Navigating the impact of the pandemic on technology contracting in preparation for a post-COVID-19 world.

By Brian Meenagh and Alexander Hendry*

A recent Latham.London blog post recommended five steps that customers should take when procuring technology and related services in light of COVID-19 and future pandemics. This blog post examines five additional considerations for customers based in the Middle East.

As a starting point, the recommendations in the Latham.London post still apply, and Middle East customers should:

1. Have an open discussion with the vendor about the potential service impacts of COVID-19
2. Structure the service in the most resilient way possible
3. Consider whether internal (or other third-party) solutions can fill any gaps
4. Make clear which party will bear any remaining risk of service disruption
5. Ensure that the output of discussions about “risk” flows through to the fee arrangement

In addition, Middle East customers should consider the following.