Final answer:
The primary purpose of an SLA in a cloud service provider contract is to specify the service quality and availability. It sets clear performance metrics and standards for service delivery that the provider is expected to meet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose of actively including a Service Level Agreement (SLA) in the contract with the cloud service provider is To specify the quality and availability of the services provided. An SLA is crucial for setting clear expectations for service parameters such as uptime, performance, and support response times. It outlines the standards against which the cloud service provider's performance is measured and becomes the basis for service delivery and customer satisfaction. Beyond setting performance metrics, an SLA may also detail the responsibilities and obligations of both parties, although its focus remains on the levels of service to be provided.
While the SLA may touch on data security protocols, its main function is not primarily to ensure non-disclosure or prevent misuse of data, as that is usually covered under different sections of the contract or separate data protection agreements. Additionally, while the SLA could include timeframes within its scope, and sometimes mention penalties for non-compliance, its essence is maintaining agreed-upon service standards rather than serving as a timeline for the agreement.