Software Escrow
Software escrow for modern development teams
Source code deposits, legal agreements, and daily syncs — all automated.
Set it up once and get back to building.
Set it up once and get back to building.
From
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Powered by Codekeeper — the infrastructure behind thousands of enterprise software escrow agreements.
When software escrow becomes part of your deal, you’re usually the one who has to stop building to manage it.
What is software escrow?
Software escrow protects access to on-premise software without requiring you to give up control of your code.
It's a legal agreement between you, your client, and an independent escrow agent, like Software-Escrow.com. The agreement sets out what gets deposited — usually source code, documentation, and supporting data — and the conditions under which it can be released.
Once it's in place, your materials are securely stored by the escrow agent. They only get released if the agreed conditions are met.
You’re about to close the deal — then software escrow enters the picture
You’ve built the software.
The client is ready to move forward.
Then software escrow becomes part of the contract.
Suddenly there’s another process to manage — legal agreements, deposits, and proof that the escrow is active and complete.
Everything included.
Nothing you have to manage.
Software-Escrow.com handles the legal setup, keeps your deposits current automatically, and gives your clients the proof they need — all without you having to do any of it.
INTEGRATIONS
Connect once. We sync your repos every day.
Link your GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, AWS, Azure, GCP, or any of 50+ platforms in one go. From there, your software escrow deposits update automatically every day — no manual uploads, no missed deadlines, no interrupting your sprint to push a file.
LEGAL AGREEMENTS
We set up the agreement. You won't talk to a single lawyer.
We draw up the software escrow agreement and handle the back-and-forth with both parties. Standard agreements are ready to sign fast. If your client needs custom terms, we handle that too. Your job is to review and sign — nothing more.
SECURITY
Your code stays yours. No one touches it while it's in escrow.
Everything in escrow is encrypted with AES-256/512 encryption, in transit and at rest. Not even our team has direct access to your materials. You get secure storage that satisfies even the strictest enterprise compliance requirements.
ESCROW CERTIFICATES
Give clients proof without having to explain the technical details.
The moment your escrow is active, you get a certificate that shows exactly what's been deposited and when. Share it with your client and the 'where are we with escrow?' questions stop. If they want independent verification, we handle that too.
VERIFICATION
Verification that proves your deposit is complete and usable.
Need to go beyond the certificate? Our verification service checks that your deposited materials are complete, current, and recoverable. Choose the level that matches what your client needs — from a basic file check right through to a full expert review.
For a full breakdown of every feature — integrations, verification tiers, security specs, and add-ons — head to the Features page.
Set up software escrow in 5 minutes
1. Choose your plan
Pick the level of protection that matches your setup and client needs.
2. Sign the escrow agreement
We prepare it — both sides review and sign. No legal meetings required.
3. Connect your repositories
Link your dev tools so your escrow deposits stay current automatically.
4. Share your escrow certificate
Show your client that escrow is in place with clear, verifiable proof.
When escrow isn’t built into your workflow
Manual deposits keep interrupting your sprint cycles.
Legal negotiations drag on while the deal sits waiting.
Escrow records go out of date the moment you push a new release
Spend less time on escrow — more time shipping.
5 minutes
To go from sign-up to fully active escrow — including integrations and legal setup.
100% accuracy
Your escrow deposit always reflects exactly what's in your repo. No gaps, no outdated files.
40+ hours
Back in your team's sprint every month. No manual uploads, no compliance check-ins, no status meetings about escrow.
E-BOOK
New to software escrow?
Download our free guide, Introduction to Software Escrow, to understand how escrow works, what it protects, and how you can meet escrow requirements without disrupting your workflow.
*E-book available only in English
Software escrow for developers
Software escrow handled — so you can keep building
Meet escrow requirements without slowing things down
Keep the deal moving instead of getting stuck in review
Give clients what they need without extra effort on your team
Frequently asked questions
What is software escrow?
Software escrow is a legal agreement where a neutral third party — like Software-Escrow.com — holds your source code and related files for an on-premise application securely. If something happens that prevents you from supporting the software (like insolvency or a critical failure), your client can access what they need to keep things running. It's a safety net that protects both sides.
What gets deposited in a software escrow?
Typically: source code, documentation, build scripts, and any supporting data your client would need to operate or maintain their software independently. With Software-Escrow.com, you connect your repositories and we handle the deposits automatically — so whatever's in your repo is what's in escrow.
When does the deposited source code get released?
Only when a predefined release event occurs — things like insolvency, bankruptcy, or a material failure to provide support. We review and verify all claims before anything is released. Your code isn't accessible to anyone unless those specific conditions are met.
How do developers keep software escrow deposits up to date?
With Software-Escrow.com, you don't have to. Connect your repositories once and our platform syncs your deposits every day automatically. Whatever you push to your repo gets reflected in escrow — no manual uploads, no maintenance.
Why do clients ask for software escrow?
It's risk management. When a client depends on your software to run their business, they want assurance that they won't be left stranded if something happens to your company. Escrow gives them a safety net without requiring you to hand over your code outright.
What proof does software escrow provide?
Once your escrow is active, you get an escrow certificate that confirms what's been deposited and when. This is what you share with your client to show that escrow is live and complete. Optional verification services provide additional proof that the deposited materials are functional and recoverable.