Skip to main content

Is Software Escrow Worth It?

Published on 11/02/2025

‘“It's a service that is not always appreciated until it's needed but then it becomes a life-saver!”

The prioritisation of risk mitigation can vary from person to person, as well as from company to company. Whilst some organisations may implement a proactive approach towards risk mitigation, others may demonstrate more of a responsive approach.

Ultimately, when it comes to software, as the use of software continues to grow at a rapid rate, so does the level of risk that’s attached. Despite this, it’s not uncommon for organisations to dismiss the threats posed by software risk. Concerningly, if a risk were to develop, this would lead to a number of complex problems arising.

When faced with unexpected disruption or crisis, the presence of a pre-established risk mitigation plan is something that can instil confidence and peace of mind within an organisation. Ultimately, a tried and tested risk mitigation plan has the ability to support an organisation with overcoming a wide range of problematic scenarios with the support and guidance of a structured action plan. Furthermore, risk management measures also mitigate against negative consequences such as financial loss, reputational damage, and tarnished stakeholder relationships.

In order for business continuity to be optimised, risk mitigation must be prioritised.

Risk Mitigation Through Software Escrow

Software Escrow involves an Escrow agent holding onto to an application’s source code. If release conditions are met, this source code is released to an application’s end-user. When it comes to risk mitigation plans, the best plans are those that have been tested. With this being said, prior to source code being released, it is tested to ensure that it is accurate, up to date, and can be successfully redeployed.

To learn more about testing services within Software Escrow, check out our blogs:

Common Testing Services in Software Escrow

Common Testing Services in SaaS Escrow

When deciding whether or not to implement Software Escrow, many people contemplate on the unlikeliness of a disruption event happening. This leads the question of ‘is Software Escrow worth it?’ being asked. Whilst this is completely understandable, it’s also crucial to consider that the cost, hassle, and stress involved in recovering from a disruption event or disaster in the absence of risk mitigation measures, is significantly greater than that of establishing a plan well in advance to any potential obstacles developing. Further to this, a common misconception is that the implementation of Software Escrow is a long, complicated, and drawn out process. However, at SES Secure, we place convenience and simplicity at the forefront of client projects.

At the end of the day, the implementation of a proactive risk mitigation plan ensures that the interests of all stakeholders that are in some way impacted by the running of a critical application are safeguarded. Alongside this, it ensures that an organisation is equipped to optimise business continuity by managing and overcoming any operational challenges that they encounter.

A Client’s First Hand Experience With Disaster Recovery

Last year we supported a client with their disaster recovery strategy. Our client likened the value of Escrow services to that of the value of their own insurance products.

“Like the insurance products we sell ourselves, the value of escrow agreements are not always appreciated until you need them.”

Following the successful disaster recovery that we supported this particular client with, we caught up with them and spoke about how they found their experience. To read all about it, check out our blog – ‘SES Secure Client Case Study – Software Escrow Release Event.’

source code release event

 

Software Escrow Services at SES Secure

SES Secure have been a leading Software Escrow provider for over 25 years. During this time, we’ve had the privilege of working with and supporting over 3,000 clients across 45+ countries.

At the centre of our working approach is communication. Through in-depth communication and the delivery of regular updates, we do our utmost to ensure that clients understand and are satisfied with every step of their journey.

All client projects begin with an initial informal chat. This enables our team of experts to understand a client’s needs and identify the best, bespoke plan of action for them.

See what our clients have said.

To schedule a call with a member of our team, please get in touch.  

 

Contact us

If you would like further information, discuss your requirements, get a free no obligation quotation or just a friendly chat on how we could possibly help please fill in the details below and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Tick the box to receive regular updates and industry insights