Blogs

In today's digital-first environment, Software as a Service (SaaS) agreements are pivotal in defining the relationship between service providers and their users. These agreements set forth the terms and expectations for using online applications and services. Unpacking Service Level Agreements (SLAs) At the heart of these agreements lie the Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which are commitments from the service provider about the performance and reliability of their software. SLAs often include specifics like uptime (how often the service is available) and support response times. The Importance of Remedies in SLAs When services fall short of SLA promises, ...

Let's chat about IT contract management. It's more than just fancy signatures and legalese; it's about ensuring that the contracts you sign won't come back to haunt you (and your company). The question is: How do you craft an IT contract that's as tight as your favorite pair of jeans, without the risk of unexpected "rips"? Lucky for you, we've compiled a list of top tips to limit those pesky contract risks. Let's dive right in! 1. Get to Know Your Vendor Before any ink hits the paper, do your homework. Understand your vendor's history, reputation, and financial stability. A strong foundation prevents future misunderstandings. Our CAUCUS Community is ...

Navigating the maze of IT vendor management can sometimes feel like you're playing a never-ending game of Whack-a-Mole. With the multitude of vendors to choose from and the constant demand for actionable KPIs, it's no wonder that even seasoned professionals can find it challenging. But fear not! We've put together a listicle of top tips to help you master IT vendor management. Ready? Let's dive in. 1. Identify Your Critical Vendors 🚀 Start by prioritizing. Not all vendors demand the same level of attention. Identify which vendors are mission-critical to your organization, and which ones have a lesser impact. This ensures ...

In today's digital landscape, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has become a popular choice for businesses seeking to streamline their operations. Negotiating SaaS contracts is similar to navigating a minefield; if done carefully and with the right tools, you can reach the other side unscathed, but one misstep could have catastrophic consequences. It is essential for procurement professionals to equip themselves with the right information to make sure they avoid any landmines and get the best outcome for their organization. In this article, we explore the key risks in SaaS contracts and offer actionable best practices to help procurement professionals ...

Are you curious about what's new in IT procurement? Well, buckle up because I've got the latest scoop on the top 5 trends you need to know about. Emphasis on Sustainability With the growing concern for the environment, many companies are placing a higher importance on sustainability in their IT procurement processes. This includes evaluating the carbon footprint of suppliers, looking for eco-friendly products, and implementing green initiatives throughout the procurement cycle. Shift to Cloud-Based Solutions The trend towards cloud-based solutions is continuing to gain momentum as companies look for more scalable, flexible, and cost-effective ...

Correction: Written by Luke Montoya and posted by Russell @ CAUCUS HQ Recently I read “Blink” by Malcom Gladwell and found its insights interesting to consider in the context of Strategic Sourcing. Blink’s focus is analyzing quick judgments, often made within a few seconds or less. Gladwell concludes that in certain situations quick judgments are not only necessary but can be more accurate than decisions made after detailed analysis, while other times quick judgments are inaccurate due to unconscious biases. Some examples Gladwell provides to show the power of quick judgments are (1) several art experts recognizing the inauthenticity of a claimed historical ...