Service-based SLAs
A service-based SLA is an agreement with all the customers of a specific service. An example might be the organisation’s intranet service. This kind of agreement makes good sense where all customers are offered the same level of service, but becomes complicated when this is not the case. Sometimes, different levels of service are inevitable (e.g. where remote users have to rely on low-speed communications). Alternatively, customers may simply demand choice. For example, some organisations will offer a PC support service with identical terms and conditions for all users, but others may offer different levels of service according to what the customer is prepared to pay. Using banded levels of service (e.g. bronze, silver and gold support levels) is a very common way of simplifying this problem. Another issue with service-based SLAs is who signs on behalf of the customer and who represents them. Having user groups with elected representatives or spokespersons is one solution.