ABSTRACT
Contracting for system integration is no different than contracting for any other service. Many information technology (IT) managers, however, are fearful of the contracts and contracting process, which is in fact no different from any systems analysis and problem-solving process. Systems integration depends on procuring parts of systems and integrating them as a purchased service, to solve a business problem. In contracting for systems integration, a clear set of metrics should be identified and constantly revisited during the negotiations, to ensure that the end results can be achieved. The Glossary is an important article for a systems integration contract, as it defines terms as they are used in the body of the contract or if they are not mentioned but materially important to the execution and fulfillment of the contract. In a systems integration contract, it is important to know the exact rights of the parties with reference to the patent or copyright rights regarding the product or services delivered.
