The Internet of Things (IoT), whereby miniature computers are embedded into objects and devices and connected via the internet using wireless technology, offers many advantages, such as smart thermostats which have the ability to remotely monitor and adjust your heating at home, and medical devices / apps which are used…
This is the second of two postings that outline key pricing protections you should consider negotiating with licensors of ERP software to provide flexibility and predictability in managing the ongoing license and maintenance costs associated with the software. In the earlier posting, we discussed future option discounts, exchange rights, and…
The licensing and implementation of ERP software is a major long-term investment for any company. In addition to negotiating favorable upfront pricing for the software, it is important to build in pricing mechanisms that provide flexibility and predictability in managing the ongoing license and maintenance costs associated with the software. …
As a thin guy, I used to subscribe to the philosophy of wearing large clothes to look bigger than I was. What I actually looked like was a scrawny guy in ill-fitting clothes that were not overly comfortable. Sourcing of IT and associated services may be falling into a similar…
Innovation is prized in the growing space of the Internet of Things. But an innovative product design is not enough, and potential pitfalls abound. As demonstrated in a report published by the Federal Trade Commission, privacy and security need to be at the forefront of developers’ minds. Here are five…
The trend in Big Data analytics among companies shows no sign in abating, with companies covetously collecting vast amounts of data with the hopes of harvesting market differentiators. A study by open-source research firm Wikibon, for instance, forecasts an annual Big Data software growth rate of 45% through 2017. But…
Any company that uses information technology is a potential target for data theft, advanced malware and other cyber threats. Cyber threats have emerged as a growing systemic risk particularly to the financial sector in which Financial Market Infrastructures (“FMIs”) are increasingly under attack from a wide range of players, at…
A recent survey of over 1,200 of the top mobile apps in 19 countries by the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (“GPEN”) has found that 85% of the apps reviewed were non-compliant, failing to provide even the most basic privacy information to users. In addition, 43% failed in their obligation to…
It isn’t often that a supplier “fires” its customer, but it’s not unknown. I have worked with two clients recently whose suppliers have given notice of termination without cause. How can you avoid or, if it does happen, manage through a supplier-initiated termination? Obviously, the best position from a customer’s…
Quantitative measures of supplier performance in the form of service levels are critical in any outsourcing relationship. However, they provide an incomplete picture of how well the supplier is performing and meeting the client’s business and IT objectives. A common complaint is that the service levels are green each month,…