Some of the biggest risks include deviation from agreed solutions and/or deliverables, budget overruns, (implicit) acceptance of poorly functioning solutions, unclear or unfavorable contract terms, and intellectual property disputes.

The inception phase in IT procurement is crucial because it lays the foundation for a successful purchase and implementation. This phase includes defining your company's IT needs, researching potential vendors, evaluating the technology solutions they offer and assessing the risks associated with each option. Legal support during the inception phase contributes to more informed decision-making, helps avoid unforeseen problems and ensures that the purchase is in line with both business objectives and legal requirements.

We strongly recommend a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) when engaging with potential IT vendors or service providers. An NDA helps protect confidential information exchanged during evaluations, demonstrations, or negotiations. This may include trade secrets, unique business processes, customer data, product designs, technical specifications, or other sensitive information that, if disclosed, could harm your business. See this article for more information on NDAs.