When negotiating a software license at one point a prudent licensee will ask, "What happens if the software vendor goes out of business?" What usually follows is a request to access the source code and any other critical materials used to maintain the software.

From the software vendor's perspective, giving the licensee access to the source code and other confidential materials is a risk to its business. How does the software vendor know the licensee will keep the source code safe and secret and will not prematurely use it? What if dozens of licensees demand the source code?

From the licensee's perspective, not having access to the source code and other materials needed to maintain and update the software is a risk to its business. How will the licensee continue to use and maintain software, it heavily depends on, if the software vendor goes out of business, fails to meet its obligations or any other number of unforeseen events?