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SaaS Implementation Contract Template — Configuration & Data Migration
Define implementation phases clearly, establish data migration procedures, and protect your business with a contract built for SaaS implementers.
Contract Template
1. Parties & Agreement
Identifies the implementation provider and client entering into a SaaS implementation services relationship.
This SaaS Implementation Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE]:
Implementation Provider: [YOUR NAME/COMPANY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Provider")
Client: [CLIENT NAME/COMPANY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Client")
SaaS Platform: [PLATFORM NAME]
This Agreement governs implementation and setup services for the SaaS platform.2. Implementation Scope & Services
Specifies exact implementation services included and what is excluded.
Implementation Services Included: - System configuration and setup - User account creation and role configuration - Workflow and process configuration - Data migration (as specified in Section 4) - Standard integration setup (as specified in Section 5) - User training (as specified in Section 6) - Go-live support (as specified in Section 7) NOT Included: - Custom development or code modifications - Custom integrations outside standard scope - Ongoing support after go-live period - Data entry or content creation - Marketing or change management services
3. Implementation Phases & Timeline
Breaks implementation into phases with deliverables and timelines.
Phase 1 - Discovery & Planning: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Implementation plan, data mapping, configuration requirements - Timeline: [X] weeks Phase 2 - Configuration: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Configured SaaS environment, user roles, workflows - Timeline: [X] weeks Phase 3 - Data Migration: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Migrated data, migration report, validation results - Timeline: [X] weeks Phase 4 - Integration Setup: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Configured integrations, integration testing results - Timeline: [X] weeks Phase 5 - Testing & Training: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Test results, training materials, trained users - Timeline: [X] weeks Phase 6 - Go-Live: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Live system, go-live support, transition documentation Total Timeline: [X] weeks (assumes timely client participation)
4. Data Migration Procedures
Defines data migration scope, procedures, and client responsibilities.
Data Migration Scope: - Data to be migrated: [LIST DATA TYPES - contacts, accounts, transactions, etc.] - Source systems: [LIST SOURCE SYSTEMS] - Data volume: Approximately [X] records Migration Process: - Provider will map data from source to target system - Provider will clean and transform data as needed - Provider will perform test migration for validation - Provider will perform full migration after approval Client Responsibilities: - Provide access to source systems - Provide data exports if needed - Review and approve data mapping - Validate migrated data - Provide accurate source data Data Quality: - Provider will migrate data as provided - Provider not responsible for data quality issues in source systems - Data cleaning beyond standard transformation: Additional fees Additional data migrations after go-live: Additional fees
5. Integration Setup
Defines integration scope and limitations.
Standard Integrations Included: - [INTEGRATION 1 - e.g., Email, Calendar] - [INTEGRATION 2 - e.g., Payment Gateway] - [INTEGRATION 3 - e.g., Accounting Software] Integration Setup: - Provider will configure standard integrations - Provider will test integrations - Provider will provide integration documentation Custom Integrations: - Custom integrations: Available as add-on - Custom integration fees: Quoted separately - Custom integrations may require additional timeline Third-Party Services: - Provider will set up integrations per third-party documentation - Provider not responsible for third-party API changes or service issues - Integration failures due to third-party issues: Not Provider's responsibility Client must provide: - Access credentials for third-party services - Approval for integration connections
6. User Training
Defines training scope, delivery methods, and limitations.
Training Included: - [X] training sessions - Up to [X] attendees per session - Training topics: [LIST TOPICS - basic navigation, key features, workflows] - Training materials: User guides, quick reference materials Training Delivery: - Format: [IN-PERSON / REMOTE / RECORDED] - Duration: [X] hours per session - Schedule: To be coordinated with Client Training Limitations: - Training prepares users but doesn't guarantee proficiency - Additional training sessions: $[RATE] per session - Training for new employees after go-live: Additional fees - Advanced or specialized training: Additional fees Client Responsibilities: - Ensure attendees are available for scheduled training - Provide training environment if needed - Designate super users for advanced training
7. Configuration vs Customization
Clarifies distinction between configuration and custom development.
Configuration (Included): - Using SaaS features as designed - Setting up workflows using built-in tools - Configuring user roles and permissions - Customizing fields and forms within platform capabilities Customization (Not Included, Available as Add-On): - Code modifications or custom development - Features not available in standard SaaS - Custom integrations requiring development - Modifications to SaaS core functionality Customization Limitations: - Some SaaS platforms don't allow customization - Customization may void SaaS vendor support - Customization requires separate agreement and fees - Customization timeline and feasibility: To be determined If Client requests customization: Provider will quote separately
8. Testing & Acceptance
Defines testing procedures and acceptance criteria.
Testing Process: - Provider will conduct system testing - Client will conduct user acceptance testing - Testing period: [X] weeks Acceptance Criteria: - System configured per requirements - Data migrated accurately - Integrations functioning - Key workflows tested and working Acceptance: - Client will provide written acceptance or list of issues - Critical issues must be resolved before go-live - Minor issues may be deferred to post-go-live support - Acceptance occurs upon go-live or [X] days after testing completion
9. Go-Live Support
Defines go-live support period and transition procedures.
Go-Live Support Period: [X] days from go-live date Support Included: - [X] hours of support during go-live period - Response time: [X] hours for critical issues - Issue resolution and troubleshooting - User questions and guidance Support Does NOT Include: - Data entry or content creation - Ongoing training for new users - Custom development or configuration changes - Support after go-live period ends After Go-Live Support: - Ongoing support available as separate agreement - OR Client transitions to self-sufficiency - OR Client engages SaaS vendor support Transition: Provider will provide knowledge transfer and documentation
10. Payment Terms
Structures payments around implementation milestones.
Total Implementation Fee: $[AMOUNT] Payment Schedule: - 30% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon signing - 25% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon approval of Phase 2 (Configuration) - 20% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon completion of Phase 3 (Data Migration) - 15% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon completion of Phase 5 (Testing & Training) - 10% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon go-live acceptance Payment Terms: Net [X] days from invoice Late Payment: [X]% monthly fee after [X] day grace period Additional Services: Quoted separately and invoiced separately
11. Client Responsibilities
Defines what clients must provide for successful implementation.
Client must provide: - Access to source systems and data - SaaS platform account access - Key stakeholders for requirements gathering - Timely feedback and approvals - Test users for user acceptance testing - Training attendees Client must: - Participate actively in implementation process - Make decisions in timely manner - Provide accurate information and requirements - Designate project manager and key contacts Delays in client participation may extend implementation timeline Client responsible for SaaS platform subscription fees (separate from implementation)
12. SaaS Platform Limitations
Clarifies that implementer works within SaaS platform capabilities.
Platform Capabilities: - Provider works within SaaS platform's standard features - Provider cannot modify SaaS platform core functionality - Some requirements may not be achievable with standard features Platform Changes: - Provider not responsible for SaaS vendor platform changes - Platform updates may affect configuration - Provider will work with platform as it exists Vendor Support: - SaaS vendor support is separate from implementation services - Client responsible for SaaS vendor relationship - Provider can assist with vendor communication but doesn't guarantee vendor support Platform Limitations: - If platform cannot meet requirements: Provider will notify Client - Alternative solutions may require additional fees or may not be possible
13. Limitation of Liability
Limits provider liability and clarifies service scope.
Provider's liability limited to total fees paid under this Agreement Provider not liable for: - SaaS platform outages or service issues - Third-party integration failures - Data quality issues in source systems - Client's use of SaaS platform after go-live - Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages Provider provides implementation services, not guarantees of business results Client responsible for: - Data accuracy and quality - User adoption and change management - Ongoing SaaS platform usage and optimization
14. Termination
Allows termination with notice and defines payment for completed work.
Either party may terminate with [X] days written notice Upon termination: - Client pays for all work completed through termination date - Provider delivers all work-in-progress and documentation - If Client terminates after [X]% completion, Client pays [X]% kill fee Work delivered "as-is" without warranty Provider will provide [X] days transition support at standard rates
15. Signatures
Executes the SaaS implementation agreement with dated signatures.
Both parties agree to the terms above. Provider: _________________ Date: _________ Client: _________________ Date: _________
Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend having a qualified attorney review any contract before use to ensure it meets your specific needs and complies with applicable laws in your jurisdiction.
Pro Tips
- Break implementation into phases—clear milestones prevent scope creep
- Define data migration scope—unlimited migrations aren't realistic
- Clarify configuration vs customization—they're different things
- Set realistic training expectations—training prepares, doesn't guarantee proficiency
- Establish go-live support limits—indefinite free support isn't sustainable
- Clarify SaaS platform limitations—you work within platform capabilities
Key Features of This Contract
Implementation Phases & Milestones
Breaks SaaS implementation into clear phases: discovery/planning, configuration, data migration, integration setup, testing, training, and go-live. Each phase has specific deliverables and approval gates. Prevents clients from expecting go-live before configuration is complete. Creates clear milestones for payment and prevents scope creep between phases.
Data Migration Scope & Procedures
Defines what data will be migrated, migration methods, data cleaning requirements, and testing procedures. Establishes client responsibility for data quality and accuracy. Includes provisions for data mapping, transformation, and validation. Prevents disputes about data migration completeness and sets expectations about what's included versus what requires additional fees.
Integration Setup & Third-Party Connections
Clarifies which integrations are included (standard integrations) versus custom integrations (additional fees). Defines integration scope, testing requirements, and limitations. Establishes that third-party API changes or service issues are outside implementer's control. Prevents clients from expecting unlimited integrations as part of base implementation.
User Training & Knowledge Transfer
Defines training scope: number of training sessions, attendees, topics covered, and training materials provided. Distinguishes between initial training (included) and ongoing training (additional fees). Establishes that training prepares users but doesn't guarantee proficiency. Prevents clients from expecting unlimited training or expecting implementer to train every new employee indefinitely.
Configuration vs Customization Distinction
Clearly separates standard configuration (using SaaS features as designed) from custom development (modifying SaaS or building custom features). Configuration is included; customization requires additional fees and may not be possible depending on SaaS limitations. Prevents clients from expecting custom features as part of standard implementation.
Go-Live Support & Post-Implementation Transition
Defines go-live support period (typically 30-90 days) with specific support hours and response times. Distinguishes between implementation support (included) and ongoing support (separate agreement). Establishes transition to client self-sufficiency or ongoing support provider. Prevents clients from expecting indefinite free support after go-live.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between configuration and customization?
Configuration is using SaaS features as designed: setting up workflows, user roles, fields, forms within platform capabilities. Customization is modifying the SaaS or building custom features: code changes, features not in standard SaaS, custom integrations requiring development. Configuration is included; customization requires additional fees and may not be possible.
Who owns the data after migration?
The client owns all their business data. The implementer migrates data but doesn't own it. Your contract should clarify that the client retains ownership of all data and that data migration is a service, not a transfer of ownership.
What if the SaaS platform can't do what the client needs?
Your contract should clarify that you work within the SaaS platform's standard features. If requirements can't be met with standard features, you should notify the client. Alternative solutions may require customization (additional fees) or may not be possible. Set expectations about platform limitations upfront.
How long should go-live support last?
Typically 30-90 days is reasonable. This covers the initial transition period when users are learning the system. After this period, ongoing support should be a separate agreement. Your contract should clearly define the go-live support period and what happens after it ends.
What if integrations fail due to third-party issues?
Your contract should state that third-party API changes or service issues are outside your control. You set up integrations per third-party documentation, but you can't guarantee third-party service reliability. Integration failures due to third-party issues are not your responsibility, though you can help troubleshoot.
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