Agreement Types - CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 - 5.3
Service Agreements and Partnerships
Understanding Service Level Agreements (SLA)
- A Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlines uptime or availability requirements when working with service providers, ensuring both parties understand the minimum service terms.
- For instance, an SLA may specify no more than four hours of unscheduled downtime and include provisions for technician dispatch and on-site equipment maintenance by the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) vs. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
- An MOU serves as a broad overview of goals between two organizations entering a partnership, often including confidentiality statements but lacking formal binding power.
- In contrast, an MOA provides more detailed descriptions of the relationship and may contain some legally binding elements, though it is not a full contract.
Master Service Agreement (MSA)
- A Master Service Agreement (MSA) is a legal contract that establishes terms between organizations and sets a framework for future work.
- The MSA typically includes service terms, billing overviews, and payment systems to streamline additional services documented in subsequent work orders or statements of work.
Statement of Work (SOW)
- A Statement of Work (SOW) details specific services to be provided under the MSA, focusing on particular tasks without renegotiating basic contract terms.
- Common components include job scope, location, deliverables schedule, and expectations during service execution; it serves as a reference point for any disputes regarding completed tasks.
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA)
- NDAs facilitate confidential communication about trade secrets or business activities between organizations while outlining what information must remain private.
- They can be unilateral (one party maintains confidentiality), bilateral/mutual (both parties maintain confidentiality), or multilateral if involving multiple parties.
Business Partners Agreement (BPA)
- A Business Partners Agreement describes financial details related to partnerships and ownership stakes while clarifying decision-making authority within the partnership.