Services Guide

Last Updated: July 2024

This Services Guide contains provisions that define, clarify, and govern the scope of the services described in the quote that has been provided to you (the “Quote”), as well as the policies and procedures that we follow (and to which you agree) when we provide a service to you or facilitate a service for you. If you do not agree with the terms of this Services Guide, you should not sign the Quote and you must contact us for more information.

This Services Guide is our “owner’s manual” that generally describes all services provided or facilitated by Data Evolution, LLC (“Data Evolution,” “we,” “us,” or “our”); however, only those services specifically described in the Quote will be facilitated and/or provided to you (collectively, the “Services”).

This Services Guide is governed under our Master Services Agreement (“MSA”). You may locate our MSA through the link in your Quote or, if you want, we will send you a copy of the MSA for your records by email upon request. Capitalized terms in this Services Guide will have the same meaning as the capitalized terms in the MSA, unless otherwise indicated below.

Activities or items that are not specifically described in the Quote will be out of scope and will not be included unless otherwise agreed to by us in writing.

Please read this Services Guide carefully and keep a copy for your records.

Initial Audit / Discovery Services

In the Initial Audit/Discovery phase of our services, we audit your managed information technology environment (the “Environment”) to determine the readiness for and compatibility with ongoing managed services. Our auditing services may be comprised of some or all of the following:

  • Audit to determine general Environment readiness and functional capability
  • Review of hardware and software configurations
  • Review of current vendor service/warranty agreements for Environment hardware and software
  • Basic security vulnerability check
  • Basic backup and file recovery solution audit
  • Office telephone vendor service audit
  • Internet service provider audit
  • Asset Inventory
  • Email and website hosting audit
  • Review existing IT support processes
  • Lab IT systems audit

If deficiencies are discovered during the auditing process (such as outdated equipment or unlicensed software), we will bring those issues to your attention, discuss the impact of the deficiencies on our provision of the Services, and provide you with options to correct the deficiencies.  Please note, unless otherwise expressly agreed by us in writing, auditing services do not include the remediation of any issues, errors, or deficiencies (“Issues”), and we cannot guarantee that all Issues will be detected during the auditing process.  Issues that are discovered in the Environment after the auditing process is completed may be addressed in one or more subsequent quotes.

Onboarding Services

In the Onboarding phase of our services, we will prepare your IT environment for the monthly managed services described in the Quote. During this phase, we will work with your Authorized Contact(s) to review the information we need to prepare the targeted environment, and we may also:

  • Uninstall any monitoring tools or other software installed by previous IT service providers
  • Compile a full inventory of all protected servers, workstations, and laptops
  • Uninstall any previous endpoint protection and install our managed security solutions (as indicated in the Quote)
  • Install remote support access agents (e., software agents) on each managed device to enable remote support
  • Install a network management device (device is the property of MSP)
  • Configure Windows® patch management agent(s) and check for missing security updates
  • Uninstall unsafe applications or applications that are no longer necessary
  • Review firewall configuration and other network infrastructure devices
  • Review status of battery backup protection on all mission critical devices
  • Stabilize network and assure that all devices can securely access the file server
  • Review and document current server configuration and status
  • Determine existing business continuity strategy and status; prepare backup file recovery and incident response option for consideration
  • Review password policies and update user and device passwords
  • As applicable, make recommendations for changes that should be considered to the managed environment

This list is subject to change if we determine, at our discretion, that different or additional onboarding activities are required.

If deficiencies are discovered during the onboarding process, we will bring those issues to your attention and discuss the impact of the deficiencies on our provision of our monthly managed services.  Please note, unless otherwise expressly stated in the Quote, onboarding-related services do not include the remediation of any issues, errors, or deficiencies (“Issues”), and we cannot guarantee that all Issues will be detected during the onboarding process. 

The duration of the onboarding process depends on many factors, many of which may be outside of our control—such as product availability/shortages, required third-party vendor input, etc.  As such, we can estimate, but cannot guarantee, the timing and duration of the onboarding process.  We will keep you updated as the onboarding process progresses.

Ongoing / Recurring Services

Ongoing/recurring services are provided to you or facilitated for you on an ongoing basis and, unless otherwise indicated in a Quote, are billed to you monthly. Some ongoing/recurring services will begin with the commencement of onboarding services; others will begin when the onboarding process is completed. Please direct any questions about start or “go live” dates to your client success manager.

SERVICE NAME GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Evolution Essentials

Notifications and Alerting:

Implementation and facilitation of patching, alerting, notifications, and backup controls

  • Software agents will be installed on covered servers (defined below). The agent will report status and IT-related events on a 24×7 basis; alerts are generated and responded to in accordance with the Service Levels described below.
  • We will monitor critical network and server infrastructure for conditions that indicate a failure or a condition that could lead to a failure of the system or network where available and appropriate
  • Monitoring of essential server services (ex: DHCP, DNS), alerting us to server role-based service failures that negatively affect network operations
  • Endpoint protection agent monitoring or any other deployed Cyber-Security systems, alerting us to potential security vulnerabilities, virus or malware activity
  • Receipt and initial review of Alerts and Notifications are covered under this agreement
  • Basic Remediation of issues from Alerts or Backups is covered under this agreement. Advanced Remediation is not covered; see below for Remediation Descriptions
  • Asset inventory and server information collection
Alert Configurations:

Alerts will be generated, categorized, and fielded by our team using the following criteria:

See Service Levels for additional information

  • Alerts and notifications for events are classified using a scale of Severity vs Impact.
  • High Severity/High Impact – Alerts that indicate a condition that results in a work stoppage for most or all users.
  • High Severity/Low Impact – Alerts that indicate a condition that results in a work stoppage for few or one user.
  • Low Severity/High Impact – Alerts that indicate a condition that results in impaired ability to work for most or all users.
  • Low Severity/Low Impact – Alerts that indicate a condition that results in an impaired ability to work for few or one user.
  • Alerts that are High Severity/High Impact and High Severity/Low Impact are considered “Critical” will page our team or our on-call team, create a ticket, and will be handled as immediate response required. The incident will be worked until it’s resolved, or it’s determined the issue is not within our control to correct.
  • Alerts that have Low Severity/High Impact are considered “Priority” and will create a ticket automatically be worked until completed or corrected.
  • Alerts for Low Severity/Low Impact events are considered “Routine” and are logged

Patching and Updates:

  • We will install management agents on supported end user systems.
  • Perform remote software installations for missing agents used under this agreement.
  • Patch Windows desktop/laptop systems with security and critical updates weekly. These patches are automated and will not be optional. End users may be prompted that a restart will be needed to complete the patching.
  • Patch Windows Server systems on a Monthly basis, these patches will be automated to take place after hours during each month.
  • Zero-day patches will be evaluated by the MSP team to determine if Client systems are impacted. Deployment of these will be communicated and coordinated with the client.
  • Network device patching will be done when it is determined to be appropriate due to being notified of a security vulnerability or correcting a bug with a needed feature.
  • Systems must be powered on and connected to the network to receive patches.

Please note: Patches are developed by third-party vendors and, on rare occasions, may make the Environment, or portions of the Environment, unstable or cause the managed equipment or software to fail to function properly even when the Patches are installed correctly. We will not be responsible for any downtime or losses arising from or related to the installation or use of any Patch. We reserve the right, but not the obligation, to refrain from installing a Patch if we are aware of technical problems caused by a Patch, or we believe that a Patch may render the Environment, or any portion of the Environment, unstable.

Backup Controls

Backup Retention: Backed-up data will be retained indefinitely unless the backup does not support that or otherwise stated in the Quote or by the Client’s own data retention policy. This includes both on-premises and cloud backups.

Backup Alerts: Backup Solutions will be configured to inform us of backup job status. Backup Jobs that do not end in a “Successful” or other acceptable status will be investigated and remediated. Remediation is not covered under this agreement.

Features included:
  • Configuration of notifications of backup solutions, if available and supported; backups that do not support notifications will not be managed
  • Monthly Backup review to ensure all important data is being backed up
  • Semi-annual test restores in which a random selection of data in the backup will be selected (chosen by Data Evolution), restored, and verified to test the integrity of the backup for backups that easily allow such a function. Backups that do not support this practically, or where it would be too disruptive, will not be included in this process
  • Additional test restores can be requested for an additional fee

*Data restores, system recoveries, additional test restores, troubleshooting, and remediation services are provided on a time and material basis; please read below for important details.

Evolution Advantage

The Advantage program encompasses everything included in the Essentials program, along with the following services:

  • Remote support provided during Standard business hours for Client’s employees and consultants
  • Remote troubleshooting of issues stemming from monitoring and alerting during regular business hours
  • Basic administration of Cloud, Cyber-Security, and On-premises IT systems
  • Asset inventory of enrolled systems
  • Management of Hardware Licensing and Software Licensing
  • Please read all sections below as they will further define included and excluded services

Client Success Manager (CSM):

  • Serve as the primary liaison for addressing specific business-oriented IT inquiries and challenges
  • Aid in formulating plans and budgets related to IT and data management
  • Offer strategic advice and consultation spanning various technological domains
  • Assist in developing tailored standards and optimal methodologies for the company
  • Engage in regular meetings to uphold established objectives
  • Manage documentation pertaining to technology infrastructure and operating procedures
  • Evaluate and suggest enhancements for technology utilization and provision of services
  • Conduct periodic business reviews

Note: Workstation setups or replacements are not included in this package. Please see Workstation Setup Fee section below for details

*Onsite, advanced engineering and off-hours support services are not covered under the Managed IT Support Agreement and are billed on a time and material basis; please read below for important details

**Project work will be scoped and quoted and is not covered under any Managed Agreement

Custom Package

This package includes elements of our Managed Programs and is subject to our policies listed in the guide. Details of included services will be in the quote.

Security Awareness Training

Implementation and facilitation of a security awareness training solution from an industry-leading third-party solution provider.

  • Baseline testing to assess the phish-prone percentage of users; simulated phishing email campaigns designed to educate employees about security threats
  • Includes quarterly campaigns (4 Included)
  • Online, on-demand training videos (multi-lingual)
  • Enrolled employees must have client domain email addresses
  • Employees must not be notified that the campaign is active
  • POC will be provided with a report with the results of the campaigns
  • POC must request training to be assigned
  • An annual commitment is required
  • Implementation, facilitation, and any required licensing are included in the package

Please see Anti-Virus; Anti-Malware and Cyber Security Incident Recovery sections below

Workstation Configurations

Fixed Fee Includes all labor charges for remote setup of new workstations or replacement of existing workstations.

  • Unbox and initial setup
  • Update system drivers and BIOS
  • Install current system updates and patches
  • Set up applications and user profiles
  • Final configuration with end-user

The following restrictions apply:

  • New/replacement computers must be business-grade machines (not consumer level) from a major manufacturer like Dell, HPE, or Lenovo and under manufacturer warranty.

Note: Devices may be set up at MSPs office and shipped to the end-user or done remotely using remote access tools.

** Shipping is not included

For important information on the Storage of Client Owned Inventory, see below

Software Licensing (SaaS)

(applies to all software licensed by or through Data Evolution)

All software provided to you by or through Data Evolution is licensed, not sold, to you (“Software”). In addition to any Software-related requirements described in Data Evolution’s Master Services Agreement, Software may also be subject to end-user license agreements (EULAs), acceptable use policies (AUPs), and other restrictions, all of which must be strictly followed by you and any of your authorized users.

When installing/implementing software licenses in the managed environment or as part of the Services, we may accept (and you agree that we may accept) any required EULAs or AUPs on your behalf. You should assume that all Software has an applicable EULA and/or AUP to which your authorized users and you must adhere. Please contact us if you have any questions or require a copy of the EULA or AUP. 

**Software details will be provided in a quote but are subject to the terms and conditions listed in this service guide

Recurring Onsite Support

An assigned resource reports to Client site on a recurring basis. These are scheduled visits to perform general IT support work onsite.

  • Minimum is half day per week up to 5 full days per week (Monday-Friday).
  • Takes place during business hours
  • May have a commitment requirement
  • Discounts may apply to any active Managed Support Agreement based on commitment level and length.

** Details of the arrangement will be outlined in a quote.

Time and Material

Time and Material (“T&M”) Billing for Out-of-Scope or On-Demand Clients As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive managed services, T&M billing for clients who require services beyond the scope of their existing service agreement or have ad-hoc requests.

Scope Clarification: T&M billing applies when requested services fall outside the predefined scope of the client’s managed service contract. Ad-hoc requests or projects not covered by the initial agreement are subject to T&M billing.

Service Rates: T&M rates are defined per hour or task, depending on the nature of the service. Rates are determined based on the complexity and skill level required for the service.

Billing Process: T&M billing is invoiced periodically, typically monthly, or upon completion of the service, whichever comes first. Invoices include a detailed breakdown of the services, hours worked, and associated costs.

Business hours support:
Onsite Support: Two (2) hour minimum, then fifteen (15) minute increments
Remote Support: Fifteen (15) minute increments

Click Here for Non-Business Hours information

** Quote may provide additional information

Covered Environment

Managed Services will be applied to the number of devices indicated in the Quote (“Covered Hardware”). The list of Covered Hardware may be modified by mutual consent (email is sufficient for this purpose); however, we reserve the right to modify the list of Covered Hardware at any time if we discover devices that were not previously included in the list of Covered Hardware and which are receiving Services, or as necessary to accommodate changes to the quantity of Covered Hardware.

Unless otherwise stated in the Quote, Covered Hardware will only include technology assets (such as computers, servers, and networking equipment) owned by the Client’s organization. As an accommodation, Data Evolution may provide guidance in connecting a personal device to the Client’s organization’s technology, but support of personal devices is generally not included in the Scope of Services. 

If the Quote indicates that the Services are billed on a “per user” basis, then the Services will be provided for Business Devices used by the number of users indicated in the Quote. A “Business Device” is a device that is owned or leased by Client and used primarily for business, (ii) is regularly connected to Client’s managed network, and (iii) has installed on it a software agent through which we (or our designated Third-Party Providers) can monitor the device.

We will provide support for any software applications that are licensed through us. Such software (“Supported Software”) will be supported on a “best effort” basis only and any support required beyond Level 2-type support will be facilitated with the applicable software manufacturer/distributor.  Coverage for non-Supported Software is provided to you on a “best-effort” basis with no guarantee of remediation. Should our technicians provide you with advice concerning non-Supported Software, the provision of that advice should be viewed as an accommodation, not an obligation, to you.

If we are unable to remediate an issue with non-Supported Software, then MSP will contact the manufacturer/distributor of the software for further support if an active support agreement is in place. Please note: Manufacturers/distributors of such software may charge fees, some of which may be significant, for technical support; therefore, we strongly recommend that you maintain service or support contracts for all non-Supported Software (“Service Contract”). If you request that we facilitate technical support for non-Supported Software and if you have a Service Contract in place, our facilitation services will be provided at no additional cost to you.

In this Services Guide, Covered Hardware and Supported Software will be referred to as the “Environment” or “Covered Equipment.”

Physical Locations Covered by Services

Services will be provided remotely unless, in our discretion, we determine that an onsite visit is required. Data Evolution visits will be scheduled in accordance with the priority assigned to the issue (below) and are subject to technician availability. Unless we agree otherwise, all onsite Services will be provided at Client’s primary business location. Additional fees may apply for onsite visits: Please review the Service Level section below for more details.

Minimum Requirements and Exclusions

The scheduling, fees, and provision of the Services are based upon the following assumptions and minimum requirements, all of which must be provided/maintained by Client at all times:

  • Server hardware must be under current warranty coverage.
  • All equipment with Microsoft Windows® operating systems must be running then-currently supported versions of such software and have all the latest Microsoft service packs and critical updates installed.
  • All software must be genuine, licensed, and vendor- or OEM-supported.
  • Server file systems and email systems (if applicable) must be protected by licensed and up-to-date virus protection software.
  • The managed environment must have a currently licensed, vendor-supported data backup solution that can be monitored backing up business critical data.
  • All wireless data traffic in the managed environment must be securely encrypted.
  • All servers and infrastructure equipment must be connected to working UPS devices.
  • Recovery coverage assumes data integrity of the backups or the data stored on the backup devices. We do not guarantee the integrity of the backups or the data stored on the backup devices.  Server restoration will be to the point of the last successful backup.
  • Client must provide all software installation media and key codes in the event of a failure.
  • Any costs required to bring the Environment up to these minimum standards are not included.
  • Client must provide us with global administrative privileges to the Environment.
  • Client must not affix or install any accessory, addition, upgrade, equipment, or device onto the firewall, server, or NAS appliances (other than electronic data) if Client chooses to; we are not liable and will be out of scope of any agreement.

Exclusions. Services that are not expressly described in the Quote will be out of scope and will not be provided to Client unless otherwise agreed, in writing, by Data Evolution. Without limiting the foregoing, the following services are expressly excluded, and if required to be performed, must be agreed upon by Data Evolution in writing:

  • Customization of third-party applications or programming of any kind.
  • Support for operating systems, applications, or hardware no longer supported by the manufacturer.
  • Wiring or cabling services of any kind.
  • Battery backup replacement.
  • Equipment relocation.
  • The cost to bring the managed environment up to these minimum requirements (unless otherwise noted in the Quote).
  • The cost of repairs to hardware or any supported equipment or software, or the costs to acquire parts or equipment, or shipping charges of any kind.
  • Advanced remediation.

Service Levels

Automated monitoring is provided on an ongoing (i.e., 24x7x365) basis. Response, repair, and/or remediation services (as applicable) will be provided only during our business hours (currently M-F, 8 AM – 6 PM Eastern Time, excluding legal holidays and Data Evolution-observed holidays as listed below), unless otherwise specifically stated in the Quote or as otherwise described below.

We will respond to problems, errors, or interruptions in the provision of the Services during business hours in the timeframe(s) described below. Severity levels will be determined by Data Evolution in our discretion after consulting with the Client. All remediation services will initially be attempted remotely; Data Evolution will provide onsite service only if remote remediation is ineffective.

TROUBLE / SEVERITY  RESPONSE TIME
Critical / Service Not Available
(e.g., all users and functions unavailable)
Response within two (2) business hours after notification.
Significant Degradation
(e.g., large number of users or business critical functions affected)
Response within four (4) business hours after notification.
Limited Degradation
(e.g., limited number of users or functions affected, business process can continue).
Response within eight (8) business hours after notification.
Small Service Degradation
(e.g., business process can continue, one user affected).
Response within two (2) business days after notification.
Long Term Project, Preventative Maintenance Response within four (4) business days after notification.

* All time frames are calculated as of the time that we are notified of the applicable issue / problem by Client through our designated support portal, help desk, or by telephone at the telephone number listed in the Quote. Notifications received in any manner other than described herein may result in a delay in the provision of remediation efforts.

Remediation

Basic Remediation. Can be implemented quickly with minimal resources for issues that are already known or do not require extensive troubleshooting.  These actions are often reactive and require little to no planning and can be corrected quickly.

Advanced Remediation. Requires substantial time and resources, potentially significant troubleshooting of the issue to identify the cause, thorough planning, potentially testing, and implementation phases. This type of remediation may also involve coordination across different teams or departments and with the Client.

Contacting Support and Support Hours

Support hours are Monday – Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Telephone: 888-440-6211 Option: 1
Email: [email protected]

Support During Off-Hours/Non-Business Hours

Technical support provided outside of our normal business hours is offered on a case-by-case basis and is subject to technician availability. If Data Evolution agrees to provide off-hours/non-business hours support (“Non-Business Hour Support”), then that support will be provided on a time and materials basis (which is not covered under any Service plan), and will be billed to Client at the following increased hourly rates:

  • General Support: 1.5 x normal rate
  • Advanced Support: 1.5 x normal rate
  • Onsite Support: 1.5 x normal rate

Onsite Support is a minimum of four (4) hours, and remote support is a minimum of one (1) hour.

All after-hour hourly services are billed in 15-minute increments after minimum hour requirements are met, and partial increments are rounded to the next highest increment. 

Emergency Support

The Data Evolution, LLC Program enables access to emergency support services. Should your team detect an issue with a service or device outside standard business hours, you can contact the Emergency Support team to report the issue. Data Evolution’s team will investigate the issue and act appropriately.  Data Evolution will automatically respond to any alert from our monitoring system that is “emergency” in nature.  Data Evolution defines an “emergency” as a condition that creates a work stoppage that affects multiple users.

Emergency support is not covered by any Service Plan (see below for rate information).

Emergency Support During Regular Business Hours:

  • Remote Support: 1.0 x normal rate
  • Onsite Support: 1.0 x normal rate

Onsite Support is a minimum of four (4) hours, and remote support is a minimum of one (1) hour.

Emergency Support After Regular Business Hours:

  • Remote Support: 1.5 x normal rate
  • Onsite Support: 2 x normal rate

Onsite Support is a minimum of four (4) hours, and remote support is a minimum of one (1) hour.

Emergency Support phone number: 800-454-6107

Data Evolution-Observed Holidays 

Data Evolution observes the following holidays. Support provided on these days will be subject to the off-hours support rates.

  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Fees

The fees for the Services will be as indicated in the Quote.

Reconciliation. Fees for certain Third-Party Services that we facilitate or resell to you may begin to accrue prior to the “go-live” date of other applicable Services. (For example, Microsoft Azure or AWS-related fees begin to accrue on the first date on which we start creating and/or configuring certain hosted portions of the Environment; however, the Services that rely on Microsoft Azure or AWS may not be available to you until a future date). You understand and agree that you will be responsible for the payment of all fees for Third Party Services that are required to begin prior to the “go-live” date of Services, and we reserve the right to reconcile amounts owed for those fees by including those fees on your monthly invoices.

Changes to Environment.  Initially, you will be charged the monthly fees indicated in the Quote.  Thereafter, if the managed environment changes, or if the number of authorized users accessing the managed environment changes, then you agree that the fees will be automatically and immediately modified to accommodate those changes. 

Travel Time.  If onsite services are provided, expenses for normal travel to the Client’s site are not billed to the Client. Extended travel in support of the Client’s IT systems would be billed to the Client at the current hourly rate. Parking, tolls, and related expenses will not be billed to the Client and will be included in the minimum hourly requirement for site visits.

Client Expenses. Extraordinary expenses for equipment provided by MSP will be billed to the Client at cost plus a 6% administration fee.

Appointment Cancellations.  You may cancel or reschedule any appointment with us at no charge by providing us with notice of cancellation at least one business day in advance. If we do not receive timely a notice of cancellation/re-scheduling, or if you are not present at the scheduled time or if we are otherwise denied access to your premises at a pre-scheduled appointment time, then you agree to pay us a cancellation fee equal to two (2) hours of our normal on-site rate (or non-business hours on-site rate, whichever is appropriate), calculated at our then-current hourly rates.

Access Licensing.  One or more of the Services may require us to purchase certain “per seat” or “per device” licenses (often called “Access Licenses”) from one or more Third Party Providers. (Microsoft “New Commerce Experience” licenses as well as Cisco Meraki “per device” licenses are examples of Access Licenses.) Access Licenses cannot be canceled once they are purchased and often cannot be transferred to any other customer. For that reason, you understand and agree that regardless of the reason for termination of the Services, fees for Access Licenses are non-mitigatable and you are required to pay for all applicable Access Licenses in full for the entire term of those licenses. Provided that you have paid for the Access Licenses in full, you will be permitted to use those licenses until they expire.

Term; Termination

The Services will commence, and billing will begin, on the date indicated in the Quote (“Commencement Date”) and will continue through the initial term listed in the Quote (“Initial Term”). We reserve the right to delay the Commencement Date until all onboarding/transition services (if any) are completed and all deficiencies/revisions identified in the onboarding process (if any) are addressed or remediated to Data Evolution’s satisfaction. 

The Services will continue through the Initial Term until terminated as provided in the Agreement and auto-renew unless canceled by either party, the Quote, or as indicated in this Service Guide (the “Service Term”).

Per Seat/Per Device Licensing: Regardless of the reason for the termination of the Services, you will be required to pay for all per-seat or per-device licenses that we acquire on your behalf. Please see “Access Licensing” in the Fees section above for more details.

Removal of Software Agents; Return of Firewall & Backup Appliances: Unless we expressly direct you to do so, you will not remove or disable, or attempt to remove or disable, any software agents that we installed in the managed environment or any of the devices on which we installed software agents.  Doing so without our guidance may make it difficult or impracticable to remove the software agents, which could result in network vulnerabilities and/or the continuation of license fees for the software agents for which you will be responsible, and/or the requirement that we remediate the situation at our then-current hourly rates, for which you will also be responsible.  Depending on the particular software agent and the costs of removal, we may elect to keep the software agent in the managed environment but in a dormant and/or unused state.

Within ten (10) days after being directed to do so, you must remove, package and ship, at your expense and in a commercially reasonable manner, all hardware, equipment, and accessories leased, loaned, rented, or otherwise provided to you by Data Evolution “as a service.”  If you fail to timely return all such equipment to us, or if the equipment is returned to us damaged (normal wear and tear excepted), then we will have the right to charge you, and you hereby agree to pay, the replacement value of all such unreturned or damaged equipment.

Offboarding

Subject to the requirements in the MSA, Data Evolution will off-board Client from Data Evolution’s services by performing one or more of the following:

  • Removal / disabling of monitoring agents in the Environment.
  • Removal / disabling of endpoint software from the Environment.
  • Removal / disabling of Microsoft 365 from the Environment (unless the licenses for Microsoft 365 are being transferred to your incoming provider; please speak to your point of contact for details.)
  • Removal / disabling of remote desktop management software licenses provided by Data Evolution.
  • Removal of credentials from the Environment.
  • Removal of backup software from the Environment. (unless being transferred to your incoming provider; please speak to your point of contact for details.)

Additional Policies

The following additional policies (“Policies”) apply to Services that we provide or facilitate under a Quote. By accepting a Service for which one or more of the Policies apply, you agree to the applicable Policy.

Authenticity

Everything in the managed environment must be genuine and licensed, including all hardware, software, etc. If we ask for proof of authenticity and/or licensing, you must provide us with such proof. All minimum hardware or software requirements as indicated in a Quote or this Services Guide (“Minimum Requirements”) must be implemented and maintained as an ongoing requirement of us providing the Services to you.

Monitoring Services; Alert Services

Unless otherwise indicated in the Quote, all monitoring and alert-type services are limited to detection and notification functionalities only.  Monitoring levels will be set by Data Evolution, and Client shall not modify these levels without our prior written consent.

Configuration of Third-Party Services

Certain third-party services provided to you under a Quote may provide you with administrative access through which you could modify the configurations, features, and/or functions (“Configurations”) of those services.  However, any modifications of Configurations made by you without our knowledge could disrupt the Services and/or cause a significant increase in the fees charged for those third-party services. For that reason, we strongly advise you to refrain from changing the Configurations unless you notify us of those changes. You will be responsible for paying any increased fees or costs arising from or related to changes to the Configurations.

Modification of Environment

Changes made to the Environment without our prior authorization or knowledge may have a substantial, negative impact on the provision and effectiveness of the Services and may impact the fees charged under the Quote. You agree to refrain from moving, modifying, or otherwise altering any portion of the Environment without our prior knowledge. For example, you agree to refrain from adding or removing hardware from the Environment, installing applications on the Environment, or modifying the configuration or log files of the Environment without our prior knowledge. Any modifications made without our knowledge will not be in the scope of any signed agreement and will not be our responsibility.

Anti-Virus; Anti-Malware

Our anti-virus / anti-malware solution will generally protect the Environment from becoming infected with new viruses and malware (“Malware”); however, Malware that exists in the Environment at the time that the security solution is implemented may not be capable of being removed without additional services, for which a charge may be incurred. We do not warrant or guarantee that all Malware will be detected, avoided, or removed, or that any data erased, corrupted, or encrypted by Malware will be recoverable. To improve security awareness, you agree that Data Evolution or its designated third party affiliate may transfer information about the results of processed files, information used for URL reputation determination, security risk tracking, and statistics for protection against spam and malware. Any information obtained in this manner does not and will not contain any personal or confidential information.

Cyber Security Incident Recovery

Unless otherwise expressly stated in the Quote, the scope of the Services does not include the remediation and/or recovery from a Security Incident (defined below). Such services, if requested by you, will be provided on a time and materials basis under our then-current hourly labor rates. Given the varied number of possible Security Incidents, we cannot and do not warrant or guarantee (i) the amount of time required to remediate the effects of a Security Incident (or that recovery will be possible under all circumstances), or (ii) that all data or systems impacted by the incident will be recoverable or remediated. For the purposes of this paragraph, a Security Incident means any unauthorized or impermissible access to or use of the Environment, or any unauthorized or impermissible disclosure of Client’s confidential information (such as user names, passwords, etc.), that (i) compromises the security or privacy of the information or applications in, or the structure or integrity of, the managed environment, or (ii) prevents normal access to the managed environment, or impedes or disrupts the normal functions of the managed environment.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to environmental factors, such as water, heat, cold, or varying lighting conditions, may cause installed equipment to malfunction.  Unless expressly stated in the Quote, we do not warrant or guarantee that installed equipment will operate error-free or in an uninterrupted manner, or that any video or audio equipment will clearly capture and/or record the details of events occurring at or near such equipment under all circumstances.

Storage of Client-Owned Inventory

We will receive and temporarily store equipment and other devices (“Stored Equipment”) on Client’s behalf, subject to the following conditions:

  • Client must notify us of any packages shipped to us in writing and provide tracking information with an expected delivery date. We are not responsible for any lost packages. Incoming packages must be received with postage prepaid; we will not be responsible for paying any freight, delivery, or acceptance charges.
  • Data Evolution will securely store the Stored Equipment and will not release stored items unless Data Evolution has received written confirmation of the identity(ies) of the person(s) to whom the Stored Equipment may be released (“Authorized Recipients”), and Data Evolution has, to its reasonable satisfaction, confirmed the identities of the Authorized Recipients.
  • During the period in which Data Evolution stores the Stored Equipment (“Storage Period”), Data Evolution shall not be required or requested to open, inspect, test, or otherwise operate the Stored Equipment. Client understands and agrees that Stored Equipment may be subject to a manufacturer’s warranty requiring Client to inspect and/or report damaged or missing equipment within prescribed timeframes and, further, those timeframes may expire during the Storage Period.
  • Items received for storage by Data Evolution will be visually inspected at the time of receipt for obvious significant damage to exterior shipping materials, and Client will promptly be notified of the existence of any such damage. No other inspections will be performed by Data Evolution and Data Evolution will not reject or refuse delivery of any obviously or potentially damaged items, it being understood that the return/replacement of damaged items will be handled solely by Client at Client’s cost.
  • Data Evolution shall not be liable for any costs, fees, penalties, or expenses arising from or related to (i) the termination, expiration, or inapplicability of any manufacturer’s warranty (or similar warranty) relating to the Stored Equipment, (ii) items delivered broken or damaged to Data Evolution, or (iii) missing parts, equipment, devices, or accessories of the Stored Equipment.
  • Provided that Client is not in default of any fees due or owing to Data Evolution, Data Evolution will store all Stored Equipment until told to release the items to Authorized Recipients. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision to the contrary, Data Evolution may continue to store and not release Stored Equipment if, at the time release of the items is requested, Client is in default of its payment obligations to Data Evolution (the “Retention Exception”).
  • Subject to the Retention Exception, within ten (10) business days after the termination of services with Data Evolution (“Retrieval Period”), Customer must retrieve all Stored Equipment from Data Evolution.  Any  Stored Equipment that is not physically retrieved from Data Evolution prior to the expiration of the Retrieval Period, or any Stored Equipment which, due to the Retention Exception, is not released within the Retrieval Period, shall automatically and permanently be deemed abandoned by Client (“Abandoned Items”), and may be disposed of by Data Evolution without further notice to Client in any manner whatsoever (including but not limited to sale, auction, or donation), and without any recompense, payment, or remuneration by Data Evolution to Client. The remedies described in this paragraph shall be available to Data Evolution regardless of whether Client denies or protests such abandonment or otherwise requests or demands, in advance, that Data Evolution continue to store the Stored Equipment. Client shall be responsible for the payment of any costs, fees, and expenses incurred by Data Evolution in the handling and disposal of Abandoned Items.

Fair Usage Policy

Our Fair Usage Policy (“FUP”) applies to all services that are described or designated as “unlimited” or which are not expressly capped in the number of available usage hours per month.  An “unlimited” service designation means that, subject to the terms of this FUP, you may use the applicable service as reasonably necessary for you to enjoy the use and benefit of the service without incurring additional time-based or usage-based costs.  However, unless expressly stated otherwise in the Quote, all unlimited services are provided during our normal business hours only and are subject to our technicians’ availabilities, which cannot always be guaranteed.  In addition, we reserve the right to assign our technicians as we deem necessary to handle issues that are more urgent, critical, or pressing than the request(s) or issue(s) reported by you.  Consistent with this FUP, you agree to refrain from (i) creating urgent support tickets for non-urgent or non-critical issues, (ii) requesting excessive support services that are inconsistent with normal usage patterns in the industry (e.g., requesting support in lieu of training), (iii) requesting support or services that are intended to interfere, or may likely interfere, with our ability to provide our services to our other customers. 

Hosted Email

You are solely responsible for the proper use of any hosted email service provided to you (“Hosted Email”).
Hosted Email solutions are subject to acceptable use policies (“AUPs”), and your use of Hosted Email must comply with those AUPs—including ours. In all cases, you agree to refrain from uploading, posting, transmitting or distributing (or permitting any of your authorized users of the Hosted Email to upload, post, transmit or distribute) any prohibited content, which is generally content that (i) is obscene, illegal, or intended to advocate or induce the violation of any law, rule or regulation, or (ii) violates the intellectual property rights or privacy rights of any third party, or (iii) mischaracterizes you, and/or is intended to create a false identity or to otherwise attempt to mislead any person as to the identity or origin of any communication, or (iv)  interferes or disrupts the services provided by Data Evolution or the services of any third party, or (v) contains Viruses, trojan horses or any other malicious code or programs.  In addition, you must not use the Hosted Email for the purpose of sending unsolicited commercial electronic messages (“SPAM”) in violation of any federal or state law.  Data Evolution reserves the right, but not the obligation, to suspend Client’s access to the Hosted Email and/or all transactions occurring under Client’s Hosted Email account(s) if Data Evolution believes, in its discretion, that Client’s email account(s) is/are being used in an improper or illegal manner.

Backup (BDR) Services

All data transmitted over the Internet may be subject to malware and computer contaminants such as viruses, worms and trojan horses, as well as attempts by unauthorized users, such as hackers, to access or damage Client’s data.  Neither Data Evolution nor its designated affiliates will be responsible for the outcome or results of such activities.

BDR services require a reliable, always-connected internet solution.  Data backup and recovery time will depend on the speed and reliability of your internet connection.  Internet and telecommunications outages will prevent the BDR services from operating correctly.  In addition, all computer hardware is prone to failure due to equipment malfunction, telecommunication-related issues, etc., for which we will be held harmless.  Due to technology limitations, all computer hardware, including communications equipment, network servers and related equipment, has an error transaction rate that can be minimized, but not eliminated.  Data Evolution cannot and does not warrant that data corruption or loss will be avoided, and Client agrees that Data Evolution shall be held harmless if such data corruption or loss occurs.

Procurement

Equipment and software procured by Data Evolution on Client’s behalf (“Procured Equipment”) may be covered by one or more manufacturer warranties, which will be passed through to Client to the greatest extent possible.  By procuring equipment or software for Client, Data Evolution does not make any warranties or representations regarding the quality, integrity, or usefulness of the Procured Equipment.  Certain equipment or software, once purchased, may not be returnable or, in certain cases, may be subject to third party return policies and/or re-stocking fees, all of which shall be Client’s responsibility in the event that a return of the Procured Equipment is requested.  Data Evolution is not a warranty service or repair center.  Data Evolution will facilitate the return or warranty repair of Procured Equipment; however, Client understands and agrees that (i) the return or warranty repair of Procured Equipment is governed by the terms of the warranties (if any) governing the applicable Procured Equipment, for which Data Evolution will be held harmless, and (ii) Data Evolution is not responsible for the quantity, condition, or timely delivery of the Procured Equipment once the equipment has been tendered to the designated shipping or delivery courier.

Business Review / IT Strategic Planning Meetings

We strongly suggest that you participate in business review/strategic planning meetings as may be requested by us from time to time. These meetings are intended to educate you about recommended (and potentially crucial) modifications to your IT environment, as well as to discuss your company’s present and future IT-related needs. These reviews can provide you with important insights and strategies to make your managed IT environment more efficient and secure. You understand that by suggesting a particular service or solution, we are not endorsing any specific manufacturer or service provider.

Sample Policies, Procedures.

From time to time, we may provide you with sample (i.e., template) policies and procedures for use in connection with your business (“Sample Policies”). The Sample Policies are for your informational use only, and do not constitute or comprise legal or professional advice, and the policies are not intended to be a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. You should seek the advice of competent legal counsel prior to using or distributing the Sample Policies, in part or in whole, in any transaction. We do not warrant or guarantee that the Sample Policies are complete, accurate, or suitable for your (or your customers’) specific needs, or that you will reduce or avoid liability by utilizing the Sample Policies in your (or your customers’) business operations.

Penetration Testing; Vulnerability Scanning

You understand and agree that security devices, alarms, or other security measures, both physical and virtual, may be tripped or activated during the penetration testing and/or vulnerability scanning processes, despite our efforts to avoid such occurrences.  You will be solely responsible for notifying any monitoring company and all law enforcement authorities of the potential for “false alarms” due to the provision of the penetration testing or vulnerability scanning services, and you agree to take all steps necessary to ensure that false alarms are not reported or treated as “real alarms” or credible threats against any person, place, or property.  Some alarms and advanced security measures, when activated, may cause the partial or complete shutdown of the Environment, causing substantial downtime and/or delay to your business activities.  We will not be responsible for any claims, costs, fees, or expenses arising or resulting from (i) any response to the penetration testing or vulnerability scanning services by any monitoring company or law enforcement authorities, or (ii) the partial or complete shutdown of the Environment by any alarm or security monitoring device.

No Third Party Scanning

Unless we are notified of such activity in writing, you will not conduct any test, nor request or allow any third party to conduct any test (diagnostic or otherwise), of the security system, protocols, processes, or solutions that we implement in the managed environment (“Testing Activity”). Any services required to diagnose or remediate errors, issues, or problems arising from unauthorized Testing Activity are not covered under the Quote, and if you request us (and we elect) to perform those services, those services will be billed to you at our then-current hourly rates.

Obsolescence

If at any time any portion of the managed environment becomes outdated, obsolete, reaches the end of its useful life, or acquires “end of support” status from the applicable device’s or software’s manufacturer (“Obsolete Element”), then we may designate the device or software as “unsupported” or “non-standard” and require you to update the Obsolete Element within a reasonable time period.  If you do not replace the Obsolete Element reasonably promptly, then in our discretion we may (i) continue to provide the Services to the Obsolete Element using our “best efforts” only with no warranty or requirement of remediation whatsoever regarding the operability or functionality of the Obsolete Element, or (ii) eliminate the Obsolete Element from the scope of the Services by providing written notice to you (email is sufficient for this purpose).  In any event, we make no representation or warranty whatsoever regarding any Obsolete Element or the deployment, service level guarantees, or remediation activities for any Obsolete Element. 

Licenses

If we are required to re-install or replicate any software provided by you as part of the Services, then it is your responsibility to verify that all such software is properly licensed. We reserve the right, but not the obligation, to require proof of licensing before installing, re-installing, or replicating software into the managed environment.  The cost of acquiring licenses is not included in the scope of the Quote unless otherwise expressly stated therein.

VOIP – Dialing 911 (Emergency) Services

The following terms and conditions apply to your use of any VoIP service that we facilitate for you or that is provided to you by a third-party provider of such service. Please note, by using VoIP services you agree to the provisions of the waiver at the end of this section.  If you do not understand or do not agree with any of the terms below, you must not subscribe to, use, or rely upon any VoIP service and, instead, you must contact us immediately.

There is an important difference in how 9-1-1 (i.e., emergency) services can be dialed using a VoIP service as compared to a traditional telephone line. Calling emergency services using a VoIP service is referred to as “E911.”

Registration: You are responsible for verifying the E911 dialing feature setup is accurate and verifying the registered address where you will use the VoIP service. This will be set by default for you, and you must take the step to verify information is accurate. To do this, you must log into your VoIP control panel and provide a valid physical address. If you do not take this step, then E911 services may not work correctly, or at all, using the VoIP service. Emergency service dispatchers will only send emergency personnel to a properly registered E911 service address.

Location: The address you provide in the control panel is the location to which emergency services (such as the fire department, the police department, etc.) will respond. For this reason, it is important that you correctly enter the location at which you are using the VoIP services. PO boxes are not proper addresses for registration and must not be used as your registered address. Please note, even if your account is properly registered with a correct physical address, (i) there may be a problem automatically transmitting a caller’s physical location to the emergency responders, even if the caller can reach the 911 call center, and (ii) a VoIP 911 call may go to an unstaffed call center administrative line or be routed to a call center in the wrong location. These issues are inherent to all VoIP systems and services.  We will not be responsible for, and you agree to hold us harmless from, any issues, problems, incidents, damages (both bodily- and property-related), costs, expenses, and fees arising from or related to your failure to register timely and correctly your physical location information into the control panel.

Address Change(s): If you change the address used for E911 calling, the E911 services may not be available and/or may operate differently than expected. Moreover, if you do not properly and promptly register a change of address, then emergency services may be directed to the location where your services are registered and not where the emergency may be occurring. For that reason, you must register a change of address with us through the VoIP control panel no less than three (3) business days prior to your anticipated move/address change. Address changes that are provided to us with less than three (3) business days notice may cause incorrect/outdated information to be conveyed to emergency service personnel.  If you are unable to provide us with at least three (3) business days notice of an address change, then you should not rely on the E911 service to provide correct physical location information to emergency service personnel.  Under those circumstances, you must provide your correct physical location to emergency service dispatchers if you call them using the VoIP services.

If you do not register the VoIP service at your location and you dial 9-1-1, that call will be categorized as a “rogue 911 call.” If you are responsible for dialing a rogue 911 call, you may be charged a non-refundable and non-disputable fee of $250/call. 

Power Loss: If you lose power or there is a disruption to power at the location where the VoIP services are used, then the E911 calling service may not function until power is restored. You should also be aware that after a power failure or disruption, you may need to reset or reconfigure the device prior to utilizing the service, including E911 dialing.

Internet Disruption: If your internet connection or broadband service is lost, suspended, terminated or disrupted, E911 calling will not function until the internet connection and/or broadband service is restored.

Account Suspension: If your account is suspended or terminated, then all E911 dialing services will not function.

Network Congestion: There may be a greater possibility of network congestion and/or reduced speed in the routing of E911 calls as compared to 911 dialing over traditional public telephone networks.

WAIVER:  You hereby agree to release, indemnify, defend, and hold us and our officers, directors, representatives, agents, and any third party service provider that furnishes VoIP-related services to you, harmless from any and all claims, damages, losses, suits or actions, fines, penalties, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees), whether suffered, made, instituted or asserted by you or by any other party or person (collectively, “Claims”) arising from or related to the VoIP services, including but not limited to any failure or outage of the VoIP services, incorrect routing or use of, or any inability to use, E911 dialing features. The foregoing waiver and release shall not apply to Claims arising from our gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct.

Acceptable Use Policy

The following policy applies to all services provided to you, including but not limited to (and as applicable) applications, email services, and infrastructure services (“Services”).

Data Evolution does not routinely monitor the activity of accounts except to measure service utilization and/or service uptime, security-related purposes and billing-related purposes, and as necessary for us to provide or facilitate our managed services to you; however, we reserve the right to monitor Services at any time to ensure your compliance with the terms of this Acceptable Use Policy (this “AUP”) and our master services agreement, and to help monitor and ensure the safety, integrity, reliability, or security of the  Services.

Similarly, we do not exercise editorial control over the content of any information or data created on or accessible over or through the Services. Instead, we prefer to advise our customers of inappropriate behavior and any necessary corrective action. If, however, Services are used in violation of this AUP, then we reserve the right to suspend your access to part or all of the Services without prior notice.

Violations of this AUP: The following constitute violations of this AUP:

  • Harmful or illegal uses: Use of a Service for illegal purposes or in support of illegal activities, to cause harm to minors or attempt to contact minors for illicit purposes, to transmit any material that threatens or encourages bodily harm or destruction of property or to transmit any material that harasses another is prohibited.
  • Fraudulent activity: Use of a Service to conduct any fraudulent activity or to engage in any unfair or deceptive practices, including but not limited to fraudulent offers to sell or buy products, items, or services, or to advance any type of financial scam such as “pyramid schemes,” “Ponzi schemes,” and “chain letters” is prohibited.
  • Forgery or impersonation: Adding, removing, or modifying identifying network header information to deceive or mislead is prohibited. Attempting to impersonate any person by using forged headers or other identifying information is prohibited. The use of anonymous remailers or nicknames does not constitute impersonation.
  • SPAM: Data Evolution has a zero- tolerance policy for the sending of unsolicited commercial email (“SPAM”). Use of a Service to transmit any unsolicited commercial or unsolicited bulk e-mail is prohibited. You are not permitted to host, or permit the hosting of, sites or information that is advertised by SPAM from other networks. To prevent unnecessary blacklisting due to SPAM, we reserve the right to drop the section of IP space identified by SPAM or denial-of-service complaints if it is clear that the offending activity is causing harm to parties on the Internet, if open relays are on the hosted network, or if denial of service attacks are originated from the hosted network.
  • Internet Relay Chat (IRC). The use of IRC on a server is prohibited.
  • Open or “anonymous” proxy: Use of open or anonymous proxy servers is prohibited.
  • Using any portion of the Services for mining cryptocurrency or using any bandwidth or processing power made available by or through a Services for mining cryptocurrency, is prohibited.
  • Cryptomining. Using any portion of the Services for mining cryptocurrency or using any bandwidth or processing power made available by or through a Services for mining cryptocurrency, is prohibited.
  • Hosting spammers: The hosting of websites or services using a hosted server that supports spammers, or which causes (or is likely to cause) our IP space or any IP space allocated to us or our customers to be listed in any of the various SPAM databases, is prohibited. Customers violating this policy will have their server immediately removed from our network and the server will not be reconnected until such time that the customer agrees to remove all traces of the offending material immediately upon reconnection and agree to allow Data Evolution to access the server to confirm that all material has been completely removed. Any subscriber guilty of a second violation may be immediately and permanently removed from the hosted network for cause and without prior notice.
  • Email/message forging: Forging any email message header, in part or whole, is prohibited.
  • Unauthorized access: Use of the Services to access, or to attempt to access, the accounts of others or to penetrate, or attempt to penetrate, Data Evolution’s security measures or the security measures of another entity’s network or electronic communications system, whether or not the intrusion results in the corruption or loss of data, is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to accessing data not intended for you, logging into or making use of a server or account you are not expressly authorized to access, or probing the security of other networks, as well as the use or distribution of tools designed for compromising security such as password guessing programs, cracking tools, or network probing tools.
  • IP infringement: Use of a Service to transmit any materials that infringe any copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret or other proprietary rights of any third party, is prohibited.
  • Collection of personal data: Use of a Service to collect, or attempt to collect, personal information about third parties without their knowledge or consent is prohibited.
  • Network disruptions and sundry activity. Use of the Services for any activity which affects the ability of other people or systems to use the Hosted Services or the internet is prohibited. This includes “denial of service” (DOS) attacks against another network host or individual, “flooding” of networks, deliberate attempts to overload a service, and attempts to “crash” a host.
  • Distribution of malware: Intentional distribution of software or code that attempts to and/or causes damage, harassment, or annoyance to persons, data, and/or computer systems is prohibited.
  • Excessive use or abuse of shared resources: The Services depend on shared resources. Excessive use or abuse of these shared network resources by one customer may have a negative impact on all other customers. Misuse of network resources in a manner which impairs network performance is prohibited. You are prohibited from excessive consumption of resources, including CPU time, memory, and session time. You may not use resource-intensive programs which negatively impact other customers or the performances of our systems or networks.
  • Allowing the misuse of your account: You are responsible for any misuse of your account, even if the inappropriate activity was committed by an employee or independent contractor. You shall not permit your hosted network, through action or inaction, to be configured in such a way that gives a third party the capability to use your hosted network in an illegal or inappropriate manner. You must take adequate security measures to prevent or minimize unauthorized use of your account. It is your responsibility to keep your account credentials secure.

To maintain the security and integrity of the hosted environment, we reserve the right, but not the obligation, to filter content, Data Evolution requests, or website access for any web requests made from within the hosted environment. 

Revisions to this AUP: We reserve the right to revise or modify this AUP at any time. Changes to this AUP shall not be grounds for early contract termination or non-payment.