Won't this involve handling over the code itself? I am toying with this idea for my startup but the fear of code getting leaked has prevented me from fully embracing it.
Depends on what their code is written. I handed out a lisp binary and an image dump; I update it once every 2 weeks and I send them a single .core file as an attachment.
If you insist on exact version compatibility, I am sure you can dump images from most mainstream dynamic languages or ship intermediate "compiled" object code.
There is also the option of getting them a standlone host and billing them extra for its monthly costs. Failing that, there is always the law.
Most companies just want to improve their business processes and use tools to make them more profitable in their line of work; just think of how much software you use, and see how many of your vendors do you feel like competing with. If anything; quicker money is made from asking the vendor for a reseller license and agree on a partnership and sales commission.
