Microsoft India announced the availability of the Get Genuine Solution (GGS),
a simple and practical solution that will help SMB customers legalize open
license agreements through Microsoft resellers.
According to the BSA-IDC global piracy study, Microsoft witnessed one percent
reduction in the piracy of Windows OS. Sharing his view on piracy, Vipul Sant,
Director-Genuine SoftÂware Initiative, MS India said, “Microsoft will be
protecting the small and medium business partners from the negative impact of
piracy and 'Go Genuine' is a simple and practical solution for the customers who
want to legalize their software. There is a genuine footfall of customers to buy
fully assembled or branded PCs so the channel partners can do a good job of
selling genuine software.”
Following the launch of 'Go Genuine' solution, Microsoft has also partnered
with Trade Association of Information and Technology, India (TAIT) for a 16-city
outreach program titled 4G for the channel partners. The four basic aspects for
this program are-Go Genuine, Go Windows 7, Get Recognized and Get Rewarded.
Partners will be educated on the perils of piracy and benefits of selling
genuine software. The initiative has already begun with a two-day event in
Mumbai in association with TAIT, where the Microsoft provided information on the
value
of original software and will further support partners in selling original
Windows 7.
Discussing more on the program, Sant added, “We have never done such
dedicated outreach programs in the IT hubs. We will be training channel partners
beginning with Lamington Road in Mumbai so when they sell their kits of
components, either to the consumer or other channel, software gets attached to
that kits anyway. Also there is a latent opportunity in these IT hubs, when it
comes to kitting. Our main aim is to enforce this solution among the channels,
engineer and educate them about the piracy.”
Microsoft is determined that this step will help them curb piracy levels in
India. The company plans to hold the next event in Delhi, so that they are
successful in strengthening their relationship with the channel partners and
create an ongoing value to their business.