Now that you’ve found the perfect Managed IT Service (MITS) provider for your business needs, it’s time to make it official and sign an agreement. While it doesn’t have to be a very complicated document, it’s important to have something in writing at beginning of a client-MITS relationship to protect the interests of both sides in terms of expectations and communication.
Below we’ve outlined 6 key points that should be included in all client-MITS agreements.
1. Client Terms and Conditions
In this section of the agreement, it’s important to identify the basics of the relationship. This would include hours in which each party can be contacted, contact information for the point of contact person for each party, length of the agreement and payment details. This will be known as the baseline for the professional relationship so be sure to take extra care in solidifying this information.
2. Services Provided
Clearly defining which services the client will be provided with as well as the general scope of work to be done by the MITS is a very important and will protect both sides in future conversations. By defining the scope of work, the responsibility and liability is allocated to either party.
3. Termination of Agreement
In the case where an agreement is terminated it is necessary to outline how that should and can be done. Specific details to highlight in this section would include notices prior to termination, the need for licensing and who owns what data post termination.
4. Confidentiality
A clear confidentiality agreement is the best way to protect all parties involved. Additionally, a non-disclosure, non-compete or licensing agreement may be included in this section if applicable.
5. Backups
While backups are essential to protecting a business, they eventually become redundant as new backups are continuously made. In this section of the agreement, it’s important to outline how many backups should be kept at one time, the length of time a backup should be kep, and how often new backups are to be made.
6. Definitions
Definitions of terms in a contract are extremely important as ambiguous terms can, at times, be used as leverage. Defining and agreeing together as to what a term means to each party including any company specific terms is necessary to building a solid contract.
Looking for a Managed IT Service provider that understands your company and the importance of a contractual agreement? Book a call discovery call with Resilient IT today!
