CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

What is a potential consequence of not having source code escrow in place for a critical software solution?

1. The organization can freely modify the software.

2. The vendor’s legal issues might cripple ongoing support.

3. Immediate access to software updates is guaranteed.

4. All operations will remain unaffected.

The correct answer is: The vendor’s legal issues might cripple ongoing support.

Having source code escrow in place serves as a safety net for organizations that rely on critical software solutions. If a vendor faces legal issues, goes out of business, or is otherwise unable to provide support or updates, an organization without an escrow arrangement may find itself in a precarious position. The legal difficulties faced by the vendor can hinder any further support or development of the software, potentially leaving the organization without the necessary resources or updates that are vital for its operations. In contrast, without source code escrow, an organization might not be able to access the source code needed to modify or maintain the software to adapt to changing needs or rectify issues, particularly if the vendor cannot or will not provide assistance. As such, the consequences can extend beyond just the inability to receive support; they can also affect the organization's overall functionality and dependability of software programs critical to their operations. This underscores the importance of source code escrow in mitigating risks associated with vendor reliability and ongoing support for essential software solutions.