Managed Service Providers (MSP) and software developers
sometimes use agreements from peers, samples from the internet, and
from legal form databases. These methods of obtaining agreements to
use with customers are sometimes utilized to avoid legal expenses
from an experienced technology lawyer or because the forms are from
trusted sources. When using such an approach, consider the
following:
Have I actually read my form agreement?
In order for customer agreements to be effective,
suppliers should be able to communicate the language and intent of
the contract language. Additionally, being confident that the
language is appropriate can be helpful when having to defend the
language in negotiations. MSP's and developers should be able
to explain "why" the contract language is necessary. Not
knowing what is in the contract form, or why the language is
necessary could lead to losing credibility before even delivering
the products or services to current or
