Software Escrow: Multi Supplier Plan Canada

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Multi Supplier Plan

Who should use it, and how does it work?

Corporations, with many installed software products under license from many different suppliers have a genuine interest to insure that their mission critical applications are in fact under escrow and on terms that give protection. The best way to achieve that result is to require software suppliers to adopt a Multi Supplier Plan escrow established by you, and in that way, terms of the escrow and its status regarding deposits and updates is readily monitored.

STEP 1 - Signing the Escrow Agreement

Download a sample copy of our MSP standard contract form for review by you or your lawyer. We invite amendments that tailor the form to your needs.

Our legal counsel will discuss amendments with you or your lawyer, and there is no fee for setting up a Multi User Plan. Annual escrow fees do not come into effect until suppliers sign on.

STEP 2 - Suppliers Sign On

Suppliers are able to adopt the terms of the Multi Supplier either by inserting a clause to that effect in the software license agreement, or by signing a simple stand alone form. This gives the licensed user a ready method of insuring that there is a high degree of uniformity in the escrow terms and conditions that govern its suppliers and also allows for easy monitoring of compliance.

STEP 3 - Depositing Source Code

There are two methods of depositing source code into escrow, and either or both may be used.

Pre-verification

We courier a special container to you into which source materials are sealed. In your presence the supplier first verifies that the materials are complete and authentic, after which both you and the supplier seal the container, certify its contents and courier it back to us.

Post-verification

We courier a special container to your supplier who, alone, seals the source materials into the container, certifies that they are complete and authentic and couriers it back to us. At any time later, if you wish verify the contents of the container we deliver it to you and the supplier together for inspection. Most often, merely having the right to conduct such an inspection at any time seems to be enough, although many licensed users elect to do a verification (either pre or post) when a major new release of the product is being deposited into escrow.

STEP 4 - Adding Updates Later

Whenever a supplier is ready to deposit a new release or version of the software, we send another container along with a Certificate/Seal and Instructions. In each case, you decide whether the deposit will be made with pre or post verification. As always, we immediately send a confirmation of receipt notice to both you and the supplier when the container is delivered to us.

Our obligation is to always keep the escrow materials under seal, therefore old containers are not opened and refilled with new updates. Outdated software is returned under seal.

STORAGE OF SOFTWARE

We are based in Toronto, Denver and Ottawa, and under normal circumstances safety deposit boxes in bank vaults located near our offices are used for storage of software, however we are able to store software in virtually any location around the world if the parties so request.

FEES AND CHARGES

THE NEXT STEP

To view online or download our standard Canadian contract form:		If you wish more information on Lincoln-Parry SoftEscrow or to have a representative call: