FAQs

If you have a general question you may find the answer in this section. If you cannot find the answer to your questions in this section, please contact us

Is there any situation where software escrow isn't appropriate

Yes – we’ve seen situations where software escrow has been oversold, especially as awareness of it has grown in the software market.

For instance, software escrow may not be appropriate for:

Low-value software where it would be easy and cheap to move to a similar equivalent package. The cost of simply switching suppliers will probably be smaller than trying to work with the source code itself.

Hosted software, including application service providers (ASPs). When software is provided as a service, it can be very complicated to bring that software in-house, because you have to switch from a hosted system to a local system.

This can involve a significant investment in infrastructure (like new computer equipment) and usually requires changes to the software itself.

The access fees for hosted software are generally lower than the licence fees you pay for local software, so the cost of switching suppliers may also be lower.

Complex systems using source code from a range of third parties. For instance, if one software company (the ‘prime contractor’) takes responsibility for developing, implementing, and managing a software solution that includes a number of third party software applications, those third parties are unlikely to want to place their code in escrow.

There is little benefit to the end-user unless all parties agree to use escrow, in this situation the costs will probably outweigh the potential benefits.

Are techUK escrow services avallable to non-techUK members?

Yes. Our services are open to anyone and although techUK members benefit from a discount, our prices remain extremely reasonable for non- techUK members.

Does techUK escrow check source code before it's placed in escrow?

techUK escrow checks the code for viruses and checks the encryption codes work. If you require more detailed checks of the source, you can opt to include one of our validation (also known as software testing) packages with your escrow service.  This service is designed to be used alongside our escrow agreements.

Why should i check source code before it's placed in escrow?

Source code validation provides confidence and peace of mind that the materials going into escrow can be used to build the software expected by the end-user.

Source code validation assures the end-user that the escrow agreement is valuable and useful to them.

Can software escrow agreement be transfered?

Yes – as long as all parties agree. Just contact us to discuss how this works.

What can a user do with the source code once it has been released?

Our software escrow agreements place strict limits on how an end-user may use source code which is released.

They may use it only to maintain their software application. They cannot copy it, remove copyright notices, sub-license it or use it to offer a new product or service to another company.

Full terms and conditions are included in every software escrow agreement. Contact us if you'd like a copy.

What triggers the release of source code?

The release event(s) depends on which of our software escrow agreements is in place. Release events can include the software developer becoming insolvent or failing to provide agreed support.

How does techUK escrow store source code?

We keep it safe in a super-secure storage facility. Get full details of how we protect source code.

Can we change the software escrow agreement to suit our needs?

Yes, absolutely. Our flexible software escrow agreement can be tailored however you need it. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Is the software escrow agreement approved for government contracts?

Yes. Our software escrow service meets the requirements of the Government Framework Agreement and is backed by one of the UK's leading law firms.

techUK members who are involved with public sector contracts have used our escrow service over the past 10 years