Code Security Made Simple

Q: Why is software escrow important?

Software escrow protects businesses from the risks of relying on third-party vendors by ensuring access to critical software and preventing operational disruptions.

Q: What types of assets can be stored?

Source code, licenses, documentation, and any essential software-related materials, including updates and patches, can be stored.

Q: How does the cloud-based escrow process work?

The licensor deposits assets into a secure, encrypted cloud platform managed by Crown. Assets are continuously updated and can be accessed if the agreed release conditions are met.

Q: How secure are the physical vaults?

Our physical vaults are climate-controlled, monitored 24/7, and equipped with advanced security systems to protect encrypted media.

Q: What is code verification and is it mandatory?

Code verification is an optional service to validate the completeness and functionality of escrowed materials. While not mandatory, it ensures that released materials are ready for use.

Q: Can I update the escrowed materials?

Yes, you can regularly update the deposited materials, ensuring the latest versions are stored.

Q: How are assets released from escrow?

Assets are released when predefined conditions (e.g., vendor insolvency, contract breach) are met. This process is governed by the terms outlined in the escrow agreement.

In an increasingly software-reliant business world, safeguarding your critical applications and ensuring continuity are non-negotiable. Crown Information Management’s Software Escrow Services offer an end-to-end solution that protects your software investments and reduces dependency risks.

With options for cloud-based escrow and physical vault storage, we provide the flexibility and reliability your business demands.

Cloud-Based Escrow: Modern and Convenient

Store software source codes, licenses, and documentation in a secure, encrypted cloud environment for:

Ease of Access: Quickly deposit and release materials as needed, with TLS and OWASP-compliant access control, restricted privileges, and detailed access logs.
Real-Time Updates: Effortless version control and updates, ensuring your materials are always current.
Scalability: Accommodates businesses of all sizes, providing flexible storage solutions.
Global Security Standards: Ensures compliance with leading regulations, including AES256-bit encryption, role-based authentication, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for enhanced security.

Physical Vault Escrow: Legacy and Redundant Protection

For those who prefer tangible storage, Crown offers state-of-the-art physical vaults where critical software assets are stored on encrypted media.

Secure Facilities: Climate-controlled, highly secured vaults.
Dual Strategy: Ideal for businesses seeking both cloud and physical backups.

How the Escrow Agreement Works

The source code is held in escrow, and certain conditions or triggers specified in the escrow agreement may allow the release of the source code to the Licensee/Beneficiary. Common triggers include the
– Bankruptcy,
– Insolvency,
– Breach of contract,
– Cybersecurity issues

Agreement Establishment

Define terms of the escrow agreement with all stakeholders (licensor, licensee, and Crown). Outline release conditions (e.g., vendor bankruptcy, non-performance, etc.).

Deposit of Assets

The licensor deposits source code, documentation, and necessary materials in the escrow system (cloud or physical).

Code Verification (Recommended)

Verification ensures the deposited materials are complete, functional, and ready for use.

Secure Storage

Verification ensures the deposited materials are complete, functional, and ready for use.

Release of Assets

Upon meeting predefined conditions, escrowed materials are released to the licensee for business continuity.

Why Choose Crown’s Software Escrow Services?

Safely store your software assets for quick recovery with our state-of-the-art web-based solution. Developer-friendly and providing peace of mind for software projects, our services include:

Flexible Contract Tenure

We offer flexible contract tenures to suit your specific needs, whether you require short-term protection for a single project or long-term security for ongoing development.
One Platform for All Parties

Our centralized platform allows all parties involved in the escrow agreement to easily access and manage their assets, simplifying communication and coordination between developers, clients, and legal representatives.
Lowest Recovery Time

In the event of a release condition, our efficient processes and advanced technology ensure that your software assets are quickly and securely retrieved, minimizing downtime and disruption to your business operations.

Benefits of Our Escrow Services

Regulatory Compliance: Meets disaster recovery, business continuity, and data security standards.
Risk Mitigation: Protects against software vendor failure and service disruptions.
Data Security: Essential for sectors with stringent regulatory requirements.
Long-term Client Relations: Demonstrates commitment to the software relationship, enhancing trust and confidence.

Verification and Validation Service

Despite their best efforts, software vendors can sometimes make mistakes, resulting in files that are corrupted, incomplete, password-protected, difficult to use, or infected with viruses. To mitigate these risks, Crown Information Management provides a thorough verification service designed to ensure the integrity and usability of your escrowed materials.

Two-Step Code Verification Process

Default Verification: Inspection of the folder and submission of a detailed report confirming file names, file types, file sizes, and encryption checks.
Add-on Verification: Code and build verification to create an executable and confirm the compilation of the source code.

Custom Verification

Customized verification as per client requirements, ensuring the deposited source code and its output match the actual application.

By incorporating these verification steps, we ensure the integrity and reliability of the escrowed materials, providing you with the highest level of protection and peace of mind.

Software Escrow Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a software escrow agreement?

A software escrow agreement is a legal arrangement where a third-party escrow agent (like Crown) securely stores software source code, documentation, and other materials. It ensures access to these assets if specific conditions (e.g., vendor bankruptcy) are met.

Why is software escrow important?

What types of assets can be stored?

How does the cloud-based escrow process work?

How secure are the physical vaults?

What is code verification and is it mandatory?

Can I update the escrowed materials?

How are assets released from escrow?