What happens if the software agency disappears?
It's the right question to ask before you commit — and the answer should reassure you, not worry you. If you own the code, hold the full repository and documentation, and control your own accounts, you're never hostage to one supplier. The risk only exists when an agency keeps you dependent. Insist on the opposite.
What protects you.
- You own the code — assigned to you on payment, in writing. (why)
- You hold the repository — the full source, not just access to a hosted product.
- You control the accounts — hosting, domains and services in your name.
- It's documented — so another developer can pick it up.
If the worst happens.
With ownership, the repository, your own accounts and documentation, any competent developer can take over your system — the agency vanishing is an inconvenience, not a catastrophe. Source-code escrow can add a formal safety net for larger engagements, but the real protection is simply not being dependent in the first place.
Built to be handed over.
We assign you the IP, give you the full code and documentation, keep your services in your name, and would hand the whole thing over cleanly if you ever chose to leave. A studio confident in its work has no reason to lock you in — and every reason not to.
Common questions.
What happens to my software if the agency goes out of business?
If you own the code, hold the full repository and documentation, and control your own accounts, any competent developer can take over. The agency disappearing is an inconvenience, not a catastrophe — the risk only exists if they kept you dependent.
What is source-code escrow?
An arrangement where a third party holds a copy of your source code, released to you under agreed conditions — a formal safety net for larger engagements. The simpler protection is just owning the code and holding the repository yourself.
How do I avoid being locked into a software agency?
Own the IP, hold the full source code, keep hosting and accounts in your own name, and insist on documentation. With those, you can move to another developer at any time.
Will I get everything I need to move developers?
You should — the complete repository, documentation, and access to every account and service. If you can't take all of it elsewhere, you don't truly own the system.
Is a managed studio riskier than an in-house team?
Not if it's set up right — with ownership, handover and your own accounts, you carry no more lock-in than any supplier relationship, and you avoid the cost and risk of permanent hires.
What's SOLMONARC's stance on lock-in?
We assign you the IP, hand over the full code and documentation, keep your services in your name, and would transfer everything cleanly if you left. No lock-in — a studio confident in its work doesn't need it.
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Related questions
Never be hostage to one supplier.
Book a call — ask us exactly what you'd own and get at handover. We'll answer it straight.