Escrow for the public sector
Governments are digitising public services and decision-making. Case management systems, DMS, e-services, base registries and integrated chains must remain continuously available—while complying with strict regulations. Escrow prevents vendor lock-in and ensures continuity, privacy and transparency.
Escrow for the public sector
Governments increasingly rely on digital systems for citizen services, taxation, permits, policy data and internal operations. These systems often process sensitive personal data and are critical to service delivery for citizens and businesses. But what happens if the software vendor ceases operations, goes bankrupt, or halts maintenance? The continuity of public services must never be at risk.
Escrow4all’s escrow services ensure that public organisations retain access to source code, data and vital applications—even if the supplier fails. This safeguards digital continuity and ensures compliance with legal requirements such as the GDPR, archiving laws, and security standards like ISO 27001 and the BIO.
1) Digital Service Delivery as a Public Duty
From permit management to public registries, disruptions directly impact citizens and businesses. Software/SaaS/Data Escrow allows you to securely deposit source code, documentation, configurations and chain agreements. You maintain control—even when vendors change or fail.
2) Chain Continuity and Collaboration
Public service chains involve multiple parties (municipalities, agencies, vendors). Escrow enables controlled release in emergencies, so management and services can continue—without process disruption. We also define procedures for transition to a replacement supplier.
3) Procurement, IP Balance and Transparency
Escrow integrates seamlessly into public procurement frameworks: IP stays where it belongs, while access is demonstrably safeguarded. This prevents vendor lock-in, reduces switching costs, and promotes open standards. We assist with standard clauses and annexes for tender specifications and contracts.
4) Compliance & Legal Framework: BIO, GDPR, NIS2, Archiving Law
Escrow supports BIO continuity, recovery, and vendor management controls, contributes to GDPR accountability (e.g. data access and data minimisation), and assists in compliance with NIS2 for essential/important services. Version control and documentation support audit trails and legal archiving obligations.
5) What We Secure in Escrow
Source code and configurations of case systems, DMS, form services, portals
Integration documentation (e.g. StUF, REST, message schemas), chain runbooks
Migration/conversion instructions, data models and export processes
Continuation of hosting services (contractually secured “fail-over” hosting)
Payment fallback arrangements for cloud providers, where applicable
6) Verification & Governance
We conduct periodic verification for completeness, reproducibility and usability. Our reports provide management and audit/IT teams with insights into risks, dependencies and feasibility of alternative execution. You receive clearly defined release criteria, version/update logs and execution evidence.
7) Three-Step Implementation
Scoping & Inventory: Systems, chains, RTO/RPO, release criteria
Deposit & Verification: Initial deposit + selected verification level
Active Updates: Ongoing updates and reporting via the Client Portal
Partners within the public sector
In the public sector, continuity and reliability of digital systems are essential. Government bodies, executive agencies and public service providers rely on stable IT infrastructure to fulfil their societal responsibilities. In partnership with public organisations, Escrow4all ensures uninterrupted digital continuity.
Every client is unique. That’s why we follow a proven, tailored procedure:
Analyses
Insight into your specific business case and requirements.
Advice
Tailored recommendations based on our expertise and years of experience.
Execution
A secured, technical and legal implementation process.
Yes. BIO and NIS2 require demonstrable measures for digital resilience, continuity, and supplier governance. ISO 27001 sets requirements for risk management in case of IT failures. A well-structured escrow agreement provides verifiable proof that public organisations meet legal obligations and are prepared for disruptions.
If a vendor goes bankrupt or ceases support, escrow allows the release of source code or data. This enables internal teams or replacement suppliers to take over operations. It ensures uninterrupted services such as permitting, taxation, and citizen records.
Escrow strikes a healthy balance: the vendor retains IP protection, while the public entity secures guaranteed access in case of failure. This prevents vendor lock-in and aligns with procurement frameworks that promote open standards, interoperability, and transparency.
Escrow is suitable for municipalities, executive agencies, and IT departments dependent on mission-critical systems. Costs depend on the complexity, verification level, and number of deposits. You can calculate your costs directly on our website or schedule a free consultation.
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