Contract Negotiation Handbook: Software as a Service - Softcover

Guth, Stephen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0988830809 ISBN 13: 9780988830806

Publisher: Guth Ventures LLC, 2013

Synopsis

A Hands-On Guide for Contracting in the Cloud. Stephen Guth's latest book zeros in on the high-stakes negotiations of Software as a Service procurements. Covering topics from audit rights to data privacy to service levels, the Contract Negotiation Handbook: Software as a Service dissects a cloud computing contract line-by-line with easy to understand explanations, preparing you to successfully counter service provider negotiation ploys. Based on years of real-life experience, the practical negotiation tactics described in this how-to book could save you money on your next cloud computing procurement and protect you from taking on unnecessary risk. Whether you're an attorney, a procurement professional, or just looking to get the best possible deal, this book has something for you. Don't negotiate your next cloud computing contract without it!

About this title

About the Author

Stephen Guth has provided negotiation services, as both a buyer and a seller, to numerous multinational companies. Stephen is the author of The Contract Negotiation Handbook: An Indispensable Guide for Contract Professionals, The Vendor Management Office: Unleashing the Power of Strategic Sourcing, Project Procurement Management: A Guide to Structured Procurements, and Hotel Contract Negotiation Tips, Tricks, and Traps. He also blogs on procurement and contracting topics at www.stephenguth.com.

From the Inside Flap

Guth describes his approach in explaining the cloud services contract template included in the Contract Negotiation Handbook: Software as a Service, "I deconstruct the Master Software as a Service Agreement section-by-section and provision-by-provision, describing and explaining any tips, tricks, or traps. This book isn't an academic treatise on cloud computing contract negotiations--it's a practical, how-to guide."

Says Guth, "There are a ton of advantages in moving to the cloud, but remember that your data and your functionality are not on your servers anymore--they're in the hands of the service provider, usually with other tenants in the public cloud. When contracting for cloud services, you're impliedly putting a lot of trust in the service provider. Without a comprehensive cloud computing contract or SaaS contract in place, you're facing huge risks."

The book covers key contract provisions to mitigate risks specific to cloud computing and SaaS. Guth explains the financial and reputational risks, "Without robust service levels, you could suffer service performance issues that dramatically impact your business operations. Financial risks also include the ongoing viability of a service provider. Those risks, however, are not nearly as painful as responding to reporters' or government investigators' questions regarding deficiencies related to the privacy and security of your data. My book addresses all of those risks and more through clear contract language."

The book includes a free downloadable Master Software as a Service Agreement contract template.

Edition details

• Publisher: Guth Ventures LLC
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0988830809
• ISBN 13: 9780988830806
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 249