.com/
- https://docs.kobiton.com/
- https://focus.finops.org/focus-specification/v1-3/
alignedWith:
  framework: FinOps Foundation Framework
  frameworkUrl: https://www.finops.org/framework/
  dataSpec: FOCUS
  dataSpecVersion: '1.3'
  dataSpecUrl: https://focus.finops.org/focus-specification/v1-3/
publisherName: Kobiton
serviceCategory: Software Testing and Quality Assurance
billingModel:
  pricingCategory: Subscription
  billingFrequency: Monthly
  billingCurrency: USD
  chargeCategories:
  - Usage
  - Purchase
focusColumns:
  ServiceName: Kobiton Mobile Device Cloud
  ServiceCategory: Software Testing and Quality Assurance
  ProviderName: Kobiton
  PublisherName: Kobiton
  InvoiceIssuerName: Kobiton
  BillingCurrency: USD
  ChargeCategory: Usage
  PricingCategory: Subscription
meters:
- name: testing_minutes
  description: Minutes of real-device usage consumed by manual, scripted, and scriptless test runs, drawn from the plan allowance.
  unit: minutes
  aggregation: sum
  dimensions:
  - account
  - device
  - session
- name: device_slots
  description: Private/local devices managed via Device Lab Management, historically billed per device slot per month.
  unit: devices
  aggregation: max
  dimensions:
  - account
- name: subscription_seat
  description: Plan subscription fee for the account/organization.
  unit: month
  aggregation: sum
  dimensions:
  - account
principles:
- name: Visibility
  description: Track testing minutes consumed per session, device, and team; watch for sessions left running idle.
- name: Allocation
  description: Attribute test runs to teams/projects (via app assignment and organization members) so minute consumption maps to cost centers.
- name: Optimization
  description: End idle sessions, disable idle-quit only when needed, scope scriptless and data-driven runs, and match the monthly minute plan to actual QA volume.
- name: Accountability
  description: Assign owners per team/app and review monthly minute burn against the plan allowance before renewing or upgrading tiers.
maintainers:
- FN: Kin Lane
  email: kin@apievangelist.com