Frequently asked questions
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About Software-Escrow.com
What is Software-Escrow.com?
Software-Escrow.com is a developer-first software escrow service. We help developers meet escrow requirements from clients without the manual overhead that comes with traditional providers. Connect your repositories or services once, and we handle deposits, legal agreements, and verification automatically — so you can get back to building.
Why would a client ask me for software escrow?
When a client depends on your software to run their business, they want assurance that they won't lose access if something happens to your company — like insolvency or a failure to provide support. Software escrow gives them a recovery path without requiring you to hand over control of your code. It's a standard requirement in enterprise contracts, and having it in place is often what lets a deal move forward.
Do I actually need escrow to close a deal?
If your client has included it in their contract requirements, yes — escrow needs to be in place before they'll sign. Enterprise clients and procurement teams often require it as a standard condition, especially for software that's critical to their operations. The good news is that setting it up with Software-Escrow.com takes around 5 minutes, so it doesn't have to be the thing that holds up your deal.
How is Software-Escrow.com different from traditional escrow providers?
Traditional escrow providers were built for legal teams — which means manual deposit uploads, slow agreement setup, and a lot of back-and-forth that pulls developers away from their work. Software-Escrow.com was built specifically for developers. Deposits are automated through 50+ integrations, the legal agreement is handled by our team, and you can be up and running in 5 minutes. No manual uploads, no lawyer meetings, no maintenance overhead.
Is software escrow a legal requirement or just a client preference?
It's usually a client requirement rather than a legal mandate — though in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, defense) it may be tied to compliance obligations. Most commonly, a client will include escrow as a contractual condition before signing. Either way, once it's in place it's in place — and with Software-Escrow.com the setup is fast enough that it rarely needs to slow a deal down.
Software escrow basics
What is software escrow?
Software escrow is an agreement where a neutral third party — the escrow agent — securely holds your software assets on behalf of you and your client. If a predefined release event occurs, like vendor insolvency or failure to maintain the software, those assets are released to your client so they can keep their operations running. Until then, everything stays securely stored and inaccessible to anyone.
What is a software escrow agent?
A software escrow agent is the neutral third party responsible for holding your deposited software assets and managing any release process. Software-Escrow.com acts as the escrow agent — we store your assets securely, manage the legal agreement between you and your client, and verify any release requests before anything is released.
How does software escrow work?
You connect your repositories or services to Software-Escrow.com, we set up the legal escrow agreement between you, your client, and us as the escrow agent, and deposits start automatically from there. Your client receives an escrow certificate as proof that everything is in place. If a release event ever occurs, we review the claim and release the deposited materials to your client after verification.
What gets deposited in escrow?
It depends on the type of escrow. For software escrow, that's typically source code, documentation, and supporting materials needed to rebuild or maintain the application. For SaaS escrow, it includes your full cloud stack — source code, deployment configurations, infrastructure details. For continuity escrow, it's the credentials and access tokens for the hosting providers and third-party services your application depends on.
When is software escrow released to my client?
Only when a predefined release event occurs — things like vendor insolvency, bankruptcy, failure to maintain or support the software, or a material breach of contract. All release requests are reviewed and verified by us before anything is released. Your code isn't accessible to anyone unless those specific conditions are met and verified.
What's the difference between software escrow and SaaS escrow?
Software escrow is for on-premises applications that clients install and run on their own systems. SaaS escrow is for cloud-based applications that clients access as a service. The main difference is what gets deposited — software escrow focuses on source code and documentation, while SaaS escrow covers your full cloud environment including deployment configurations, infrastructure details, and application data.
What is source code escrow and how does it relate to software escrow?
Source code escrow is an escrow asset — it's the specific part of a software escrow agreement that covers your application's codebase. Software escrow is the broader agreement that can include source code alongside documentation, build materials, and supporting data. When a client asks for source code escrow, they're asking for your codebase to be deposited and protected — which is included as part of our software escrow service.
What's the difference between software escrow and continuity escrow?
Software escrow protects your code — it's a recovery path if your client ever needs to rebuild or maintain the software without you. Continuity escrow protects the services that keep your software running right now — hosting providers, payment platforms, third-party infrastructure. Think of software escrow as disaster recovery, and continuity escrow as making sure the disaster never happens in the first place.
How software escrow works
How do I set up escrow on Software-Escrow.com?
Choose the escrow type that matches your software, connect your repositories or services through our integrations, and we handle the legal agreement setup. The whole process takes around 5 minutes. Once you're connected, deposits start automatically and you get an escrow certificate to share with your client.
How long does software escrow setup take?
Around 5 minutes for the integration and account setup. The legal agreement preparation runs in parallel — our team handles that without needing your input beyond a review and signature. Most clients have their escrow active and certificate ready on the same day they sign up.
Do I need to upload escrow deposits manually?
No. That's the whole point. Once you connect your repositories or services through our integrations, deposits happen automatically every day. You never have to remember to upload anything. If you need to add a specific file that isn't in your repo, manual uploads are available as an option — but the default is fully automated.
How do automated software escrow deposits work?
You connect your repository or cloud platform to Software-Escrow.com using OAuth or an API connection. From there, we pull your assets automatically every day — source code, configurations, whatever is defined in your escrow agreement. Every change you make to your codebase or environment is reflected in escrow without any action needed from your team.
Can I make both manual and automated software escrow deposits?
Yes. Automated deposits through our integrations are the default — they run daily without any input from your team. If you need to add a specific file or asset that isn't captured through your integrations, manual uploads are available as an option on all plans. Most developers set up automated deposits and rarely need to upload manually.
Can I connect GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket to my software escrow?
Yes — all three, plus 50+ other platforms including AWS, Azure, GCP, Azure DevOps, Shopify, Stripe, Chargebee, and more. You connect once using OAuth, select what you want to deposit, and automated daily syncs handle everything from there.
What happens after I set up software escrow?
Nothing — that's the idea. Your deposits run automatically in the background. Your escrow certificate is ready to share with your client. The legal agreement is active. You get back to building and escrow takes care of itself until your client needs proof or a release event occurs.
What happens during a software escrow release?
When a release event occurs, your client submits a formal release request to us. We review the request against the terms of the escrow agreement to verify that the release conditions have genuinely been met. If they have, we release the deposited assets to your client. If they haven't, we don't release. The whole process is managed by us — neither party has to deal directly with the other during a dispute.
What is software escrow verification?
Software escrow verification is an independent check that confirms your deposited assets are complete, current, and actually usable for recovery. It goes beyond the standard escrow certificate — a verification report proves not just that assets have been deposited, but that they're intact and could be used to rebuild or restore your software if needed. It's what clients with stricter compliance requirements typically ask for.
What verification levels does Software-Escrow.com offer?
We offer three verification levels. Validated is a basic automated check confirming all required files are present in your deposit. Verified includes automated monitoring of your deposit activity and content profile. Certified is a full expert review and build test confirming your escrow is complete and recoverable. Each level comes with a Software Resilience Certificate you can share with your client.
Do I need to maintain or update my software escrow?
No. Your deposits stay current automatically through our daily syncs. If you add new repositories or services, you can connect them at any time, and they'll be included in future deposits. There's no maintenance calendar, no reminders to push updates, nothing to check in on.
Software escrow for developers
Will software escrow slow down my development workflow?
No. That's the whole reason we built Software-Escrow.com. Deposits happen automatically through integrations with your existing tools — GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, AWS, and more. There's no new process, no manual steps, no interruptions to your sprint. Once it's connected, escrow runs in the background while you keep building.
Do I need to involve lawyers to set up software escrow?
No. We prepare the legal agreement for you using a structured framework that covers standard cases. You review it, both parties sign, and we handle the rest. If your client has specific requirements or needs custom terms, our team manages that too. You don't need to understand legal terms or bring in external counsel.
Can I still control my source code with software escrow?
Completely. Your source code stays under your control at all times. The escrow agreement is not a license or a transfer of ownership — it's a conditional arrangement that only gives your client access if a very specific set of circumstances occurs. Until then, your IP is yours and your code stays locked away from everyone, including us.
What if my codebase changes frequently — will my escrow stay current?
Your software escrow stays current automatically — every daily sync captures the latest version of your codebase. The more frequently your code changes, the more valuable automated deposits become. You don't need to do anything differently. If a release event occurs, your client will have access to the most up-to-date version of your codebase rather than something from months ago.
Does software escrow work for startups or just enterprise vendors?
It works for any developer or development team that needs to meet an escrow requirement from a client. We have a single plan per product type specifically designed to be accessible — no complex enterprise tiers, no minimum contract lengths. If you have one application and one client who needs escrow, we've got you covered.
Can I use software escrow for a single client agreement?
Yes. Software-Escrow.com is set up for exactly this — one application, one escrow agreement. You connect your repo, we set up the agreement between you and your client, and that's it. If you need to add more clients or applications later down the line, we can help assess the best way to accommodate your more complex requirements.
Account setup & activation
What do I need to get started with software escrow?
Just your company details and access to the repositories or services you want to connect. You don't need to prepare legal documents, gather technical specs, or brief a lawyer. Choose your plan, connect your repo or services, and we handle the agreement setup from there.
How do I activate my software escrow?
Once you sign up and connect your repositories or services, your escrow activates automatically when your first deposit is complete and the agreement is signed by both parties. You'll receive your escrow certificate at that point — that's your confirmation that everything is live and in place.
Can I invite my client to the Software-Escrow.com platform?
Yes. Once your account is set up, you can invite your client as a beneficiary so they can review the agreement and sign directly through the platform. They'll have visibility of the escrow status and certificate without needing to contact you every time they want to check.
What happens if my client hasn't signed the escrow agreement yet?
The escrow agreement isn't active until both parties have signed, but your deposits can be set up and synced as soon as you're connected. We manage the signing process and follow up with your client directly if they haven't completed their side of the agreement — you don't need to be the one chasing.
Can I add more repositories or services to my escrow after setup?
Yes. You can connect additional repositories or services at any time from your dashboard. They'll be included in future daily syncs automatically. There's no need to restart the setup process or modify the agreement for standard additions.
What if I need software escrow for more than one client?
Your current plan covers one application and one escrow agreement. If you need a second agreement for a different client, you'd set up a second plan. If you find yourself managing multiple clients and agreements regularly, it's worth talking to us about upgrading to Codekeeper, which is designed for that scale.
Enterprise & client requirements
Why do enterprise clients require escrow?
Enterprise clients require escrow when software becomes critical to their operations. They want to know that if something happens to the vendor — insolvency, acquisition, loss of key staff — they won't lose access to software their business depends on. Escrow gives them a contractual safety net without requiring the developer to hand over their IP upfront.
What do clients actually check during escrow review?
Most clients want to see that an escrow agreement is active, that deposits are current, and that there's a clear process for release if needed. The escrow certificate we issue covers all of this — it confirms the agreement exists, what's been deposited, and when. For clients with stricter requirements, our verification service provides additional proof that the deposited materials are complete and recoverable.
What is an escrow certificate?
An escrow certificate is the document we issue once your escrow is active and your first deposit is in place. It confirms that the escrow agreement exists, who the parties are, what's been deposited, and when. It's what you share with your client, their procurement team, or any auditors who need proof that escrow is in place. It's designed to be clear and self-explanatory — your client shouldn't need you to explain it.
Can I share proof of escrow with clients?
Yes — that's exactly what the escrow certificate is for. The moment your escrow is active, you have a verifiable certificate ready to share. It can be forwarded directly to your client's procurement team, legal team, or whoever is reviewing the escrow requirement. If they need more than the certificate, our verification service provides additional documented proof.
Will software escrow help me pass security or procurement reviews?
Yes. The escrow certificate and verification reports we provide are designed to satisfy procurement and security reviews. They confirm the agreement is in place, that deposits are current, and that the deposited materials have been checked. If your client's review requires specific documentation or compliance evidence, talk to us and we'll make sure you have what you need.
Does software escrow help with compliance requirements?
Escrow is commonly required or recommended under frameworks like ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, and SOC 2 as part of third-party risk management and business continuity planning. If your client operates in a regulated industry and their compliance framework requires escrow, having an active escrow agreement with a current certificate is typically what satisfies that requirement.
Security & reliability
How is my code stored and protected in software escrow?
All deposits are encrypted with AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest. Your code is stored in secure vaults and never accessible to anyone — including our team — outside of a verified release event. Access is controlled through multi-factor authentication and every interaction with your escrow is logged.
Is Software-Escrow.com secure?
Yes. Software-Escrow.com is powered by Codekeeper, which is ISO 27001 certified and follows industry best practices for encryption, access control, and infrastructure security. Your deposited materials are stored in encrypted vaults, transferred using secure protocols, and protected by strict access controls. We take security seriously because your IP is some of the most sensitive data your business has.
Who has access to my code in escrow?
Nobody — that's the point of escrow. Not your client, not our team. Your deposited materials are stored in an encrypted vault and can only be accessed through a verified release process if a predefined release event occurs. We confirm that the release conditions have been met before anything is released, and even then only the authorized beneficiary gets access.
Is my intellectual property protected in software escrow?
Completely. The escrow agreement is not a license or a transfer of ownership. Your source code remains your IP at all times. The agreement only creates a conditional right for your client to access the deposited materials if specific release events occur — not before. Your rights to your software are fully protected throughout.
What happens if there's a dispute over a software escrow release?
We act as the neutral third party and review the dispute against the terms of the escrow agreement before releasing anything. If the release conditions aren't clearly met, we don't release. Both parties have the right to contest a release request, and we manage that process without either side having to deal directly with the other.
Legal & agreements
What is an escrow agreement?
An escrow agreement is the legal contract that governs how your escrow works. It's a three-party document between you (the software provider), your client (the beneficiary), and Software-Escrow.com (the escrow agent). It defines what gets deposited, the conditions under which materials can be released, and the responsibilities of each party. We prepare it for you — you just need to review and sign.
Do I need a lawyer to set up a software escrow agreement?
No. We prepare the agreement using a structured legal framework that covers standard cases. You review it, both parties sign, and we handle the rest. If your client has specific requirements or needs custom terms, our team manages that negotiation too. You don't need to bring in external legal counsel for a standard setup.
Can software escrow agreements be customized?
Yes. Our standard agreements cover the most common escrow scenarios and are designed to be accepted quickly. If your client needs custom release conditions, specific jurisdiction requirements, or bespoke terms, we can accommodate that. Our team handles the drafting and negotiation — you just need to tell us what's needed.
What are software escrow release conditions?
Release conditions are the specific events that trigger the release of your deposited materials to your client. Common release conditions include vendor insolvency or bankruptcy, failure to maintain or support the software, material breach of the agreement, or the vendor ceasing operations. These are agreed upon by both parties when the agreement is set up and can't be changed unilaterally once signed.
Who decides when a software escrow release happens?
We do, as the neutral escrow agent — but only after a formal release request has been made and the conditions have been verified. Your client can't just request access and get it. We review the claim against the terms of the agreement, verify that the release conditions have genuinely been met, and only then authorize the release. It's a structured process, not an on-demand one.
What jurisdictions does Software-Escrow.com support for escrow agreements?
We support multiple jurisdictions for escrow agreements. The right jurisdiction for your agreement depends on where you and your client operate and what your existing contracts specify. We've already done the compliance homework across common territories so you don't have to figure it out — just let us know your situation and we'll recommend the right approach.
Billing & pricing
How much does software escrow cost?
Pricing depends on the type of escrow you need. Software Escrow starts from R1,579/mo, SaaS Escrow from R2,699/mo, and Continuity Escrow from R6,499/mo. All plans are billed per application and include automated deposits, legal agreement setup, and an escrow certificate. You can see the full pricing breakdown on our pricing page.
What's included in each software escrow plan?
Every plan includes: automated deposits through our integrations, unlimited asset deposits, the legal escrow agreement setup and management, an escrow certificate, and free software backups. Verification services are available as an add-on if your client needs additional proof that the deposited materials are complete and recoverable.
Is software escrow verification included in my plan?
Validated verification is included free with all plans — it's an automated check confirming your deposited assets are present and complete. If your client needs a higher level of proof, Verified and Certified are available as paid add-ons. Your client's procurement or compliance team will usually specify which level they need.
Who typically pays for software escrow?
Usually the software vendor — that's you as the developer. Escrow is typically set up by the vendor as part of meeting a client's contract requirement. In some enterprise agreements, the client may cover the cost or share it. Either arrangement works — Software-Escrow.com supports whatever billing setup is agreed between you and your client.
Is there a setup fee for software escrow?
No, Software-Escrow.com does not charge setup fees.
Are there any hidden costs with software escrow?
No. The monthly subscription is the core costs. Verification services are available as optional add-ons if needed. Release processing has a per-incident fee if a release event ever occurs. Everything is clearly outlined during sign-up — there's nothing that shows up unexpectedly later.
What happens if I need to cancel my software escrow plan?
You can cancel your plan at any time. Your escrow remains active until the end of your billing period. If you're on an annual plan, the remaining term stays active after cancellation — you won't be billed again but your escrow and certificate remain valid until the end of the period.
Support & next steps
What happens after I get started with Software-Escrow.com?
Your software escrow is active as soon as your agreement is signed and your first deposit is complete. You'll receive an escrow certificate to share with your client straight away. From there, deposits run automatically in the background — there's nothing you need to do day-to-day unless your client requests proof or you want to add verification.
Will someone help me set up my software escrow?
Yes. If you need help at any point — connecting your integrations, reviewing the agreement, or understanding what to share with your client — our team is available to walk you through it. Most setups are straightforward enough that you won't need assistance, but we're here if you do.
Can I upgrade my software escrow plan later?
Yes. If your needs grow beyond what Software-Escrow.com covers — for example, if you need multi-beneficiary agreements, multiple applications under one plan, or enterprise-level features — you can upgrade to Codekeeper, which is the full platform that powers Software-Escrow.com. Our team can walk you through the options when you get there.
How does Software-Escrow.com relate to Codekeeper?
Software-Escrow.com is powered by Codekeeper — the infrastructure behind thousands of enterprise software escrow agreements. Codekeeper is the full platform with a broader range of products, multi-plan options, and enterprise features. Software-Escrow.com is a focused, developer-first entry point — simpler setup, single application plans, and a straightforward experience for developers who need to meet an escrow requirement without the enterprise complexity. If you outgrow it, moving to Codekeeper is a natural next step.
How do I get in touch with Software-Escrow.com?
You can reach us through the chat on any page of Software-Escrow.com, or by emailing us directly. If you'd prefer to talk through your situation before signing up, you can book a demo, and one of our team members will walk you through everything.
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