Buy Windows 8 trial version for Rs 50!

Believe it or not, but it is true. The software pirates have all the habits to hoodwink. Even as the software major Microsoft, on May 31, released downloadable Windows 8 Beta version for a 60-day trial, it is up for sales for Rs 50 in the grey markets of India!

For a complete Windows 8, just hang on. Instead take Windows 7 for Rs 100, said Sachit (name changed) who sells pirated software at the corridors of south Asia's larget IT marketplace in south Delhi. "Since people come and ask for Windows 8, we sell demo versions to them," he informed.

The Windows 8 downloaded onto DVDs with keys, are being sold through unauthorized channels with no guarentee or replacement. Software major, Microsoft, to a CIOL query, however refrained from a direct answer. Instead, it said that in order to curb the use of pirated software, they conduct numerous programs.

Microsoft India director of Genuine Software Initiative Sumeet Khanna said, "We are working on getting attention of policy makers on economic losses arising due to piracy and better enforcement of IP laws in the country."

To be released in two variants- one for desktops and laptops, and the other for smartphone and tablet devices, Windows 8 will orchestrate kernel files directly from the Microsoft cloud servers that may give last laugh (though vulnerable for offline usage) to bootleggers.

The software giant, however, as rumours suggest, is leveraging cloud and taking all possible steps to thwart Windows 8 piracy. In addition, this time around, the software giant is initiating special Windows 8 SKU for the Chinese market.

Windows 8 concurrently with Windows Server 2012 is under accomplishment, while an official launch is expected before the end of this year. The Windows 8 release preview will expire on January 15, 2013.