Explicit Non-Offerings
This page lists what we do not provide. These boundaries are non-negotiable. This section is written to be quoted directly to clients.
Statement for Client Communication
We want to be completely clear about what we do not offer. These are not services we might consider — they are outside our model entirely. This clarity protects both parties from misaligned expectations.
We Do Not Provide
Software License Sales
We do not sell software licenses. We work with open-source software that requires no license purchase. If you need commercial software licenses, you will need to obtain them directly from vendors.
Managed Hosting or Infrastructure
We do not provide hosting, server management, or infrastructure operations. You are responsible for provisioning and operating your own infrastructure, whether on-premises, cloud-hosted, or through a managed hosting provider.
24/7 Support or On-Call Operations
We do not provide operational support, on-call availability, or 24/7 incident response. We are consultants and advisors, not operations staff. You must have internal capability or separate arrangements for operational support.
Guarantees for Third-Party Software Behavior
We do not guarantee how any software will behave. We provide expert guidance on selection, configuration, and use, but all software — including open-source software — may have bugs, limitations, or unexpected behavior. You accept responsibility for software in your environment.
Replacement for Internal IT Teams
We do not replace your internal IT function. We work alongside and enable your team. If you have no IT capability and no intention of building one, our model is not appropriate for your situation.
Ongoing Managed Services
We do not provide ongoing managed services, maintenance contracts, or retainers that create operational dependency. Our goal is to enable your independence, not to become a permanent fixture.
Software Development from Scratch
We do not build custom software applications from scratch. We configure, extend, and integrate existing open-source platforms. If you need bespoke software development, that is a different type of engagement than what we offer.
How to Use This Page
When a client asks for something on this list:
- Refer to this page directly
- Quote the relevant section
- Explain that these are structural boundaries, not negotiable positions
- Offer to help them find appropriate vendors if relevant
Example Response
"I understand you're looking for managed hosting. Let me be clear about our model: we do not provide hosting, server management, or infrastructure operations. You are responsible for provisioning and operating your own infrastructure. I can recommend some hosting providers who specialize in this if that would be helpful."
Why These Boundaries Exist
| Boundary | Reason |
|---|---|
| No license sales | We are advisors, not vendors; unbiased advice requires no vendor relationships |
| No hosting | Operational responsibility must be clear; we are not operators |
| No 24/7 support | Advisory and operational roles should not mix; different capability requirements |
| No software guarantees | We don't control software; honest risk communication requires this boundary |
| No IT replacement | We enable, not replace; clients must own their capability |
| No managed services | Independence is our goal; ongoing dependency contradicts our philosophy |
| No bespoke development | We configure, not build; different skill sets and models |
Escalation
If a client requests something on this list and you are uncertain how to respond, see Escalation. However, the answer to "can we make an exception" is always no for items on this page.