Website design By BotEap.comYour customer has agreed to hire you for a managed network services project, and you’re ready to begin ordering the necessary equipment and software and developing your implementation plan. But before you do, there’s one very important detail to take care of first: securing your client’s signature on a network consulting services agreement.

Website design By BotEap.comA contract for network consulting services governs the relationship between you and your client, clearly defining the expectations of both parties so that there are no surprises in the future. Anytime your business provides managed network services that involve design, installation, or maintenance, you need the protection of a strong contract.

Website design By BotEap.comYou could hire your own lawyer to draft one, but a more affordable approach is to use an existing model contract for network service providers. Using a template guides you through defining the scope of services you will perform on an ongoing basis for your client and helps ensure that you have addressed the most common variables inherent to the project.

Website design By BotEap.comThe idea is to clearly establish the rights and responsibilities of each party during the term of the contract, reducing the possibility of misunderstandings that could arise due to lack of communication.

Website design By BotEap.comWhat should your network consulting services contract include? First, you need to establish clear communication and customer expectations by providing a clearly defined scope of work. The scope of work may include initial project setup, general maintenance and repair, hardware and software installation and troubleshooting, needs assessment, systems integration, network security, backup and data recovery, rapid response service, and 24-hour emergency service.

Website design By BotEap.comAs a network service provider, you know that you will do what is asked of you, but you also want to make sure that your customers do exactly what is expected of them. A network consulting services contract, or custom contract template, typically includes specific things the client must do or provide in order for you to complete the job. For example, you may need an access card to access the premises at specific times, or the customer may pay for required hardware or software on a specific date.

Website design By BotEap.comIt is also common to itemize in your network service provider contract all expenses for which the customer is responsible and provide any supporting documentation related to the job.

Website design By BotEap.comYour managed network service agreement may also include a disclaimer stating that you cannot guarantee the stability, security, and protection of the network, and stating that you are not liable to the customer for lost revenue, revenue, or data. A contract may also have clauses to protect any confidential information you share with the client and prohibit the client from hiring your employees.

Website design By BotEap.comHaving a legally sound network consulting services contract, signed by both parties, can protect you from financial and material loss. It also sets out the price and terms of payment, sets out a clearly defined term for the agreement, and outlines the process either party must follow to terminate the contract.

Website design By BotEap.comA network service provider agreement ensures clear communication with your customer and gives you something to fall back on if things go off the rails. By setting clear expectations early on in a project, you’re much more likely to end up with a satisfied customer and repeat business.