A master service agreement, sometimes known as a framework agreement, is a contract reached between parties, in which the parties agree to most of the terms that will govern future transactions or future agreements.
At its most basic, an MSA is a contract between two or more parties that establishes what terms and conditions will govern all current and future activities and responsibilities. MSAs are useful because they allow the parties to plan for the future while also speeding the ratification of future agreements.
While the terms “master agreement” and “contract” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are subtle distinctions between the two. A master agreement is a broader agreement that sets the framework for future transactions or engagements between parties.
Contracts address the specific details of a particular project, transaction, or engagement. Think of the master agreement as the foundation or umbrella under which contracts operate. It sets the general terms, while contracts focus on the specific details and scope of each individual project.
When should I create an MSA? Whenever two or more parties in a business relationship know they will continue to work together beyond the scope of a single project or contract, drafting an MSA is a prudent idea for all involved.
A master service agreement (MSA) is a legal contract that establishes fundamental agreements between two parties. MSAs allow vendors and clients to agree on basic terms at the outset of a business relationship before any business commences. What is included in a Master Service Agreement? When should I create an MSA?
Comparing a Master Service Agreement (MSA) vs Statement of Work (SOW) is relatively straightforward. The MSA is a comprehensive, overarching contract, while the SOW is far more detailed. Although each contract is unique, the MSA and SOW fit together to complete an agreement between two businesses.
In the IT sector, internal and external relationships are often governed by legal or quasi-legal documents. In IT and ITSM, the terms "Master Service Agreement" and "Service Level Agreement" are often used interchangeably.
Comparing a Master Service Agreement (MSA) vs Statement of Work (SOW) is relatively straightforward. The MSA is a comprehensive, overarching contract, while the SOW is far more detailed. Although each contract is unique, the MSA and SOW fit together to complete an agreement between two businesses.
An SOW is usually created under the framework of an MSA. While the MSA sets the general terms and conditions for the overall relationship, the SOW focuses on the particulars of a single project.