Thinking about what could go wrong.
THE EXPOSURES
A client's site down for an extended period, costing them business Data lost where you were responsible for backups A compromise affecting their customers A mistake during a migration
WHAT YOUR TERMS SHOULD ADDRESS
What you are responsible for What you are not Any limitation on liability That you do not guarantee uninterrupted service
THAT LAST POINT
You cannot guarantee what you do not control. Do not promise uptime you rely on someone else to provide.
WHAT REDUCES THE RISK
Backups that actually work, and are tested Clear written arrangements about who is responsible for what Not promising more than you provide Acting promptly when something goes wrong
WHETHER TO INSURE
Professional indemnity cover exists for this kind of work. Whether it is warranted depends on your size and your clients.
Speak to a broker rather than guessing.
THE PRACTICAL PROTECTION
Written terms, working backups, and honest communication.
Most disputes arise from unclear expectations rather than genuine negligence.
TAKE ADVICE
For anything significant, proper legal advice.
