Software Development Costs

12 Months Ended

Jan. 02, 2016

Software Development

Information regarding our software development costs is included in the following table:



	For the Years Ended
(In thousands)	2015			2014			2013

Software development costs	$	685,260		$	467,158		$	418,747
Capitalized software development costs	(264,656		)	(177,800		)	(174,649		)
Amortization of capitalized software development costs	119,195			103,447			94,688

Total software development expense	$	539,799		$	392,805		$	338,786

Accumulated amortization as of the end of 2015 and 2014 was $1.0 billion and $891 million, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for research, development, and computer software activities, including contracts and arrangements to be performed for others and with federal government. Includes costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility and in-process research and development acquired in a business combination consummated during the period.

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