A secure, third-party managed arrangement where the blueprints of digital applications are held in trust. This service provides assurance to licensees that they can access crucial information under specific, predefined conditions, such as the vendor’s bankruptcy or failure to maintain the application. For example, a company licensing specialized accounting software might require this arrangement to ensure continued operation even if the software developer ceases business activities.
Its significance lies in mitigating risks associated with reliance on a single software provider. It offers business continuity and protects investments made in integrating software into core operations. Historically, it developed in response to concerns about intellectual property protection and the need for uninterrupted access to vital technology assets in the face of supplier instability or unforeseen circumstances.