What is software escrow — and how does it work?
Software escrow is a risk management arrangement where a third party holds critical software assets on behalf of the developer who made the software and the client who uses it.
- Developer gives valuable software assets (source code, etc.) to a trusted third party (escrow agent).
- All parties sign an escrow agreement that defines when and how the materials will be released.
- The escrow agent keeps the escrowed materials safe until something bad happens (release event).
- The escrow agent gives the assets to the software client so they can keep using the software without the original developer’s support.
How we guarantee your software continuity
We've designed a simple five-step process to help you move from software vulnerability to guaranteed operational stability.
1
Book a demo and choose a plan
During an initial consultation, we'll analyze your software ecosystem together to identify which applications truly matter to your operations. This helps us recommend the most appropriate protection options based on your actual needs.
2
Invite your team and establish an escrow agreement
Our in-house legal team handles the entire escrow framework without requiring external lawyers or additional fees. We help you establish clear, transparent terms so you know exactly when and how your code will be released if a trigger event occurs.
3
Upload deposits through automated integrations
We built our platform to work with the tools you already use. The app supports over 50+ integrations, including GitHub, BitBucket, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The system automatically synchronizes your software assets daily and captures changes without creating extra work for your team.
4
Order asset verification
While storing your software is essential, knowing it will actually work during recovery is equally important. Our verification process thoroughly examines everything from source code to configuration files to ensure your deposited assets remain functional and ready for immediate deployment if needed.
5
Earn Software Resilience Certificates
After successfully completing the verification tests, we issue certificates that document your software protection measures. Many clients find these certificates particularly helpful when speaking with auditors, regulators, or other stakeholders who need to understand your preparedness measures.
Get genuine peace of mind
While others worry about vendor failures, you'll operate with confidence, knowing your critical applications are secured, verified, and maintained for uninterrupted business continuity.
software escrow
Protection scope: On-premises software
The vendor deposits their source code, data, and documentation into our secure repository. Our platform encrypts these assets and stores them in immutable, access-controlled vaults. When specific trigger events occur, we verify these conditions and release the escrowed assets.
Best for:
Enterprise customers using mission-critical on-premises software
Regulated industries with complex compliance requirements
Organizations with limited in-house technical resources
Development firms looking to build trust with enterprise clients
Learn more
SAAS escrow
Protection scope: SaaS applications
Extend traditional escrow to cover all components needed for SaaS operation. Our 50+ integrations can help you capture source code, container images, infrastructure-as-code configurations, deployment scripts, and third-party dependency information.
Best for:
Businesses relying on cloud software for critical operations
Companies in regulated industries using SaaS solutions
Organizations with robust vendor risk management programs
SaaS companies pursuing enterprise clients
Learn more
continuity escrow
Protection scope: SaaS applications
Set up payment escrow accounts and secure connections to service providers. When you report a missed payment or service degradation, we automatically step in to maintain these services before disruption occurs.
Best for:
Organizations requiring true business continuity
Businesses with complex infrastructure dependencies
Enterprises with strict service-level agreements
Vendors with contractual uptime guarantees above 99.9%
Learn more
Success stories about software resilience
See how our clients transformed software risk into software continuity with Codekeeper.
CASE STUDY
How a Healthcare Network Protected Critical Systems From Vendor Risk
Learn how a vulnerable healthcare network secured their critical patient systems when their vendor faced collapse — with Codekeeper's Software Escrow to prevent operational disaster.
“Software Escrow has become as fundamental to our operational security as data backups.”
Download case study
CASE STUDY
Logistics Provider Maintains 100% Operations With SaaS Escrow When Vendor Disappears
Find out how a logistics company maintained uninterrupted operations after their essential SaaS vendor disappeared — with Codekeeper's SaaS Escrow solution to keep deliveries on schedule.
"The process was surprisingly straightforward — much less disruption than we anticipated."
Download case study
CASE STUDY
How an E-commerce Platform Eliminated Disruptions With Continuity Escrow
Explore how an e-commerce retailer eliminated payment disruptions and boosted customer satisfaction after their processor declared bankruptcy with Codekeeper's Continuity Escrow solution.
“Codekeeper's track record of quick deployment and proven continuity approach won us over.”
Download case study
CASE STUDY
How SaaS Escrow Unlocked Enterprise Deals for a Growing Payment Platform
Discover how a growing payment platform overcame enterprise sales barriers and turned business continuity concerns into a competitive advantage with Codekeeper's SaaS Escrow solution.
"The escrow solution transformed our biggest sales obstacle into a competitive advantage."
Download case study