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Question
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Hi Ken,
    Is there any reason not to use cloud based contracts when setting up new customers?  I guess what I'm more concerned about is having digital contracts digitally signed by customers and then securely stored in the cloud with adequate backups.  Do you have any concerns about enforcing a digitally signed contract?  
Thanks,
Evan
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Answer
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    You can have electronically signed contracts.  You can scan your paper contracts.  You can store them on your own server or on a cloud based server, which as I understand it means someone else's server.  You do however have to be mindful that your contracts are the most important asset your business has.  Customer lists, accounts receivable ledgers, bank statements, tax returns, incomplete copies of fully executed contracts, are not substitutes for proper alarm contracts.  
    When will you be required to show your alarm contracts?  There are plenty of times, and here's a list in no particular order:

  • when you want to obtain alarm errors and omissions insurance from a reputable insurance company
  • when you want to place your subscriber monitoring accounts with a reputable wholesale central station
  • when you want to sue a subscriber for non payment
  • when you need to defend yourself from a lawsuit from a subscriber who has suffered damage or loss
  • when you are audited by your licensing agency
  • when you are the subject of a consumer affairs investigation
  • when you want to finance your subscriber contracts or your company
  • when you want to sell your subscriber accounts or business

    So, can you store your contracts in on the cloud.  Sure.  Capacity is unlimited, placement easy.  Just make sure you are retrieve your contracts in proper format and fully intact; a complete copy.  Backup, by you or the company storing your most valuable business asset is a given.
    Start off right, get your contracts at www.alarmcontracts.com.  Not sure which contracts you need?  Call our Contract Administrator, Eileen Wagda at 516 747 6700 ext 312 for assistance.  As they say in the late night commercials, "have your credit card handy".  Only kidding,  The information is free and you'll be completing your contract order securely  on line. 
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