At a time when every business is becoming a software and data business, our team specialises in the commercialisation of digital services, with a particular emphasis on areas of AI, cloud computing, digital commerce, data, privacy & security and software.
Emerging and enabling technologies are disrupting traditional models of service delivery. There is hardly a sector in the UK that will not be undergoing digital transformation in some shape or form and data is itself coming a building block for modern living.
Software is now largely delivered via the cloud through subscription services (SaaS) which require new models for licensing. Edge computing and distributed cloud is becoming the dominant model for delivery across industries, with the associated demand for cyber security.
Furthermore, the digital world has a tendency towards concentrating power in the hands of a relatively small number of platform and marketplace providers who deliver services (for themselves and on behalf of third parties) through B2C, B2B and B2B2C business models.
At BPE, we advise on all types of outsourcing and procurement, but one of our specialisms is IT outsourcing.
IT outsourcing is a term which describes the use of a third party provider to deliver some or all of a company’s IT requirements which were traditionally delivered from within a business. This is often to help manage costs, provide access to the latest or best technology solutions or simply to enable a business to focus on its core operations.
We have extensive experience of dealing with complex, global deals for large IT suppliers. We’re also very familiar with the public procurement competitive tendering process and act for various smaller companies delivering subcontracted services. We take a pragmatic and risk-based approach at all times and are often found supporting clients with their on-going commercial needs long after the outsourcing agreement has been signed, often through to exit.
We also act for customers, where our wealth of delivery experience lends itself to helping our clients ask the right questions of their potential suppliers so that deals are structured for success.
Our outsourcing lawyers provide advice from “cradle to grave” to both customers and suppliers on all types of IT outsourcing, including:
There is hardly a sector in the UK that is not undergoing digital transformation powered by the adoption of enabling technologies like 5G, Internet of Things, edge computing, cyber security, AI and automation:
Communications, IoT, Edge Computing
Network technology such as 5G, Internet of Things and edge enable high speed service possibilities, accompanied by a steady increase in embedding of sensors, data storage and AI in edge devices. This network technology comes with new security challenges.
With over 20 years’ experience advising on law, policy and regulation within the telecommunications sector, our lawyers can offer clients in-depth knowledge of communications law.
We help structure new business models for new communications technologies, advise on commercial delivery and provide practical risk analysis and guidance. Our lawyers offer genuine sector expertise with key team members having worked within multi-national network operators.
Services include: advising on application of Code Powers, mobile network service agreements and network sharing agreements, managed site service agreements, build to suit agreements, fibre deployments, telecoms outsourcing and managed service agreements, datacentres, 5G networks, cloud computing and smart technologies.
Digital Platforms and Software
Software is now largely delivered via the cloud through subscription services and innovative new commercial models. Edge computing and the distributed cloud are the future for delivery across all industries, with the associated demand for cyber security.
The digital world has a tendency towards concentrating power in the hands of a relatively small number of platform providers, who become part of the digital infrastructure, delivering services themselves and on behalf of third parties through B2B, B2B and B2B2C business models. BPE is well positioned to advise on these kind of business models.
Services include: advising on e-commerce regulatory matters including commercial agent regulations, Platform to Business (P2B) regulations; SaaS agreements whether as part of B2C and B2B platform solutions and also as part of large-scale business processing outsourcings. The BPE team understands the environments in which their clients operate and what they want to achieve.
Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI delivers advanced automation and to properly realise the benefits of this and the distributed network infrastructure, data will need to flow seamlessly to create value for business and consumers. We are well placed to advise on structuring the delivery of AI and the governance surrounding flow of data.
Services include: technology transactions and licensing, supply chain contracts regulatory compliance, advise on data compliant ecosystems and AI transparency and security.
The UK is one of the world’s leading centres for ‘technology applied to financial services’ with a particularly strong market in crowd funding, peer to peer lending and payment services. The fintech sector embraces constantly evolving technologies within a complex web of regulation.
Adoption of new technologies and business models is transforming the financial services industry, with the likes of Open Banking and popular business models such as rob-advisers, e-wallets, information aggregators and trust-based platform arrangements. Our fintech lawyers have all the expertise required to help navigate this constantly evolving sector.
Services include: technology transaction and licensing agreements, regulatory advice on the evolving UK legislative framework, including PSD2, domestic and cross border M&A, equity investments and joint ventures in the financial services sector. Our cross disciplinary team allows us to advise clients of all sizes on a broad range of matters.
BPE’s technology team has specialist expertise in the technology sector borne out of many years of collective work for some of the UK’s most innovative organisations. The team understands the environments in which their clients operate and what it is they want to achieve. Since its formation, the team has built a formidable reputation regionally and nationally for their quality of legal advice and their commercial pragmatism.
At a time when every business is become a software and data business, our team specialises in the commercialisation of these digital services. At BPE, we don’t approach data protection regulation as a barrier to sharing but rather we help our clients work with the regulations to facilitate data sharing. BPE works with a wide range of clients in the realms of data, from start ups through to large financial institutions, public sector and pseudo-governmental institutions and policy makers and we understand the unique drivers and requirements of this rapidly growing area of expertise. We are also one of only two law firms appointed to work with the Open Data Institute advising on the creation of Data Trust.
Insight
Following the recent publication of the UK’s National Semiconductor Strategy, this article considers how the UK seeks...
Insight
In this article, our Tech Team discuss the UK government's commitment to invest £2.5 billion in quantum research and...
Talk to us about your legal challenges and discover how our expert, pragmatic legal advice and broad commercial acumen can help.
