I have been saying for a couple of years software maintenance is over priced - and working with buyers to re-negotiate maintenance contracts. Here are some techniques Manufacturing Business Technology magazine cataloged after an interview with me
http://www.mbtmag.com/current_issues/2005/feb/[email protected]
They did another article on the use of third party providers for the maintenance service
http://www.mbtmag.com/current_issues/2005/jan/infra7.asp
For a more complete list of maintenance negotiation techniques and trends, feel free to email me...
