What is currently best low cost automation?

There are a lot of automation systems and over the years, the leaders have changed. Even google at one point got into the automation game. We really like the simple and very dependable automation system we are using but some of our staff suggested we would be remiss if we didn't take a look at what is out there as we are upgrading computers.

We are looking for something that doesn't crash, is easy to use, low cost and will likely be around for at least 10 - 15 more years.

I'm not sure your question can be answered, given the information you've provided. Given your posting numbers here, you probably know that already. Your range of choices depends on what you want to do with the automation, what kind of technical environment you're placing it in and how your staff will interact with it. That will narrow the field, but be prepared to accept that the best choice for you may not be the cheapest. If cost is your main criteria, objectivity in a forum like this devolves fairly quickly.

It's much like asking "what's the best processor" or "what's the best transmitter". These questions are really good at poking the ants' nest.

Try looking at FreePlayer:
http://www.verdonschot.eu/freeplayer

There are lots of choices, ranging from free to many thousands of dollars. The right one depends on what you need to do. For free Zara Radio is hard to beat. if you are a hobby broadcaster or LPFM it might be all you need. If you are a small commercial station, Zara Studio is a paid version with a lot of extra features. Depending on how the Euro is doing, it is only a couple of hundred bucks (or less). There is a traffic and billing module which integrates with it for around $160.00. It works, is very reliable and sounds very good on the air. There are lots of other programs out there, costing a lot more. Wide Orbit is quite popular, but it is on the other end of the price spectrum. There are plenty in between. A lot of people like StationPlaylist.com I suggest you do a Google search, download a few demo versions and make up your mind for yourself. What seems easy for some people is daunting and awkward for others, and vice-versa. It is almost a case of which do you like better, "Boxers, briefs, or nothing at all?"

Station Playlist hands down. Voice tracking (including remote voice tracking), Traffic importing, networking (any type of contact closure of syndicated fee pickup, even a url feed). A music scheduler is included. We have had it on the air for three years with no issues at all.

We ran it for 18 months before we put it on the air, and tried to jam it, crash it, and trip it up....it just runs.

It also has oh wow! features such as allowing you to take requests from your website, and time and temperature announcements (we don't use those features).

For free, Rivendell is you best choice (many large market stations and companies use it including Salem) or for a internet station Zara free.

after you have bought say Wide Orbit what i s the continuing monthly cost same for music schedulers like music master

double C said:

after you have bought say Wide Orbit what i s the continuing monthly cost same for music schedulers like music master

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The music Scheduler with Station Playlist is a buyout, and comes with the pro package. Natural Music is also a buyout (along with their traffic software).