Software Escrow
Software Escrow (also known as Source Code Escrow) Agreements permit an independent specialist to hold and test a copy of your software application's source code to make sure it is accurate, complete, and can be compiled independently in the event of vendor failure. Without a Software Escrow agreement, the software your business relies on could be lost or made inaccessible by the vendor.
Keeping your source code and data secure ensures that your business can continue to operate even if the worst should occur. All our Source Code Escrow solutions are safe, efficient, and are integrated smoothly with minimal impact on your workflow. The team at SES Secure have specialised in escrow for software for over 25 years.
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What is
Software Escrow?
Software Escrow or Source Code Escrow, as it is sometimes known, protects you against the ‘what if’ scenarios and puts you in control of your third-party software investments, offering you assurances and continuity for the investments you make.
Here’s an example:
If your third-party software provider declares bankruptcy, faces unforeseen disruption, or experiences vendor failure, you would lose access to their services and your output would grind to a halt. But if you and the provider have a Software Escrow agreement, you will still have access to their services even if the provider doesn’t. Software Escrow forms the backbone of an effective risk mitigation strategy. Escrow for software also provides peace of mind through giving you the confidence of knowing that you have the capability to manage any unforeseen disruption that may occur.
SES provides a range of Software Escrow Agreements, Source Code Contract Management, and Software IP solutions that complement all aspects of software security whether they are locally installed, hosted in the cloud or sourced through reseller or distribution channels. Essentially, Source Code Escrow should be part of any software contract negotiation.
Speak to our specialists about protecting your business critical applications with Software Escrow. SES provides a full suite of Software Escrow agreements certified to UKAS ISO: 27001 and ISO: 9001 standards.
Contact us today for further information or a free quotation.
Introducing SaaS Continuity
Our market-leading SaaS Continuity service is a live and functioning disaster recovery solution. It is specifically designed to guarantee complete and rapid accessibility to hosted applications in the event the hosted environment or supplier is no longer available to provide the service. It’s fast, easy to use and perfect for any business, from SMEs to Fortune 500.
Additionally, our interim release option ensures that you’re back on track the same day your paperwork is submitted.
Key benefits of Software Escrow protection
Our comprehensive Software Escrow services provide robust protection for your technological investments across multiple dimensions.
Business Continuity
Maintain operational stability during unexpected software vendor disruptions.
Risk Management
Proactively mitigate potential technological and operational vulnerabilities.
Trusted Expertise
We're the only Software Escrow provider with over 200 verified client reviews.
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All services are delivered in line with ISO 27001 (Information Security) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) standards, ensuring the highest levels of security and operational excellence.
We offer the highest level of liability indemnity insurance in the UK Software Escrow sector, providing unmatched financial protection and peace of mind.
With over 25 years as a market‑leading provider of Software and SaaS Escrow solutions, SES Secure brings deep expertise and proven reliability to every project.
Move your existing Escrow portfolio to SES at no additional cost. No setup fees and no disruption. Our team manages the entire transfer process for you.
We are the only Software Escrow provider with more than 200 verified Feefo reviews, earning their prestigious Exceptional rating for outstanding customer satisfaction.
How Software Escrow protection works
Our systematic approach ensures comprehensive protection for your critical software assets through a clear, transparent process.
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Software Deposit
Source code and materials securely stored with verified documentation.
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Validation
Independent experts validate software integrity and completeness.
Secure Storage
Source code and materials securely stored with verified documentation.
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Release conditions
Predefined legal triggers ensure smooth access when needed.
FAQs
Our expertise, your questions answered.
For End Users of business-critical applications, Software Escrow protects you against the developer of your business-critical applications no longer being able to support their applications.
For Software Developers, an Escrow Agreement helps build credibility and trust that you have your clients interests at heart.
In its simplest form, an Escrow Agreement is a tri-party agreement between an End User, a Software Developer and a third party Software Escrow Agent. The Developer licenses the application to the End User as usual but also deposits a copy of the source code for the application and any other material required to accurately redeploy the application into Escrow which can then be released to the End User if a release event contained within the Escrow Agreement is triggered.
The answer to this is entirely dependent on the level of protection you need. SES offers a range of Software Escrow Agreements depending on how many clients will be added to the agreement (for Software Developers), how many business-critical applications the agreement will be used to cover (for End Users) and whether the application/s in question is installed on-premise or delivered through a SaaS model.