How can relationship quality in outsourcing partnerships be achieved, sustained, and im- proved? In this paper we present a conceptual model that focuses on the identification of the relevant determinants for a successful IT outsourcing rela- tionship as well as on the operationalization IT outsourcing relationship quality. We contribute to existing relationship literature by thoroughly ex- amining existing constructs and, if applicable, spliting and redistributing them. We also consider additional relationship quality dimensions and determinants. The derived eleven dimensions and fifteen determinants are empirically validated in a subsequent three step empirical approach provid- ing a much more detailed and throroughly struc- tured relationship quality model which will even- tually help practitioners in improving their cross- organizational IT-business relationships.