When leveraging automation software as part of an outsourcing relationship, it is important to document what specific benefits will be realized and the impact on the overall transaction, and to consider the appropriate mechanisms to ensure that implementation, intellectual property, and exit rights are mitigated, advises Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in a web post.

Authors Barbara Murphy Melby and Sarah Bryan cover the license, implementation, intellectual property rights, total cost of ownership, and liability.

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Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton has compiled a structured guide to outsourcing contracts in the United States. The guide is available on Lexology.com.

The guide covers the various types of contract forms for outsourcing arrangements, due diligence, customer base, business requirements, HR issues, third-party contracts, duration and renewal, supplier selection, service specifications, charging methods, warranties and indemnities, and ending the agreement.

Authors of the article are James Steinberg, Joshua M. Benson, Farah F. Cook, Joshua S. Ganz, Julie C. Grundman, Maha Khalaj, Lance McCord, Michelle Tyde, Amanda M. Witt and Vita Zeltser.

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Black Duck Software has posted a complimentary on-demand webinar discussing ways organizations can outsource to meet their development needs and also address open source security and management risks before giving contractors access to their valuable technologies.

“Today’s rapidly changing technologies, including the proliferation of open source and the accelerating shift to the cloud, are increasing the use of outside experts for both application development and IT solutions,” the company says on its website. “At the same time, IP security is top of mind worldwide.”

The presenter is Jim Markwith, co-founder and managing partner of Symons Markwith LLP’s Seattle and Washington, DC area offices.

He is an experienced technology and corporate transactions attorney with over 20 years of experience. His clients range from start-ups to fortune 50 technology leaders, including computer software, on-line retail, and Healthcare IT product and service developers.

Prior to private practice, Markwith held executive and senior in-house legal positions with Microsoft, Adobe Systems, and Allscripts Healthcare. He received his J.D. degree from Santa Clara University School of Law, and is a member of the California, Washington, DC, and Washington State Bar Associations.

Watch the on-demand webinar.

While the feds have certainly put hurdles in place to prevent abuse, outsourcing IT in a highly regulated industry like banking may very well lead to higher standards and quality outcomes, writes Bruce Harpham for CIO.

“Banking has changed since the global financial crisis in 2008. The steady increase in regulations from Washington, the states and international organizations are now impacting IT leaders,” he writes in the article. “As regulators examine vendor relationships and outsourcing arrangements more closely, there is a significant risk that poorly managed IT could trigger an audit finding, a fine or negative publicity.”

The article discusses some risks to manage as IT leaders plan to review and renew IT service providers in 2016.

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