Microsoft's talk with associations evokes mixed response

Amrita Tejasvi New Delhi, April 20

In a bid to further enhance its drive to bring down piracy in

the market Microsoft has been seeking cooperation of the channel associations

across the country. The global giant has accorded with Jalandhar Computers

Dealers Association (JCDA), Indore-based MP Telecom and Computer Traders

Association (MPTCTA), Bhubaneshwar-based Information Technology Association of

Orissa (ITAO) and Udaipur-based Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

While the company has been promising associations active support

for the channel community, the association members are not exactly ecstatic

about the venture. "Executives of Microsoft held a meeting with us in this

regard and asked us for cooperation to drive the campaign. Our members are ready

to promote original software but we need proper support from the company.

Company executives promised us training programs and sales support but as of

now, we have not got any help. The level of satisfaction at our end has not

touched the optimum scale as we expected more from the company," clarified

Rajiv Khanna, President, JCDA.

When contacted the members of Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and

Industry denied having any knowledge about such dialogues and clarified that no

meeting had taken place with the company. "I do not have any knowledge as

far as talks with Microsoft is concerned. We are nowhere related to IT and are

not involved in checking piracy business," stated Manish Galundia,

Secretary General, Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On the other hand, members of MPTCTA were happy with the support

and backing that they have got from Microsoft. The drive has incurred positive

impact in various regions and partners are optimistic with the level of drive.

Explained Manoj Ajmera, President, MPTCTA, "We are optimistic about the

efforts that Microsoft is putting to curb piracy. We are in regular dialogue

with the company's representatives and inform them about the support that our

members need."

Microsoft has opened a local office in Indore which is educating

and creating awareness about the use of genuine software at customer's end

also.

Similar sentiments were expressed by members of ITAO. They were

very positive with the steps taken by MS and were hoping that genuine software

will soon become popular in the market. "Microsoft had talks with our

association and has given us support and services for its anti-piracy awareness

campaign. The company is doing a good job in driving the campaign and it has

also promised to conduct seminars and awakening programs," elaborated

Rajesh Dora, President, ITAO.

According to Microsoft, their main objective in roping in

associations is to bring awareness among end-customers and to encourage partners

to shell out piracy business and understand the value of original software in

the long run.

Explaining the company's point of view Douglas Hauger, COO,

Microsoft Corporation (India) said, "We are in talks with the four channel

association and they can actually help the customers in differentiating between

pirated and original software and making them understand its value. Efforts at

their end can bring significant impact on the entire ecosystem."

Microsoft also confirmed that since the drive has taken place, there has been

reduction in piracy business by almost two percent in the Indian market and that

the company is confident that the percentage will only increase in the coming

days.