What exactly is Software Escrow and how does it benefit you and your business?

Every business relies on at least one business critical application. This could be your CRM, accounting software, stock control or logistics.

What happens if the developer of your business-critical applications disappears? Consider the devastating impact that would have on your business operations.

What would you do?

You could invest in new applications. Sure, but procuring suitable replacements will be time consuming and a costly process. Especially if your applications are highly “tailor made” or customised.

Software Escrow ensures that access and maintenance to your business-critical applications are available until a suitable replacement can be found and implemented.

What is Software Escrow?

Software Escrow is the safekeeping of your bespoke developed applications and supports the continuity of your business.

A Software Escrow agreement is a 3-party agreement between the Software Developer, End User, and independent Software Escrow Specialist. The neutral independent Software Escrow Specialist will hold and validate a copy of your developer version source code, including all relevant documentation on behalf of the software user.

In the event the software developer is unable to maintain its service or ceases to exist, the source code and supporting documentation can be released back to the end user, so that they can continue to use and update the application. This can mitigate costly outages in the event of an emergency.

What is a SaaS Escrow?

SaaS (Software as a Service) Escrow is a business continuity service that aims to protect users of SaaS applications in the event that the software vendor is unable to continue providing the service for any reason. It involves a third-party escrow provider like ESCROWSURE, which holds and manages a secure, up-to-date copy of the SaaS application data and the software application itself.

In case of vendor failure or discontinuation of service, EscrowSURE can step in and ensure that the end users retain access to their critical data and continuity of service, minimizing disruption to their business.

SaaS Escrow is particularly valuable for businesses that rely heavily on SaaS applications for their core operations, where any disruption in service can have significant impacts.

What is Source Code Escrow?

Source Code Escrow is a service where the source code of a software application is deposited with a neutral third-party escrow agent, such as ESCROWSURE. This is typically done as part of a contractual agreement between the software vendor and the customer. The source code is held in escrow and is released to the customer only under certain conditions defined in the escrow agreement, such as the software vendor going out of business, failing to provide agreed-upon maintenance and support, or other trigger events.

The benefit of a Source Code Escrow is that it provides customers with an assurance that they will be able to maintain and update the software they’ve purchased or licensed, even if the vendor is no longer able to do so. This provides an extra layer of protection for the customer’s investment in the software and ensures business continuity.

On-premise or in the Cloud?

The choice between on-premise and cloud-based solutions largely depends on the specific needs, security considerations, and resources of the customer.

On-premise solutions often provide a higher degree of control, customisation, and are best suited for organisations with complex legacy systems. However, they require more initial investment, as well as the need for an in-house IT team to manage and maintain the infrastructure.

Cloud-based solutions, on the other hand, offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, since they usually operate on a subscription-based model and require less upfront capital investment. Security in the cloud has improved significantly over the years, and many companies are now confident in entrusting their data to cloud service providers.

When Would I Need Software Escrow?

There are many standard trigger events where a business may need Software Escrow. Standard release events include:

• the software developer ceasing to exist
• the software developer entering liquidationproceedings
• a breach of contractbetween the end user and the software developer
• the software developer bought out or merging with another organization

What Are the Benefits of Software Escrow?

Down time for any organisation can be catastrophic. The cost, time, inconvenience, security and effort involved with implementing a new application must be avoided.

A Software Escrow solution addresses these risks, secures productivity in operations and side steps the need for you to replace broken software/orphanware, allowing you to continue trading without disruption.

Get Protection From Unforeseeable Third-Party Software Disruptions with Software Escrow

As a provider, ESCROWSURE offers both on-premise and cloud-based SaaS and Source Code escrow solutions.

We ensure that your company’s unique needs are catered for in the most effective and secure way possible.

We understand the value of your software and data, and our top priority is providing a service that ensures their protection and your peace of mind.