The supplier hands over the technology, under strict conditions, to us as an independent escrow agent. We manage this technology in a special and well-secured depot where no one can access it.
There are two basic variants of the arrangement, but because it often involves technology developed specifically and on demand, the individual escrow arrangement is the most common.
The escrow agreement is the legal document in which you record all agreements made.
We release the materials in our custody (the repository) to the beneficiary or foundation if the software vendor can no longer ensure the continuity of the software application. Then any arrangements for temporary continuation of services that may have been agreed with the service provider take effect. We release the materials under strict conditions and based on verifiable facts that must be consistent with the grounds for continuation from the escrow agreement.
Thus:
We check the material given on deposit so that software vendors and users can be sure that the material is complete and working properly. We call that Technical Verification Service (TVS). We perform these at four levels (TVS Levels), depending on the situation and supplier and user requirements.
This basic verification is standard in our services; we perform it on every submission of material. It is basic verification, including checking for material integrity. It provides assurance that the material deposited is, among other things, virus-free, accessible and of the expected type.
This is basic verification, including an audit on the material given on deposit.
In a complete verification for a source code escrow arrangement, we demonstrate that the material deposited meets the stated continuity goals of the escrow arrangement. It is similar to a fire drill – our verification consultant simulates the same steps we take when issuing the deposit.
In a source code escrow arrangement, we check whether we can rebuild and maintain the software application.
We can perform the TVS level 3 at a software vendor location or at Escrow Alliance’s software lab.
Customised verification is possible, consider:
The deposit (escrow deposit) consists of materials needed to ensure continuity if the supplier goes out of business.
In escrow for source code, the material consists of:
We like to make submitting material as easy, efficient and manageable as possible. Therefore, we look at the options available to the software vendor.
Submissions can be made, for example, via:
How often you have to deliver the material depends on the arrangements made. In any case, it is possible to file in real time with us. That means we continuously update the materials online. We then process the material into an official registered deposit at pre-arranged times or ad hoc.
Escrow Alliance offers standard dual material storage. That is, we keep a copy of the deposit in two geographically separate locations.
Storage takes place in the Netherlands and can:
The vaults are ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified, as is Escrow Alliance itself. Only authorised and screened personnel have access to the vaults.
In the escrow agreement, we make it standard that the deposits will be returned to the supplier or go to a newly designated escrow agent if Escrow Alliance unexpectedly goes out of business. To fulfill this promise, the Continuity and Guarantee Escrow Alliance (SCWEA) Foundation manages the vaults. The foundation has the right to return materials in that case.
Find out about the possibilities, we are happy to think along with you.
