Software Escrow Glossary of Terms
A Comprehensive Guide to Software SaaS Escrow Terminology
This glossary is designed for PRAXIS clients—including software vendors, SaaS providers, attorneys, and beneficiaries—to understand essential terms used in software escrow, SaaS escrow, code escrow, and technology escrow agreements.
A
A software development approach built on short cycles (“sprints”), continuous feedback, and frequent releases. In SaaS escrow and software escrow, Agile development makes Automated Escrow™ essential to keep deposits current with rapid code changes.
A set of protocols that allow software applications to communicate with each other. APIs are often included in technology escrow agreements to ensure functionality if a release occurs.
PRAXIS’ proprietary automated deposit system that integrates with repositories such as GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. It continuously updates software escrow, SaaS escrow, and code escrow deposits to ensure the beneficiary always has the most recent, deployable version.
B
The party (customer, investor, or licensee) entitled to receive escrow materials if a release condition occurs under a technology escrow agreement.
A code escrow process where Bitbucket repositories are linked to the escrow agent, often through Automated Escrow™, ensuring continuous deposit updates.
A form of technical verification where the escrow agent confirms the deposited source code can be compiled into a functional application. This is standard in higher-tier software escrow and technology escrow arrangements.
C
A modern development process where new code is integrated and deployed frequently. In SaaS escrow or software escrow, CI/CD pipelines make Automated Escrow™ critical to ensure deposits match production environments.
An escrow arrangement for cloud-hosted systems, often used in SaaS escrow agreements to ensure both source code and cloud configurations are captured.
A technology escrow arrangement focused specifically on depositing the source code. Used to protect licensees or beneficiaries in case the vendor can no longer maintain the software.
Files that control how software operates in specific environments. In SaaS escrow and technology escrow, configuration files are often part of the deposit to ensure full deployability.
D
In SaaS escrow agreements, data escrow ensures client data stored in the SaaS vendor’s systems is regularly deposited. This is essential for SaaS continuity in a release event.
The party (usually the software or SaaS provider) placing materials into software escrow, SaaS escrow, or technology escrow for safekeeping.
A development methodology combining software development and IT operations. In SaaS escrow and software escrow, DevOps environments benefit from Automated Escrow™ integration to ensure timely deposits.
E
The neutral third party (such as PRAXIS Technology Escrow) that securely holds software, source code, data, and documentation under a technology escrow agreement.
The legal contract that governs the terms, deposits, verification, and release conditions for a software escrow, SaaS escrow, code escrow, or technology escrow arrangement.
G
An escrow arrangement where a GitHub repository is integrated directly into Automated Escrow™ for continuous deposit updates. Common in SaaS escrow and code escrow agreements.
Similar to GitHub escrow but using GitLab repositories. Works with Automated Escrow™ to keep deposits current.
I
A PRAXIS-exclusive service that permanently archives every escrow deposit made under software escrow, SaaS escrow, or code escrow. This ensures a full version history is maintained indefinitely for recovery and compliance.
Software, source code, documentation, and other intangible assets protected under copyright or trade secret law. Technology escrow helps safeguard IP while ensuring continuity for beneficiaries.
M
A traditional escrow method where deposits are sent manually by the depositor on a scheduled basis. Common in software escrow for static applications but risky for SaaS escrow where updates are frequent.
A software architecture where applications are built from small, independent services. In SaaS escrow, each service may require separate escrow deposits to ensure full recoverability.
R
A ready-to-deploy environment included in advanced SaaS escrow agreements to ensure minimal downtime after a release event.
A defined event (such as bankruptcy, breach of support, or service outage) that triggers release of escrow deposits to the beneficiary. Critical in all technology escrow agreements.
S
The ability to keep a SaaS application operational even if the vendor fails. Achieved through SaaS escrow with source code, data, configuration files, and sometimes recovery environments.
A type of technology escrow specific to software-as-a-service applications, ensuring operational continuity for beneficiaries.
An agile development framework emphasizing short sprints and regular deliverables. Automated Escrow™ is often recommended for software escrow in Scrum environments to match deposit frequency with development cycles.
An agreement where source code, documentation, and technical materials are deposited for release upon defined conditions.
The human-readable version of software, essential for maintenance and updates after a release. Core to software escrow and code escrow arrangements.
A short development cycle used in Agile methodology. Frequent sprints often mean Automated Escrow™ is the most effective deposit method.
T
A service to confirm the completeness and usability of escrow deposits. Common in software escrow and SaaS escrow agreements.
An umbrella term for escrow arrangements involving software, SaaS applications, code, and data.
External services, APIs, or libraries required for an application to function. Must be documented in technology escrow deposits to ensure a successful release.
W
A traditional software development model where work is completed in linear phases. For software escrow in Waterfall environments, manual deposits may suffice because code updates are less frequent compared to Agile or SaaS models.