Full-Service Law Firm solving complex challenges through bold thinking, precise execution, and shared purpose.

Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &amp; Government

Meet our team of trusted advisors, strategic thinkers, and community builders dedicated to client success.

Learn about our full-service legal and business solutions, designed to address complex challenges for leading organizations across industries.

Access thought leadership, news, and resources to stay informed about the latest trends, legal developments, and industry innovations.

Discover how partnership, bold thinking, and precise execution drive results for clients nationwide.

Explore how our national reach and local expertise support clients across the United States and beyond.

Grow at a firm designed to bring out your best.

Companies spend considerable time negotiating SaaS agreements, including pricing, implementation, and service levels. However, far less attention is paid to what happens when the relationship ends.By the time you decide to terminate a SaaS relationship, the platform can hold years of operational data, critical workflows, and integrations with your other business systems. If your agreement does not adequately address the transition process, you may face unexpected costs, business disruption, or even difficulty accessing your own data.&nbsp;Below are several provisions worth thinking through before you sign:1. Transition AssistanceThink about how you will replace the provider and transition to a new platform. Transition services may include continued access to the software for a limited period, assistance with data migration, and access to reasonable support (including technical personnel, if necessary). Be sure to clarify whether additional fees apply to any transition services.Additionally, consider whether a software escrow arrangement is appropriate if the provider ceases operations or files for bankruptcy.2. Return of Your DataMany SaaS providers permit customers to export data upon termination, but often the agreement provides little or no detail regarding the format, timing, or scope of the information available for export. Consider negotiating provisions that specifically address the format in which data will be returned, how long the data will remain accessible, and whether any additional fees apply.3. Deletion of Your Data&nbsp;On top of getting your data back, consider the provider’s obligation to delete it. This is particularly important for businesses handling sensitive customer, employee, or regulated information.Key questions include:<ul style="list-style-type: disc"><li>When will the provider delete your data and backup copies?</li><li>Are there applicable legal or regulatory retention requirements?</li><li>Will the provider certify deletion or destruction upon request?</li></ul>The best time to negotiate your termination rights is before anyone expects to use them. While everyone is focused on the scope of services to be provided at the outset of the relationship, it is equally important to think about how the relationship may end.&nbsp;A well-drafted divorce strategy addressing transition assistance, data return, and data deletion can help avoid disruption and unexpected costs when it is time to move on.

SaaS Agreements: Plan Your Divorce Before the Marriage Begins

Related People

Related Capabilities

You may also be interested in these

Protecting Faith-Based Programs & the Church Autonomy Doctrine

Creating a Sabbatical Policy for Churches

Michael Best Elevates Six Attorneys to Partnership