Software Development Agreements
Get your software development agreement in writing and include these important terms.
A written software development agreement is key to getting the product you want (if you are the client), getting paid (if you are the developer), preventing disputes, and providing ways to solve problems if they develop. And, if the parties end up in court, it establishes their respective legal duties.
You don't need a lawyer to draft a software development contract -- you can do it yourself. This article doesn't cover all possible nuances of software contracts, but it does provide an overview of some of the most important points that should be covered by any software development agreement.
Work Phases
In the contract, break down the project into discrete parts or stages, often called phases or "milestones." The contract should require the developer to deliver an acceptable product at the end of each stage in order to get paid a specified amount. This makes it easier for both sides to monitor the developer's progress and resolve problems early on in the project -- or even terminate the project.
Advantage for software client. Getting the work in phases avoids the danger of getting an unsatisfactory product at the very end.
Advantage for the developer. Having the client sign off on each phase of the project is the best way to avoid unwarranted claims of nonperformance or unsatisfactory performance by the client when the project is concluded. This approach also gives the developer an opportunity to deal with the client's changing needs and wants.
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