ABSTRACT
Service providers are all parties who provide any services irrespective of whether they belong to an independent (external) enterprise, to the same company group/structure, or to an internal service unit. The role of the service providers and suppliers has been put in the spotlight due to the trend by the regulated users† of purchasing computer systems, software products or software services. The responsibilities and specific requirements, including communication processes, should be clearly defined in the agreement between the contract giver and contract acceptor, Service Agreements and/or Quality Agreements. The regulated user may wish to consider additional means of evaluation fitness for purpose against predetermined requirements, specifications and anticipated risks. Techniques such as supplier questionnaires, (shared) supplier audits (Annex 11-3.2) and interaction with user and sector focus groups can be helpful.
