Reversibility
In brief
It’s the ability to retrieve your data and switch to another provider without causing a major disruption. If switching providers takes two years and costs a fortune, you’re effectively tied in, even when the contract says you’re free to leave.
▶ Precise definition
The technical and contractual ability to retrieve one’s data and processing operations in a usable format, and then to transfer them to another provider or in-house, within a reasonable timeframe and at a reasonable cost. This is the true measure of control: without reversibility, dependence remains total, even under a compliant contract.
See also
Sources