Fig. 01 · Glossary
Vendor Lock-In
Also known as Lock-In, Vendor Dependency
Definition
Vendor lock-in is the switching-cost moat a vendor builds around your business: proprietary data formats, deep integrations, per-seat contracts with auto-renewal, and workflows shaped around the tool. Lock-in is a data-control problem before it is a cost problem - and its price compounds at every renewal, because a vendor who knows you cannot leave has less incentive to earn the relationship.
The visible symptom of lock-in is a renewal quote nobody feels able to challenge. The underlying condition is usually data: getting it out, keeping it usable, and proving to the vendor that an exit is credible.
Negotiation leverage is mostly a function of how believable your exit is.
Human Renaissance glossary · operator-grade definitions · Research methodology
