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Glossary

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

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