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Stop Software Piracy In India: Microsoft
October 2008 by Frédéric Donnette, Global Security Mag
Microsoft India has announced a series of education and enforcement initiatives under the aegis of ’Global Anti-Piracy Awareness Day’ — a simultaneous launch of local and international programmes to combat the sophisticated trade of pirated and counterfeit software through education initiatives and enforcement actions in 49 countries on six continents.
The company has launched a channel education and awareness initiative in collaboration with various channel associations in India. The objective of this collaboration is to broaden the understanding of the dangers surrounding software piracy to the resellers to protect the interest of the consumers.
The company is already partnering with Computer Association of Eastern India, Kolkata (COMPASS) and North East Computer Traders Association, Guwahati (NECTA) to educate members on the pitfalls and risks of piracy and spread the value of original software. In addition, it has sent education letters to over three thousand channel resellers across the country regarding the same.
Additionally, the company has launched an e-commerce platform www.buyoriginalms.com to enable customers across 52 Indian cities and towns to buy Microsoft software including Windows, Office, Xbox, games and gaming accessories as well as server products.
On the enforcement front, Microsoft has taken 15 civil enforcement actions against resellers indulging in hard-disk loading case involving Microsoft products such as Windows and MS Office. The actions were primarily based out of Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Patna.
"Software piracy and counterfeiting is a sophisticated, global trade and Microsoft is committed to working with industry partners in India and around the world to stay a step ahead of this criminal industry," said Vipul Sant, director, original software initiative, Microsoft India. "Sustained industry efforts have helped reduce software piracy in India by four percentage points in as many years and we are committed to continuing on this path and working closely with the Government, law enforcement agencies and our customer and partner communities to protect legitimate businesses from this illegal trade."
