Abstract:

This research paper deals with IT /IS outsourcing contracts in Oman. IT/IS outsourcing contract is considered as the most important success factor in IT/IS outsourcing. A well defined contract is the key to a successful relationship between a client and a vendor while undefined contract often leads to disasters. Contracts determine the right, responsibility and what is expected from the two parties. There are several types of IT/IS outsourcing contracts which will be discussed in this research paper. Contractual issues such as: services level, transfer of assets, staffing, pricing and payment, warranty and liability, dispute resolution mechanism, termination, intellectual property and information security will be covered in this research paper.

The main purpose of this paper is to study IT/IS outsourcing contracts process in Oman. We have used semi- structured interviews and questionnaires as research methods. Our research focused on IT/IS departments' managers in both public and private organizations.