Having a web presence is now an essential part of almost all businesses.
If you are a website development company or are looking to engage a website developer for your business’s website, we can guide you through the elements of the web development and hosting contractual process.
Website Development
A website development agreement should clearly set out (as a minimum):
- what is being provided;
- who is responsible for the supply of materials including web design and content;
- configuration; and
- who will own the intellectual property rights in the various elements of the website.
The nature and complexity of the website will have a significant bearing on the contract that needs to be in place between the developer and the customer. This can vary significantly from standard template contracts, to complex bespoke contracts. We regularly advise both web developers and companies in relation to the creation of their websites.
Website Hosting
Website hosting is necessary for any website, as it makes it possible for visitors to visit your website to view your site’s content.
You can host your own website or appoint a third-party web hosting provider to do this on your business’s behalf. Web hosting service providers maintain the server where the data associated with your website is located and also manage the technology that makes your website connect to the Internet.
When looking to appoint a hosting provider, businesses should consider the following issues:
- up time and availability of your website;
- website maintenance;
- service levels;
- service credits
- security and data protection;
- business continuity and disaster recovery;
- testing; and
- audit rights.
Whether you are a hosting provider or are looking to appoint one, we are able to assist in reviewing and drafting the necessary documentation.