Microsoft initiates to reduce software piracy
By siliconindia   |   Thursday, 23 October 2008, 16:44 IST   |    9 Comments
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New Delhi: Microsoft India announced a series of education and enforcement initiatives under the auspices of Global Anti-Piracy Awareness Day which is aimed at reducing software piracy in India. It is a simultaneous launch of local and international programs to combat the sophisticated trade of pirated software through education initiatives and enforcement actions in 49 countries in six continents. Microsoft India has launched a channel education and awareness initiative in collaboration with various the 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 to drive greater understanding for the Value of Original Software. Microsoft is also investing significantly to ensure that end customers can easily access original microsoft software and is working closely with organized retail stores including Croma, Reliance Digital and Vijay Sales. Additionally, the company has launched an e-commerce platform www.buyoriginalsms.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. Vipul Sant, Director ,Original Software Initiative, Microsoft India said, "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." Pawan Jajodia, President, COMPASS said, "Not only does the end-consumer suffer greatly as a result of software piracy; it also severely impacts the livelihood and credibility of the channel community. It is heartening to see companies such as Microsoft take this issue seriously and with the help of resellers, educate end users on how to minimize this menace. This ensures that customers are better educated and get long term benefits, due to risk free use of computing power."

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