Service providers are relying more upon software assets and intellectual property (IP) when carrying out client engagements. This is certainly true with hybrid cloud management: Providers are building capabilities that in some cases are direct alternatives to products from independent software vendors (ISVs) and open source solutions. While service firms are making a welcome contribution to hybrid cloud management, it does come at a price: Infrastructure and operations (I&O) pros will find managing such managed service engagements more complex and must accommodate the treatment and disposition of supplier IP.