Checklist: 10 questions for your provider

Print it out and take it to your next meeting with your technology provider. If your provider does not meet all of them, you have a problem - or at the very least, a matter to negotiate.

1. Where are the servers where my data is hosted physically located?
Correct answer: in a data centre within the European Union, with a specific physical address.

2. Do you make daily backups? Where are those backups kept?
Correct answer: yes, daily and automatic. They are kept in a physical location different from the main server.

3. How often do you test that the backups can be restored?
Correct answer: at least once a month. If they say "we have never tested them", run.

4. If I want to change providers, will you give me a complete copy of my database?
Correct answer: yes, in a standard format (PostgreSQL dump for Odoo), including all attached documents.

5. What is the maximum response time if the system goes down?
Correct answer: between 1 and 4 hours during working hours. It must be in writing in the contract (SLA).

6. Does the connection to my ERP use HTTPS (the green padlock)?
Correct answer: yes, always, with a valid SSL certificate. There is no excuse for it not to be.

7. Is my monthly bill fixed or can it vary?
Correct answer: fixed. A flat rate that includes server, maintenance and basic support.

8. Can I install additional modules or customisations on my Odoo?
Correct answer: yes, without restrictions (this is only possible with Odoo Community or self-hosted Enterprise, not with SaaS).

9. Who owns the data: me or you?
Correct answer: you. It must be stated in writing in the contract.

10. What happens to my data if your company closes or if we stop working together?
Correct answer: you receive a complete copy of all your data and you have a reasonable period (at least 30 days) to migrate to another provider.