Negotiate with an exit option

Negotiating power comes from a credible alternative, not an angry threat.

Bring evidence

• A current dependency inventory and the scope that can actually move.
• Exit-drill elapsed time, blockers, and independently verified data copy.
• Like-for-like cost model with sensitivity rather than one headline ratio.
• Commitment value remaining at each decision date.
• Required export, incident, support, and contract remedies stated as testable terms.

Ask for capabilities, not favors

Prefer automatic egress waivers, documented bulk export, transferable credits, shorter commitments, portable interfaces, incident-report deadlines, and usable SLA remedies over one-time discretionary discounts. A concession that disappears with the account team is not exit capability.