Software Escrow
Software Escrow is a source code deposit: the source code of your software only, the pure intellectual property, stored entirely within the EU and CLOUD- and USA PATRIOT Act-free. With every relevant release the supplier uploads the new version to the deposit at Softcrow, so that it is securely placed in escrow. This way the beneficiary is certain they can maintain, develop further and keep using the software themselves once the release conditions are met.
For the beneficiary: the user of the software
Your software is running. But what if the supplier is gone tomorrow?
With Software Escrow, Softcrow takes only the source code of your on-premise software into escrow, as a neutral third party. So that you can always carry on, even if the supplier goes bankrupt or stops maintenance.
Key features
- The source code is ready: on bankruptcy of the supplier, release is arranged directly, separate from the winding-up of the bankruptcy
- Zero-knowledge storage: the deposit is end-to-end encrypted (E2EE), Softcrow has no access to the contents
- Sovereign storage: hosted entirely within the EU, free from the CLOUD and USA PATRIOT Act
- No vendor lock-in on release: unpacking is possible with 7-Zip (Windows, Linux and macOS) or WinZip (Windows)
- Optional: a verification audit, in which a working environment is built from the deposit under the supervision of an independent external IT auditor
- Legally watertight: the deposit does not form part of the bankruptcy estate
- Insight into your deposit via the Softcrow Dashboard, accessible to all parties involved
- A demonstrable part of IT risk management, relevant for DORA, NIS2, ISO 22301 and other compliance frameworks
Curious what a Software Escrow records for you exactly? Our sample agreement shows it.
Download the sample agreement →
For the supplier: the party that delivers the software
Give your customers assurance. Without it costing you extra work.
A Software Escrow with Softcrow is quickly arranged. We take care of the agreement and the technical set-up. You deliver periodically through our secure environment.
Key features
- Available as a tripartite agreement or as a collective agreement: multiple beneficiaries within one contract is possible
- Standard agreement, adaptable to your situation, in consultation with our legal department
- Automated delivery via our own CLI: no manual work
- Zero-knowledge storage: we have no access to the contents of your deposit, the encryption key stays with you
- No vendor lock-in on release: unpacking is possible with 7-Zip (Windows, Linux and macOS) or WinZip (Windows)
- Dedicated legal and technical expertise: every conversation with the right specialist
- Verification audit at the request of beneficiary or supplier: we coordinate the process with the independent NOREA IT auditor
Ready to get started? See how delivery works.