The source code and the accompanying documentation are of utmost importance to licensers and licensees.
Licensee
As a software user and licensee you have to be able to rely on the security and continuity of your business process and to limit dependence on your supplier. Even a bankruptcy or a termination of business entails an expensive and time-consuming application software change. A software escrow will give you additional advantages:
- Availability of the deposited items in the event of: termination of business, bankruptcy, loss of service capability by your software partner
- Protection of your investment in licenses, employee education, data transfer and project management
- Guarantee of low-risk project realization
- Assurance of long-term availability of the used software
- Reduction of software-contract risks
Licenser
As a software producer and licenser you are interested to keep the source code of your software products secret. A software escrow offers you some key benefits:
- Quality assurance
- Value enhancement of your product
- Safeguarding of proof of property rights
- Protection of intellectual property
- Compliancy with customers’ safety requirements
- If needed, access to the source code by your customer
As a consultant you protect your clients’ legal and economic interests. Recommending a software escrow means advising your customers with competence and foresight.