All about Software Escrows
Computer software is basically shortened and commonly called as software, and it is one of the primary parts of the computer system that consists of computer instructions and encoded information and details, in contrast and in comparison to the hardware of the computer device. Computer software are divided into categories, and that includes the purpose or domain of use which can be divided into malicious software or malware, system software like utilities, device drivers, and operating systems, and application software; includes the nature or domain of execution such as server software like web applications, embedded software, plugins, desktop applications web browsers and software applications, and microcode; and the programming tools in the forms of applications and programs that are being used to maintain, debug, improve, fix, support and create software. The other titles for software developers includes software engineers, programmers, software analyst, coder and hacker, and their primary function is typically concerned with the different aspects of the software development process which includes testing, research, design and programming of the software.
One of the most critical moments of every business who have their very own custom software is continuing the operation and maintaining it, even if the licensor is unable to do so, and most of them have their ultimate desire of ensuring that it may continue to operate despite the other undesirable reasons, and the best solution for that is to be engaged in software escrow and it can only be achieved by obtaining as copy of the recently updated source code of the software. Source code escrows is another term used for software escrows, which is defined as the deposit of the source code of the computer software with the use of a third party escrow agent. The licensee or the party licensing software is the one who request the services of an escrow agent, just to ensure that the operation and maintenance of the software will continue, and it is defined as a contractual arrangement in which a third party will disburse and receive the money and the documents for the primary transacting parties and this act will be based and will be dependent on the agreed conditions of the transacting parties. In the most unfortunate events that the licensor will file for bankruptcy or fail to maintain and update the computer software, or any other reasons like merger, acquisition and obsolescence, the source code of the software will be given to the licensee, which is based on the stated agreement of the transacting parties. A source code escrow is recognized as a contractual relationship, which is formalized in an agreement between three parties, namely the escrow agent, one or more licensees, and one or more licensors.
Source: http://www.andysowards.com/blog/2016/what-happens-if-a-business-you-work-with-goes-under/