On this day, the 19th of January in the year 2009, we in the field of information technology services set forth a new set of standards by which clients and service providers shall interact to form unmistakable and mutually beneficial partnerships. Under this global declaration all clients of IT services and outsourcing firms shall have:

1. The right to demand transparency throughout every step of an engagement – from sales to contracting to delivery and termination

2. The right to fully understand the nature and character of their IT partner and the service that it provides to them

3. The right to fully understand the financial viability of their IT partner

4. The right to be made aware of any impending legal charges against their IT partner should they arise as soon as they occur

5. The right to arrive at a mutually agreed upon definition of the term trusted partner

6. The right to expect a clear contract that defines fees and expenses upfront before any agreement is signed

7. The right to terminate a relationship with no financial penalty in the event of any admitted fraudulent activity

8. The right to demand the existence of a truly independent board of advisors

9. The right to expect the presence of an independent financial auditor accompanied by a set of checks and balances

10. The right to demand accountability for any actions taken within the scope of a technology project or as part of a firm’s broader business practices.