2022 Service Level Agreements in Technology Contracting

Original program date 3/1/2022

In a world where every client depends on IT functions – web site hosting, e-commerce, telecom, storing files remotely in the Cloud, or on locally leased servers, e-mail and much more – and when most of these functions are outsourced or provided by vendors, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are of paramount importance. SLAs set benchmarks for these services – what uptime is expected and for how long, what happens when something goes down, how is service measured and reported?  The operation of every business and every law firm rests on the answer to these questions. This program will provide you a practical guide to reviewing, drafting and negotiating SLAs for client IT functions.  

•       Purpose of SLAs – ensuring clients get benefit of bargain, incentivizing providers
•       Types of services – locally installed v. the Cloud
•       Service availability – uptime, guarantees, exclusions
•       Service performance – minimum v. expected service, resolution time v. resolution goals
•       Special considerations when drafting for the Cloud
•       Common failures, damages, and remedies
 

Note: This material qualifies for self-study credit only. Pursuant to Regulation 15.04.5, a lawyer may receive up to six hours of self-study credit in a reporting year. Self-study programs do not qualify for GAL Certification, ethics, elimination of bias or Kansas credit.