The choice of platform — and the service provider that will configure it — are strategic bets for a digital business leader. Increase your chances of success by laying the foundations for enduring, mutually successful partnerships with them. Evaluate relevant qualities such as trust, transparency, and excellence in the selection process. Create a partnership charter to summarize its scope, how you will work together, and expected behaviors. Don’t leave commercial negotiations to procurement: Stay involved to ensure that you get a balanced deal that is compatible with the partnership charter. Then monitor performance and act quickly to resolve issues before they undermine the partnership.