spark response limited

Spark Response chooses software escrow from NCC Group to protect business critical applications

About

Spark Response Limited is based in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear and is the UK's leading provider of multi channel customer contact and integrated fulfilment solutions. It works in close partnership with its clients, using extensive experience to develop solutions that exceed customer expectations.

Challenge

Spark Response is predominantly a multi channel customer contact and fulfilment centre and provides these services to its high profile clients using EuroMACs, a contact and order management system from G2 Solutions.

The EuroMACS application allows Spark Response to acquire, retain and manage customers and suppliers from one centralised database, handling a range of ordering, transaction processing and payment functions integrated with a warehouse management module.

As major software failure could result in its clients losing customer contact and order information, the EuroMACS application is business-critical for Spark Response.

The business-critical nature of the software prompted Spark Response to look into what options were available to protect its customers from any potential problems with the software supplier G2 Solutions.

Solution

Following a review of the marketplace, Spark Response partnered with the world's largest software escrow provider, NCC Group for a protection solution.

NCC Group's technology escrow solutions provide a smart, simple way of protecting both supplier and end-user, by covering every business critical application or third party supplied software-as-a-service with a software escrow solution.

Escrow cover is essential for all organisations, but particularly for organisations that rely on their software applications to deliver services to businesses or consumers.

Spark Response protected the EuroMACS application, along with other business-critical applications, under Software Escrow Solutions provided by NCC Group.

As a minimum standard, NCC Group tested the source code deposited to ensure it was readable and not corrupted or password protected, and that the code can be used to build the application if needed.

Results

When G2 Solutions, supplier of EuroMACS went into liquidation in December 2004, Spark Response needed to access the software code to ensure business continuity for itself and its clients. As the EuroMACS application had been deposited in Escrow, it was able to arrange for the code to be released by NCC Group and carry on with no interruption of service.

Tony Markham, Spark Response Limited commented: "I was impressed with the straightforward process of obtaining the source code. I called NCC Group and provided proof that our software owner had gone into liquidation and that we were the licensee. My account manager then sent me instructions on how to obtain the source code - the whole process was complete in just a few phone calls."

Jon Leigh, Director of Escrow Solutions, NCC Group concluded: "By putting their business critical applications into Escrow, Spark Response has mitigated the potential business continuity risks which could be caused by their suppliers failing to fulfil their contractual obligations, or going out of business."

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NCC Group is a leading global provider of independent IT assurance, security and consultancy services. As a trusted advisor, we help over 15,000 public, private and not for profit sector organisations, including 92 of the FTSE 100, to make the most efficient use of information and technology and to manage the associated risks.

Quote

"I was impressed with the straightforward process of obtaining the source code. I called NCC Group and provided proof that our software owner had gone into liquidation and that we were the licensee. My account manager then sent me instructions on how to obtain the source code - the whole process was complete in just a few phone calls."

Tony Markham, Spark Response Limited

Challenge

As a major software failure could result in its clients losing customer contact and order information, the EuroMACS application is business-critical for Spark Response

Solution

Spark Response partnered with the world’s largest software escrow provider, NCC Group for a protection solution

Results

By putting their business critical applications into Escrow, Spark Response has mitigated the potential business continuity risks which could be caused by their suppliers failing to fulfil their contractual obligations, or going out of business

PDF Version

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