Which practice involves keeping a copy of the software's source code with a trusted third party as a safeguard?

• A. Source Code Escrow
• B. Financial Risk
• C. Vendor Lock-in
• D. Modules

Answer: (A)

Keeping a copy of the software’s source code with a trusted third party is source code escrow. In this arrangement, the code and related materials are deposited with an independent escrow agent who releases them to the licensee under predefined conditions—typically if the vendor goes out of business, fails to support the product, or stops maintaining it. This safeguard ensures business continuity, allowing the customer to maintain, modify, or migrate the software even if the original vendor is no longer available. Other concepts don’t provide this mechanism for obtaining access to the source code through a neutral party, which is why they don’t fit as well.