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A Managed Services Agreement sets out the terms when one company provides ongoing technical or operational support to another. Common in Irish business, these contracts detail how an external provider will handle services like IT support, cybersecurity, or facility management on behalf of their client.

The agreement spells out service levels, response times, and performance standards while following Irish contract law and data protection requirements under GDPR. It covers key areas like pricing, liability limits, confidentiality, and termination rights - giving both parties clear expectations about their roles and responsibilities throughout the service relationship.

Use a Managed Services Agreement when outsourcing essential business functions like IT support, cybersecurity, or facilities management to external providers in Ireland. This becomes crucial when your organization lacks internal expertise or resources to handle these operations effectively, or when you need specialized support to meet regulatory requirements.

The agreement proves especially valuable for scaling businesses, companies handling sensitive data under GDPR, or organizations needing 24/7 technical support. It provides clear accountability, sets performance standards, and protects both parties through detailed service terms - particularly important when dealing with critical infrastructure or customer-facing services.

• Basic IT Services: Covers routine technology maintenance, helpdesk support, and network monitoring - ideal for small to medium businesses needing fundamental tech support
• Comprehensive Infrastructure: Manages entire IT ecosystems including cloud services, cybersecurity, and data compliance under Irish GDPR requirements
• Industry-Specific: Tailored for sectors like healthcare or financial services, incorporating specific regulatory requirements and compliance standards
• Project-Based: Combines ongoing support with specific project deliverables, often used for digital transformation initiatives
• Co-Managed Services: Splits responsibilities between internal IT teams and external providers, with clearly defined roles and escalation paths

• Service Providers: IT companies, tech consultancies, or facilities management firms who deliver the contracted services and draft initial agreement terms
• Client Organizations: Irish businesses, from startups to enterprises, who need external expertise and ongoing operational support
• Legal Teams: In-house counsel or external solicitors who review and refine agreement terms to ensure compliance with Irish law
• IT Managers: Oversee service delivery, monitor performance metrics, and manage the provider relationship
• Data Protection Officers: Ensure agreements align with GDPR requirements and Irish data protection standards

• Service Scope: Define exact services, performance metrics, and response times needed from your provider
• Technical Requirements: List specific systems, software, and infrastructure that need support
• Data Handling: Document how sensitive information will be processed under Irish GDPR requirements
• Cost Structure: Outline pricing models, payment terms, and any variable service costs
• Service Levels: Set clear expectations for availability, maintenance windows, and issue resolution times
• Exit Strategy: Plan transition procedures and data transfer requirements for contract termination

• Service Description: Detailed scope of services, deliverables, and performance standards
• Term and Termination: Contract duration, renewal options, and conditions for ending the agreement
• Payment Terms: Fee structure, invoicing schedule, and payment conditions
• Data Protection: GDPR compliance measures, data handling procedures, and security protocols
• Service Levels: Specific metrics, response times, and performance guarantees
• Liability Limits: Risk allocation, insurance requirements, and indemnification terms
• Dispute Resolution: Irish jurisdiction choice and conflict resolution procedures

A Managed Services Agreement differs significantly from a Supply of Services Agreement in several key aspects, though both involve service provision under Irish law. The main distinction lies in the ongoing nature and scope of services provided.

• Duration and Commitment: Managed Services Agreements typically establish long-term partnerships with continuous service delivery, while Supply of Services Agreements often cover specific, time-bound projects or discrete services
• Service Integration: Managed services providers become deeply integrated with the client's operations, taking full responsibility for specific business functions, unlike supply agreements which maintain more separation
• Performance Metrics: Managed Services Agreements include detailed SLAs and continuous monitoring systems, whereas Supply Agreements focus more on deliverable-based outcomes
• Risk Management: Managed services contracts require more comprehensive data protection and security provisions due to their deeper operational integration and GDPR implications