Multi-level SLAs
Some organisations choose a multi-level SLA approach, where elements of
services common to all customers are covered by a corporate-level SLA. Issues
relating to a particular customer or customer group, no matter what the service, are then covered by a customer-level SLA and all issues relating to a specific
service for the customer or customer group are covered by a service-specific SLA.
The SLA for a service must be based on realistic, achievable targets (e.g. for
performance and availability), and the achievement of these targets depends on
the performance of the internal and external services that underpin the delivery of
the main service. Putting it another way, SLAs must reflect the levels of service
actually being delivered or that can be delivered. They are about what can be done rather than what we would like to be done. If a customer requires a different level of service, this would normally be dealt with by raising a service level requirement.
In order for SLM to be confident about the achievement of its SLA targets, it must have specific agreements with the internal and external providers. These agreements fall into two distinct types:
• Underpinning contracts (UCs);
• Operational level agreements (OLAs).
Both should be negotiated, agreed and in place before a commitment is made to the relevant SLA.