Web Hosting Contracts
Web hosting contracts should clearly spell out the services being offered and define
the limitations of those services. A good
web hosting contract protects the interests of both parties and provides a
solid foundation for resolving disputes that might arise. Web hosting contracts
are an important way web hosting service providers protect themselves.
A contract is a good idea whenever you're providing a service for two main reasons.
First, a contract gives you recourse to collect if the client defaults. But the
contract also outlines exactly what services you - as a service provider - agree
to perform. Web hosting contracts offer that protection specifically geared toward
industry standards.
Defining the 'Handshake'
There was a time when a handshake was sufficient for both parties to understand
the "contract" they were entering. While many say that people are no longer honest
enough for a simple handshake to suffice as an agreement, services like
web hosting are simply too complicated to rely on either party knowing what
will and will not be included in the service.
Web hosting contracts define the handshake. The services included are clearly stated.
No one can later claim that they "assumed" that unspecified services would
be provided.
"Smart" Contract Drafting Software
ContractEdge is actually a software application. Our contract drafting
software employs a Q&A process that leads you through each part of the
contract. Our web hosting contract drafting process actually helps you define "uptime"
guarantees and "compensation" for downtime. Even if you're offering a
single service - web hosting, for example - our legal contract forms provide you
the confidence that your legal agreements are well defined and your liability is
limited.
This is especially important if you tout customized service packages. A Service
Level Agreement can be developed without worry that you've overlooked something
important. Our web hosting contract includes a detailed SLA template.
Important Protection
While your web hosting contracts should outline your
services, there's little doubt that most who use contracts are looking for protection
from liabilities. The web hosting contracts from our product line includes agreements
on arbitration, attorney's fees, limitation of liability, severability and more.
It also covers downtime, ownership of creative ideas and acceptable use.
If you've been operating without web hosting contracts, or you're not happy with
your current contact, take a look at the details.
Agreement Provisions Included
- Scope of Services
- Price and Payment
- Term and Termination
- Customer Service
- User's Warranties and Obligations
- Ownership of Intellectual Property
- Warranty and Disclaimer
- Limitation of Liability
- Indemnification of Host
- Confidential Information
- Relation of Parties
- Employee Solicitation/Hiring
- Non-assignment
- Arbitration
- Attorneys' Fees
- Severability
- Force Majeure
- No Waiver
- Entire Agreement
Exhibit A: Statement of Work
- Preamble
- Project Background
- Scope
- Key Tasks and Milestones
- Project Deliverables
- Time and Cost Estimates
- Price and Payment
- Invoices
- Payment
- Project Organization and Personnel Requirements
- Supporting Documentation
- Expenses
Exhibit B: Service Level Agreement
- Downtime
- Technical Support
Exhibit C: Web Hosting Acceptable Use Policy
- Acceptable Use
- Reporting of Violations of This Acceptable Use Policy
- Revisions to This Acceptable Use Policy
Additional Topics
Legal Contract Forms
Legal Documents
Confidentiality
Website Contracts
Service Level Agreement
Contract Drafting
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