MS genuine software drive goes online

Taking its genuine software drive a step further, Microsoft has aligned with
a set of channel partners for its e-commerce portal www.buyoriginalms.com. While
the initiative itself in not new, more partners have recently been added to
portal. Also, at a time when people are looking at all avenues to cut costs and
maximize revenues, this portal has provided partners with a viable option.

In a regular sales operation, one needs to employ people to take sales calls
and then ensure the orders are sent to the buyer. But when operating through the
portal, this entire sales process can be done away with. “There is virtually no
cost involved since no resources are required,” shared Chetan Shah of
Mumbai-based Xpress Computers. He added that it was a good initiative for
partners already selling software. “People can get to see the entire product
range of a channel partner 24x7. Through the portal we are also accessible
across India,” added Shah.

RK Singh of Aditi Computers, a channel partner who has been associated with
the portal since its trial phase more than a year back also felt that there were
many benefits of the e-commerce portal. “We have seen a major increase in
customer breadth. Earlier we used to see about 10 requests from end customers a
year, for the retail box. But in 2008-09 we sold to about 75 end customers
across India,” claimed Singh. Apart from the breadth, Singh shared that by
operating through the portal they were also able to expand their geographical
reach. Being Delhi-based, Aditi Computers had a reach that was limited to Delih
and NCR. “The number of sales of licenses was insigni­ficant. Most buyers were
mostly home users, but now we have really seen a boost in sales,” shared Singh.

Another advantage these partners are seeing is higher margins. Singh added
that the margins were also dependent on the product. “If it is a high value
product then the margins are also high,” he said.

For partners, this association with Microsoft will not only give them brand
power but will also give them best prices which they can offer to their
customers.

In a recent education drive, the vendor engaged 500 partners by sending
e-mails to them and then following up with calls. Speaking about the initiative,
Vipul Sant, Director-Genuine Software Initiative, Microsoft said, “We have been
true to our DNA and kept up with the drive. Genuine software is a necessity for
home buyers, rather than a need.”

Microsoft is also aligning itself with channel associations for its
anti-piracy drive. Throwing light on their progress so far, Sant shared that
Microsoft has partnered with 12 associations across the country.

According to BSA, the piracy level in India has gone down by five percent
over a four year period. Judging by the initiatives that Microsoft is taking,
its drive seems to be gaining traction with partners and their customers.