Piracy no more: Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation India announced a series of education and enforcement
initiatives under the aegis of 'Global Anti-Piracy Awareness Day'.

This would be a simultaneous launch of local and international programs to
combat the trade of pirated and counterfeit software through education
initiatives and enforcement actions in 49 countries on six continents.

It has launched a channel education and awareness initiative in collaboration
with various the channel associations in India. The objective of the
collaboration is to broaden the understanding of the dangers surrounding
software piracy to the resellers to protect the interest of the consumers.

The company is already partnering with Computer Association of Eastern India,
Kolkata (COMPASS) and North East Computer Traders Association, Guwahati (NECTA)
to educate members on the pitfalls and risks of piracy, and spread the value of
original software.

Microsoft is also investing significantly to ensure that end customers can
easily access original Microsoft software and is working closely with organized
retail stores including Croma, Reliance Digital and Vijay Sales.

The company has launched an e-commerce platform, www.buyoriginalms.com, to
enable customers across 52 Indian cities and towns to buy Microsoft software
including Windows, Office, Xbox, games and gaming accessories as well as server
products. On the enforcement front, Microsoft has taken 15 civil enforcement
actions against resellers indulging in hard-disk loading case involving
Microsoft products such as Windows and MS Office.

"Software piracy and counterfeiting is a sophisticated, global trade and
Microsoft is committed to working with industry partners in India and around the
world to stay a step ahead of this criminal industry," said Vipul Sant,
Director-Original Software Initiative, Microsoft India.

Pawan Jajodia, President, COMPASS said, "Not only does the end-consumer
suffer greatly as a result of software piracy, it also severely impacts the
livelihood and credibility of the channel community. It is heartening to see
companies such as Microsoft take this issue seriously and with the help of
resellers, educate end users on how to minimize this menace."

DQC NEWS BUREAU