MP association seeks MS support

Moving ahead with the drive to curb piracy in the market, Microsoft recently
sent a legal notice to two channel partners in Indore, who are among the major
software dealers in Madhya Pradesh (MP). The IT association of the state-MP IT
and Telecom Association, (MPIT&TA) refused to divulge the name of the two
dealers but made it clear that they would stand in favor of the dealers and
would provide all possible support to them. Trying to provide the best possible
solution to the case, members of the association held a meeting and decided to
discuss the matter with Microsoft.

“The dealers got a 150 page notice from Microsoft and have also got a summon
from the court. They have also been penalized Rs 20 lakh for selling pirated
software. The association met to discuss the case and have we decided to talk to
MS. Very soon we will hold the meeting with the vendor,” explained Manish Goyal,
President, MPIT&TA. Goyal further said that while earlier MS used to directly
penalize partners now they are sending notices and seeking acknowledgement from
dealers.

If the talks MS with do not end on a mutual agreement, the case would then be
taken to court. The association also clarified that from now onwards they would
take the matter more seriously and would not support customers in buying pirated
software. However, they expressed the desire to have clear terms with Microsoft,
as to what kind of support they could expect from the company.

“If Microsoft wants us to promote original software it is necessary that we
get proper support from them. In our meeting with them, we will make everything
clear so that dealers in Indore are not harassed again,” Goyal said.