I'm pretty sure this is the right category to stick these questions in.

1. Can a lawyer write the Terms of Service?

2. Who comes up with the SLA? What is the point of an SLA?

1. : Sure, why not.

2 : You, legal team, etc : Service Level Agreement, basically says either "we don't care if it's down," or "your site will be up this much, at this level, or ..."

Having a laywer write a TOS can work both ways i think.

1. You will have a TOS agreement with few loop holes

2. you will have an agreement no one can understand.

Originally posted by webrover11
Having a laywer write a TOS can work both ways i think.

1. You will have a TOS agreement with few loop holes

2. you will have an agreement no one can understand.

lol... People actually read those?

The point of an SLA? It says explicitly what services you provide in what manner and at what percentage. Without it, neither party really knows what they've struck a deal for.

Actually Service Level Agreement sets the expectation between service providers and the consumers. It is a type of an agreement insuring how a service provider sets and maintain commitment of his service to the consumer.

The most benefit by SLA is that you'll have a long lasting relationship with your customers, and you can be able to set different pricing for different service level.

i advice you write them yourself. If not, many things which are of importance to you may be left out. Start out with a general TOS/AUP. Update it everytime something comes up to make it perfect!

Regarding TOS, I'll suggest to get it done by your lawyer, as the law is constantly changing and varies by jurisdiction, remember TOS is not only designed to protect yourself as the host, but also to protect the customer.

If it's well written in terms of legal point of view you might not face any problem for a legal proceeding in future if any dispute arise.

Originally posted by FestiveHosting
lol... People actually read those?

You laugh, but you have no idea how much time I spent with a customer who was trying to convince me that he was above my TOS. Of course, he just skimmed through it in the first place.

I think it's a great idea to have a lawyer write yout TOS.

Thanks for all the responses. I got another question. If I live in Minnesota, do I need a business license for an online business?

I've read that the internet is free reign, but was just wondering.

Talk with your local Department of Licsensing (that's what it's called here in WA State). Don't be afraid, they'll be very helpful.