Microsoft Undertakes Initiatives To Reduce Software Piracy

Aimed at reducing software piracy in India, Microsoft Corporation India has announced a series of education and enforcement initiatives under the aegis of ‘Global Anti-Piracy Awareness Day’, which saw a simultaneous launch of local and international programmes to combat the sophisticated trade of pirated and counterfeit software.

Microsoft India has launched a channel education and awareness initiative in collaboration with various channel associations in the country. The objective of this collaboration is to broaden the understanding of the dangers surrounding software piracy to the re-sellers 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 3,000 channel re-sellers across the country to drive greater understanding for the value of original software.

Microsoft has also launched an e-commerce platform www.buyoriginalms.com to enable customers across 52 Indian cities and towns to buy original Microsoft software including Windows, Office, Xbox, games and gaming accessories as well as server products.

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“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. He further added, “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.”

Globally, the programmes announced by Microsoft include intellectual property awareness campaigns, innovation fairs, engagements with partner businesses and education forums, as well as new legal actions against criminals engaged in this illegal trade.

“Increasingly, highly organised criminal networks are engaging in the global trade of counterfeit software and other goods to finance their illegal activities. It has, therefore, become imperative for the public and private sector to partner closely and mobilise their resources towards ensuring greater appreciation for Intellectual Property and reduction in software piracy,” said Lizum Mishra, director, Business Software Alliance (BSA) India.

Microsoft’s Original Software Initiative is aimed at helping businesses and consumers understand and avoid the risks of using counterfeit software. Tools such as the Windows Validation Assistant and Office Genuine Advantage help to quickly verify whether the copy of Windows or Microsoft Office software on a person’s computer is valid. Should the software end up being counterfeit, consumers are provided with information on what they can do to secure a legitimate copy of the software.