source code escrow

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

source code escrow

   <software> An arrangement where some {source code} is held in
   {escrow} by a third party as long as it is supported by the
   vendors, but should they cease to support it, it becomes the
   property of the purchasers so that they can arrange for its
   continued maintenance.

   (1999-12-14)